Lemont Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Lemont’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material is essential for both environmental compliance and community cleanliness in Lemont. The Village of Lemont operates a comprehensive yard waste collection program, typically running from April through November, which accepts dethatched thatch, grass clippings, and leaves. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited—or rigid containers (usually up to 32 gallons) for curbside collection. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional permit or fee requirements. For those preferring to drop off yard waste, Lemont provides a designated site with specific operating hours and resident permit or sticker requirements. Always separate thatch from other yard waste if required by local guidelines. Accepted materials include:

• Thatch (dead grass stems and roots)
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Small branches (bundled per guidelines)

For more information on collection schedules, drop-off site hours, and accepted materials, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Lemont’s Heavy Clay Soils

Lemont’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring (often 12-24 inches from the surface), and feature an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5). Such conditions create anaerobic environments that slow microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, leading to rapid thatch accumulation—especially under Kentucky bluegrass, the dominant turf species in the area. Illinois’ humid summers promote vigorous grass growth, while spring waterlogging and freeze-thaw cycles further stress lawns and slow thatch breakdown. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, problems compound:

• Water ponding after rain due to poor infiltration
• Spongy or matted grass appearance
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded, moist areas
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Poor drought performance

If these indicators are present, dethatching is recommended during early spring (late March-April) or early fall (late August-September), but never when soils are saturated to avoid severe compaction.

Lemont Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching near Lemont’s wetlands, streams, and conservation lands requires careful coordination with the local Environmental Advisory Commission. Properties within 10-25 feet of protected areas—such as those adjacent to Cook County Forest Preserve District or DuPage County Forest Preserve District lands—may need permits and must follow buffer zone regulations. Erosion control is especially critical on heavy clay soils, which are highly prone to runoff and sediment loss when bare. During the spring dethatching window (April-May), residents and contractors should conduct visual surveys for nesting birds, as required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to protect ground-nesting species. Environmental compliance steps include:

• Obtaining necessary permits for work near sensitive areas
• Installing erosion control blankets or temporary seeding if overseeding is delayed
• Avoiding work during wildlife breeding seasons

For guidance on environmental requirements and permit applications, contact:

Lemont Environmental Advisory Commission
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Environmental Advisory Commission

Lemont’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Lemont enforces Illinois’ organic waste management regulations, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits disposal of yard waste—including dethatched material—in household trash. The municipal yard waste program requires use of biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers for collection, with no plastic bags allowed. Residents may also compost dethatched material on-site, provided they follow setback requirements (typically 5-10 feet from property lines) and best practices:

• Mix thatch with brown materials (e.g., leaves) for balanced composting
• Maintain proper moisture and aeration
• Turn piles regularly to promote decomposition

Lemont’s waste reduction initiatives encourage composting and proper separation of yard waste. For more information on composting guidelines, collection schedules, and disposal requirements, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Post-Dethatching Stormwater Management in Compliance with Lemont’s MS4 Program

After dethatching, exposed clay soils in Lemont are highly susceptible to erosion and sediment runoff, which can impact the Lake Michigan watershed. The Village participates in the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program, requiring residents and contractors to implement stormwater best management practices. Key requirements include:

• Immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours to stabilize soil
• Use of erosion control blankets on slopes exceeding 10-15%
• Temporary seeding or mulching if overseeding is delayed
• Protection of storm drains from sediment using barriers or filter socks

Always schedule dethatching when no heavy rain is forecast within 24-48 hours, as recommended by the National Weather Service Chicago, and never work on saturated clay soils to prevent rutting and compaction. For more information on stormwater compliance and erosion control, contact:

Lemont Community Development Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

Additional resources: Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management, Clean Water Act, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lemont, IL?

Lemont’s neighborhoods each present unique thatch management challenges due to variations in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown Lemont: Oldest lawns, compacted Drummer silty clay loam, mature tree canopy, slow thatch decomposition, frequent moss and disease issues.
• Covington Knolls: 1980s-2000s development, moderately compacted clay soils, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass mix, moderate tree cover, some drainage improvements.
• Timberline Estates: Proximity to forest preserves, high water table, poorly drained soils, buffer zone regulations for adjacent wetlands, wildlife protection requirements.
• Kensington Estates: Newer subdivision, minimal tree cover, full sun, rapid grass growth, less thatch initially but compaction from construction.
• Old Lemont Road Corridor: Large lots, variable maintenance, some areas with tall fescue, irrigation systems promoting rapid growth and thatch.
• Parkview Estates: HOA-managed, consistent fertilization, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, regular irrigation, higher thatch accumulation rates.
• Lemont Park District Areas: Public spaces, mixed grass species, heavy use, compaction from foot traffic, regular dethatching and aeration required.

For information on park and public space maintenance, contact:

Lemont Parks and Recreation Department
16028 127th Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-6787
Official Website: Lemont Parks and Recreation Department

Lemont Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Lemont enforces municipal ordinances to ensure safe and respectful landscaping operations. Equipment operation is typically permitted from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays—always verify with the Village. Noise ordinances apply to power dethatchers and other equipment to minimize disturbance. Commercial landscaping services must be registered with the Village, maintain comprehensive insurance (liability and workers’ compensation), and may require bonding for municipal contracts. Key requirements include:

• Adherence to permitted operation hours
• Compliance with noise limits for power equipment
• Proper business registration and licensing
• Insurance and bonding for commercial operators

For details on landscaping ordinances and business requirements, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

For further guidance on turf management, soil improvement, and fertilization best practices, consult University of Illinois Extension.