Lemont Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

Contact Lemont's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Leaf Collection & Curbside Pickup Schedules

Lemont’s Department of Public Works (DPW) coordinates a comprehensive leaf collection program each fall, typically running from mid-October through the first week of December. Collection days are scheduled by neighborhood, with most areas receiving weekly curbside pickup during peak season. Residents should place leaves in biodegradable paper yard waste bags or in loose piles at the curb, depending on the current collection phase and local policy. All materials must be set out by 7:00 AM on the scheduled day and kept at least three feet from storm drains, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. The DPW also operates a Transfer Station for bulk leaf drop-off, which requires a resident permit and is open Monday through Saturday during the collection season. For brush and small branch disposal, Lemont offers periodic collection, but materials must be bundled according to guidelines. Vacuum truck collection is available in select neighborhoods. For the most current schedule, guidelines, and permit information, contact:

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

Understanding Leaf Accumulation Impact on Lemont's Heavy Clay Prairie Soils & Lawn Health

Lemont’s landscape is shaped by heavy clay prairie soils, loess deposits, and areas of urban fill, all of which influence how leaves decompose and affect lawn health. Clay soils, which dominate much of Lemont, drain poorly and quickly become anaerobic when covered by leaves, leading to turf suffocation and fungal disease within 2-3 weeks of heavy leaf accumulation. In compacted urban soils, damage can occur even faster due to limited air exchange. Conversely, naturalized garden beds, conservation buffer zones, and wooded areas benefit from leaf retention, supporting soil health and wildlife. Mulch-mowing is effective only when leaf coverage is light and soils are well-drained; otherwise, removal is necessary to prevent blocked sunlight and turf decline. For detailed soil information, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey.

Lemont Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is essential near Lemont’s rivers, streams, wetlands, and conservation areas to protect sensitive habitats and comply with state regulations. Buffer zones must be maintained along water bodies, and leaves should not be deposited within these areas to prevent nutrient runoff and habitat disruption. In conservation zones, natural leaf retention is encouraged for wildlife and soil health, while maintained lawns require regular removal. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ensures compliance with protected area guidelines. Residents are encouraged to consult with local environmental services for site-specific recommendations:

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

For broader regulatory information, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Keep Leaves Out of Streets & Storm Drains: Lemont's NPDES Stormwater Compliance Requirements

Lemont participates in the Illinois EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which mandates strict controls on organic debris entering storm drains. Leaves left in streets or gutters can clog stormwater systems and contribute to nutrient loading in local receiving waters, such as the Des Plaines River and nearby streams. This can lead to oxygen depletion, algae blooms, and water quality degradation. Residents must ensure leaves are kept off pavement and disposed of properly to comply with EPA NPDES and Clean Water Act requirements. For questions about stormwater compliance, contact:

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

Lemont's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Fall Leaves

Illinois law prohibits the disposal of yard waste, including leaves, in landfills. Lemont enforces this through its municipal collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags or participate in loose leaf collection where available. The DPW educates residents on proper disposal methods and offers alternatives such as composting and drop-off at the Transfer Station. Setback requirements from property lines and storm drains are enforced to prevent runoff and ensure compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. For additional guidance on composting and organic waste management, consult the University of Illinois Extension.

Optimal Leaf Removal Timing for Lemont's Tree Species & Illinois Fall Weather Patterns

Lemont’s tree canopy features a mix of sugar maples, Norway maples, oaks (red, white, bur), ash, honey locust, and elms, each with distinct leaf drop patterns. Early October sees maples and ash begin to shed, followed by oaks, hickories, and elms through November, and bur oaks and beech into December. Optimal removal timing aligns with these drop events and local weather, as tracked by the National Weather Service Chicago. Multiple collection passes are recommended to address sequential drops and avoid issues from early snow or freeze-thaw cycles, which can mat leaves and complicate removal. Residents should monitor municipal schedules and weather forecasts to plan effective leaf management.

Post-Leaf Removal Lawn Recovery & Winter Preparation in Lemont's Climate Zone

After leaf removal, lawns should be assessed for thin or damaged areas, especially in heavy clay soils prone to compaction. Late-season fertilization, applied according to University of Illinois Extension recommendations, supports root health before winter dormancy. Overseeding may be possible if completed early enough in the fall. The final mowing should leave grass at 2.5-3 inches to protect crowns during winter. All debris should be cleared to prevent disease, and drainage improvements may be necessary in poorly drained areas. Planning for spring recovery includes early raking and gradual fertilization as lawns emerge from dormancy. For more information, contact:

Lemont Building Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1581
Official Website: Lemont Building Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lemont, IL?

Lemont’s neighborhoods each present unique leaf management challenges:

• Historic Downtown: Dense mature canopy of oaks and maples, narrow streets, and older clay soils with poor drainage require frequent collection and careful curb placement.
• Covington Knolls: Newer development with moderate tree cover, improved drainage, and larger lots allow for easier curbside collection and more effective mulch-mowing.
• Timberline Estates: High density of mature oaks and hickories, sloped lots, and proximity to conservation areas necessitate strict NPDES compliance and buffer management.
• River Valley: Floodplain soils, frequent leaf accumulation from riverbank trees, and environmental sensitivity require careful scheduling and stormwater protection.
• Ashbury Woods: Mixed species, moderate canopy, and urban fill soils with compaction issues; alley access complicates collection logistics.
• Lemont Hills: Exposed to prairie winds, rapid leaf movement, and variable topography; collection must account for wind-driven accumulation and slope.
• Kensington Estates: Park adjacency, high volume of leaves from public and private trees, and need for coordination with park district maintenance.

Lemont Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

Lemont regulates the operation of leaf blowers and related equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may typically be used from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, with restrictions on Sundays and holidays. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels, and commercial operators may require special licensing. Seasonal restrictions may apply during peak collection periods. For full ordinance details and compliance 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 additional public health guidance, residents may also consult:

Cook County Department of Public Health
7556 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: (708) 836-8600
Official Website: Cook County Department of Public Health

By following Lemont’s municipal guidelines and state regulations, residents can help protect local water quality, support ecological health, and maintain vibrant lawns throughout the fall and winter seasons.