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 operates a comprehensive yard waste collection program, typically running from April through November, which includes curbside pickup and a designated drop-off site for residents. Accepted materials include thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but all must be separated according to municipal guidelines. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags or rigid containers (usually up to 32 gallons) are permitted—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional permit or fee requirements. Residents should check the seasonal collection schedule and ensure that materials are placed at the curb on designated days. For more information on accepted materials, drop-off site hours, and permit requirements, 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 heavy clay soils, such as Drummer silty clay loam, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring and an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5), which slows the decomposition of organic matter. The result is a tendency for thatch—a dense layer of undecomposed stems and roots—to accumulate more rapidly than in well-drained soils. Anaerobic conditions in compacted clay limit microbial activity, further impeding thatch breakdown. Illinois’ humid summers promote vigorous Kentucky bluegrass growth, while spring waterlogging and freeze-thaw cycles exacerbate compaction and slow decomposition. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, lawns in Lemont may experience:

• Water ponding after rain due to poor infiltration
• Spongy or matted grass appearance
• Thinning turf despite regular fertilization
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Moss growth in shaded, moist areas
• Poor drought performance These indicators signal the need for dethatching, ideally timed for early spring (late March-April) or early fall (late August-September), when soil is moist but not saturated to avoid rutting and compaction.

Lemont Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching activities near Lemont’s wetlands, streams, and conservation lands are subject to oversight by the 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, may require permits and adherence to buffer zone regulations. Erosion control is especially critical on heavy clay soils, which are highly susceptible to runoff when bare. During the spring dethatching window (April-May), residents and contractors must also be mindful of wildlife breeding seasons—visual surveys for nesting birds are recommended before work begins, in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources guidelines. For questions about permits, seasonal restrictions, or environmental compliance procedures, 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 state and local regulations for organic waste management, in line with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Yard waste, including dethatched material, is prohibited from household trash and must be disposed of through municipal programs. The village’s curbside collection requires use of biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers—plastic bags are not accepted. Residents may also utilize the yard waste drop-off site, following posted hours and permit requirements. On-site composting is encouraged, provided that compost piles are set back 5-10 feet from property lines and thatch is mixed with brown materials (like leaves) to ensure proper aeration and moisture. These practices support Lemont’s waste reduction and sustainability goals. For composting guidelines and program details, contact: Lemont Community Development Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

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

Dethatching exposes soil, increasing the risk of erosion and sediment runoff into Lemont’s stormwater system, which ultimately drains to the Lake Michigan watershed. The village operates under an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit, requiring strict erosion control and immediate stabilization of disturbed areas. Best practices for heavy clay soils include:

• Immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours using improved Kentucky bluegrass or turf-type tall fescue
• Application of starter fertilizer and consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks
• Use of erosion control blankets on slopes exceeding 10-15%
• Temporary seeding or mulching if overseeding is delayed
• Sediment barriers to protect storm drains Scheduling dethatching should avoid periods of heavy rain (check National Weather Service Chicago forecasts) and never occur when soils are saturated, as rutting and compaction are severe risks in clay. For more on stormwater compliance, see Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management and Clean Water Act.

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: Oldest lawns, compacted Drummer silty clay loam, mature tree canopy, slow thatch decomposition, frequent water ponding
• Post-WWII Suburbs (e.g., Keepataw, Covington Knolls): 50-70 year old lawns, poorly drained clay, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, moderate tree cover, high compaction
• 1980s-2000s Developments (e.g., Abbey Oaks, Briarcliffe): Moderately established lawns, variable soil from construction, some tall fescue, newer trees, HOA-managed common areas
• New Subdivisions (e.g., Glens of Connemara): Minimal thatch but severe compaction from recent construction, full sun, rapid turf growth
• Properties Near Forest Preserves (adjacent to Cook or DuPage County Forest Preserves): Wetland buffer zones, seasonal flooding, environmental oversight, fine fescue in shaded areas
• Irrigated Estates: Professionally irrigated, consistent moisture, rapid thatch accumulation, high maintenance intensity
• Minimal Maintenance Areas: Less frequent mowing/fertilization, slower thatch buildup but more compaction and moss Each area requires tailored dethatching and soil management strategies, with special attention to drainage, tree canopy, and proximity to protected lands.

Lemont Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Lemont regulates landscaping operations to minimize noise, ensure safety, and protect public health. Power dethatchers and similar equipment may only be operated during permitted hours—typically 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Noise ordinances apply to all motorized equipment, and commercial service providers must be properly licensed and registered with the Village. Insurance requirements include liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and bonding may be required for municipal contracts. Residents and contractors should consult the municipal code for up-to-date regulations and contact: Lemont Code Enforcement
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Code Enforcement for details on business registration, equipment use, and compliance with local ordinances.

For additional educational resources on lawn care, dethatching, and soil management in Illinois, visit University of Illinois Extension, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, and the USDA Web Soil Survey.