Clarendon Hills Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

Contact Clarendon Hills’s Department of Public Works for Brush Disposal & Municipal Chipping Programs

Clarendon Hills offers comprehensive brush disposal options to support responsible vegetation management and environmental compliance. Residents can utilize seasonal curbside yard waste collection, typically available from April through November, with strict bundling requirements: brush must be cut to 4-foot lengths, bundled under 50 pounds, and tied with biodegradable twine (no plastic). Yard waste drop-off sites are available with posted hours, and resident permits or stickers may be required. Commercial contractors must follow fee structures for bulk loads. Municipal chipping programs are coordinated through the Department of Public Works, with on-site chipping and finished mulch available during peak spring and fall seasons. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants, in compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Street and storm drain disposal is strictly prohibited to protect the Lake Michigan watershed, and immediate cleanup is required to prevent MS4 violations.

Clarendon Hills Department of Public Works
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-4750
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Public Works Department

Clarendon Hills Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in Clarendon Hills is subject to strict municipal and county regulations, with many Chicago suburbs prohibiting or severely restricting open burning due to air quality and fire safety concerns. Where permitted, daily open burning permits must be obtained from the Fire Department, and all activities must comply with setback requirements (typically 50-150 feet from structures), constant supervision, and immediate access to water sources. Burning of leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, or plastics is strictly prohibited. Fire weather restrictions are enforced in coordination with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning is suspended during red flag warnings, high winds, or drought conditions. Residents must also comply with county-level bans (DuPage County) and coordinate defensible space creation for properties near forest preserves or open land.

Clarendon Hills Fire Department
316 Park Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5430
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Fire Department

Understanding Brush Types, Invasive Species & Specialized Disposal in Clarendon Hills’s Heavy Clay Soils

Clarendon Hills’s brush management must address several invasive species common to the Chicago area, including:

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus): Dominant in local understories, requiring special attention
• Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.): Form dense thickets, outcompeting native plants
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora): Creates impenetrable barriers
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Alters soil chemistry with nitrogen-fixing roots

Specialized disposal protocols include bagging berries, preventing seed spread, and mandatory landfill disposal for viable seeds (never composted or chipped). Hazardous vegetation such as poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats require protective measures. Restoration with native species (oak, serviceberry, viburnum) is encouraged to support local ecosystems, in coordination with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Clarendon Hills Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Clarendon Hills requires coordination with the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits are often required for work within 10-25 feet of sensitive habitats, and erosion control measures are mandatory on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to severe erosion. Wildlife protection is critical during the April-August breeding season, with mandatory surveys for nesting birds and inspections for active dens or bat roosts. Selective removal techniques should preserve beneficial habitat features, and immediate site stabilization (silt fencing, mulching) is required to prevent sediment runoff into the Lake Michigan watershed.

Clarendon Hills Environmental Commission
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5400
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Environmental Programs

Professional Safety Standards, Equipment Requirements & Utility Coordination (JULIE 811) for Brush Removal

Professional brush removal in Clarendon Hills must adhere to rigorous safety and certification standards. ISA Certified Arborists are required for complex removals, and all operators must be trained in invasive species identification and safe equipment use (chainsaws, chippers, brush hogs). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory, including chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. Before any excavation or stump removal, JULIE 811 notification is required at least 48-72 hours in advance to locate underground utilities (JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig). Liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding are required for all commercial contractors.

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Clarendon Hills’s Climate Zone 5a-6a

Optimal brush removal timing in Clarendon Hills is influenced by climate, wildlife, and soil conditions. The best window is winter (December-March) when the ground is frozen, minimizing soil compaction and rutting in heavy clay soils. Early spring (March-April) is suitable before bird nesting begins, while late fall (October-November) is ideal after breeding season ends. Work should be avoided during the May-August breeding season to protect wildlife. Weather coordination is essential—operations should be suspended during high winds (over 20-25 mph), saturated soils, or red flag fire warnings, as indicated by the National Weather Service Chicago. Always check for wildlife before starting work.

Post-Removal Site Restoration & Stormwater Management in Compliance with Clarendon Hills’s MS4 Program

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to comply with Clarendon Hills’s MS4 permit obligations under the Clean Water Act and Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management. Erosion control is critical for exposed clay soils—use mulching, erosion control blankets, and silt fencing on slopes. Reestablish native vegetation adapted to local soils and climate (Zone 5a-6a), and amend compacted soils as needed. During construction, stage equipment away from sensitive areas and contain all debris. Long-term management includes monitoring for invasive regrowth (especially buckthorn), maintenance of restored areas, and, if necessary, licensed herbicide application in accordance with Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Clarendon Hills

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant storm debris. Clarendon Hills coordinates emergency brush collection through public announcements, with extended yard waste hours or temporary drop-off sites as needed. Residents must separate organic brush from construction debris and place materials at the curb without blocking streets. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares, with coordination among the Department of Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage sites may be established. Safety protocols include utility coordination for downed power lines and traffic control during cleanup.

Clarendon Hills Police Department
448 Park Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5460
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Clarendon Hills, IL?

Clarendon Hills encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Blackhawk Heights: Mature tree canopy, high buckthorn pressure, narrow streets limit equipment access
• Prospect Park: Proximity to wetlands and forest preserve buffers, requiring permit coordination and erosion control
• Clarendon Hills Estates: Newer development with less invasive pressure, HOA landscaping standards, and easier equipment access
• Stonegate: Dense utility corridors (overhead and underground), requiring strict JULIE coordination
• Walker School Area: High property values, aesthetic restoration expectations, and alley collection logistics
• Park Avenue Corridor: Adjacent to park district lands, increased fire risk during drought, and stormwater management needs
• Downtown District: Limited space for debris staging, traffic control requirements, and frequent public events Each area requires tailored disposal logistics, environmental sensitivity, and compliance with municipal programs.

Clarendon Hills Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Clarendon Hills enforces strict municipal ordinances for brush removal operations. Equipment use is generally permitted from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Commercial contractors must be licensed, carry comprehensive insurance, and comply with all safety and noise regulations. Public safety is paramount—traffic control and emergency vehicle access must be maintained during operations. Enforcement is managed through Code Enforcement, with penalties for violations such as illegal dumping, improper equipment use, or non-compliance with permit requirements. Residents and contractors should consult the Community Development Department for up-to-date regulations.

Clarendon Hills Community Development Department
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5410
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Community Development Department