Lombard Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Lombard offers comprehensive brush disposal programs to support responsible vegetation management and environmental compliance. Residents can utilize seasonal curbside yard waste collection, typically available 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 services are coordinated through the Department of Public Works and, where available, the Park District, with finished mulch often provided to residents. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants, in compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Strictly avoid placing brush in streets or storm drains to protect the Lake Michigan watershed and prevent MS4 violations. For more information:

Lombard Department of Public Works
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Public Works Department

Lombard Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush is highly regulated in Lombard and throughout DuPage County, with many Chicago suburbs prohibiting or strictly limiting this practice. Where permitted, residents must obtain daily open burning permits from the Fire Department, adhere to seasonal restrictions, and follow safety protocols including minimum setback distances from structures (typically 50-150 feet), constant supervision, and immediate access to water sources. Burning of leaves, construction debris, or treated wood is prohibited. Fire weather conditions are monitored in coordination with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning is suspended during red flag warnings or county-wide bans. Always check current regulations before planning any open burning. For permit information:

Lombard Fire Department
50 E. St. Charles Rd., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5736
Official Website: Lombard Fire Department

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

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

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus): Dominant understory invasive
• Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.): Dense thickets
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora): Thorny barriers
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Alters soil chemistry

Specialized disposal is required: invasive brush with viable seeds must be bagged and sent to landfill, never composted or chipped for mulch. Equipment must be sanitized between sites to prevent disease spread. Hazardous vegetation such as poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats require protective measures. Restoration with native species (serviceberry, viburnum, prairie grasses) is encouraged, supporting local ecosystems and complying with conservation goals.

Lombard Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Lombard requires coordination with the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits may be needed for work within 10-25 feet of sensitive habitats. Wildlife protection is critical, with mandatory surveys for nesting birds (April-August) and inspections for active dens or bat roosts. Selective removal techniques help preserve beneficial habitat features, and erosion control is essential on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to severe erosion when vegetation is removed. Immediate site stabilization and mulching of bare areas are required to prevent sediment runoff and protect water quality. For guidance:

Lombard Environmental Commission
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Environmental Programs

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

Professional brush removal in Lombard requires adherence to strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, with all operators trained in equipment safety (chainsaws, chippers, brush hogs) and compliance with ANSI Z133.1 standards. 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 must be notified at least 48-72 hours in advance to locate underground utilities. Liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding are required for commercial contractors. For utility coordination:

JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators)
Call 811 or visit JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig

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

Optimal brush removal timing in Lombard’s Zone 5a-6a climate is during winter (December-March) when the ground is frozen, minimizing soil compaction and wildlife disturbance. Early spring (March-April) is also suitable before nesting season, while late fall (October-November) follows breeding season completion. Avoid major removal from May-August to protect nesting birds and resident wildlife. Monitor weather forecasts from the National Weather Service Chicago to avoid work during high winds, saturated soils, or red flag fire warnings. Heavy clay soils are especially vulnerable to rutting when wet, so schedule work during dry or frozen conditions for best results.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is essential to comply with Lombard’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and protect the Lake Michigan watershed. Erosion control measures, such as mulching and silt fencing, are required for exposed clay soils. Reestablish native vegetation using Illinois-adapted species to stabilize soil and support local ecosystems. Construction phase protection includes proper equipment staging, daily cleanup, and containment of debris. Long-term management involves monitoring for invasive regrowth (especially buckthorn), maintaining restored areas, and applying herbicides only by licensed applicators per Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations. For water quality guidance:

Lombard Community Development and Building Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5749
Official Website: Lombard Community Development and Building Department

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Lombard

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant storm debris. Lombard coordinates emergency brush collection through public communications, with instructions for separating organic brush from other debris and placing it at the curb without blocking streets. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares. Coordination with FEMA may be required for federal disaster declarations, including documentation and temporary debris storage. Safety protocols include traffic control, utility clearance (ComEd), and worker protection from hazardous conditions. For emergency response:

Lombard Police Department
235 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 873-4400
Official Website: Lombard Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lombard, IL?

Lombard’s neighborhoods present diverse brush management challenges:

• Historic Downtown: Mature trees, dense buckthorn understory, narrow streets, overhead utilities
• Butterfield East/West: Newer developments, less invasive pressure, HOA landscaping standards
• Hammerschmidt Area: Established neighborhoods, heavy clay soils, moderate invasive density
• Glenbard East Vicinity: Proximity to DuPage County Forest Preserve, wetland buffer zones, wildlife habitat
• Manor Hill: High property values, aesthetic restoration expectations, alley access for disposal
• Yorktown Area: Commercial corridors, utility density, traffic control needs
• Lilacia Park District: Park District coordination, public access, native restoration focus Each area requires tailored approaches for vegetation type, environmental sensitivity, equipment access, and disposal logistics, ensuring compliance with municipal and environmental standards.

Lombard Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Lombard enforces municipal ordinances governing brush removal equipment operation and commercial service standards. Equipment operation is typically allowed 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 public safety requirements such as traffic control and emergency access. Enforcement is managed through Code Enforcement, with penalties for violations. Residents and contractors should verify current regulations and obtain necessary permits before beginning work. For ordinance information:

Lombard Code Enforcement
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5757
Official Website: Lombard Code Enforcement