Lombard Plant Removal Services

Our Plant Removal Process

Contact Lombard's Department of Public Works for Plant Material Disposal & Organic Waste Management

Lombard residents must follow strict guidelines for plant material disposal to protect public health and the environment. Yard waste is collected seasonally and must be placed in biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Woody material should be bundled in lengths no longer than 4 feet and weigh no more than 50 pounds per bundle. Composting facilities require permits and may charge fees; check operating hours before delivery. Specialized disposal is required for different categories:

• Invasive species: bagged in heavy-duty plastic and sent to landfill (never composted)
• Diseased plants: quarantined and disposed of under controlled conditions
• Hazardous plants: handled with special protocols
• Healthy native plants: accepted for municipal composting
• Large woody material: coordinated with chipping services

All materials must be staged on private property until collection, with immediate cleanup to prevent the spread of seeds or pathogens and to protect storm drains. Coordination with municipal beautification and environmental programs is encouraged. For more information, contact:

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

Professional Plant Assessment, Species Identification & Removal Prioritization in Lombard's Glacial Drift Soils

Professional botanical assessment is essential for responsible plant removal in Lombard's glacial drift soils. Certified experts use taxonomic keys and scientific nomenclature to accurately identify species, referencing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources prohibited plant lists. Site evaluations include soil condition analysis, root system assessment, and ecological value determination. Removal prioritization follows these categories:

• Immediate: invasive species, diseased plants, safety hazards
• High: declining ornamentals, overcrowded plantings
• Moderate: healthy plants needing relocation

Documentation includes photographic records before and after removal, species verification, and site condition assessments. For complex cases, coordination with University of Illinois Extension diagnostic services and landscape architects is recommended.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Plant Removal & Water Quality Protection

Plant removal in Lombard must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency water quality protection standards. Coordination with watershed protection programs and adherence to Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements are mandatory. Removal operations must prevent sediment and debris from entering rivers and streams, with erosion control measures such as silt fences and straw wattles. Comprehensive environmental assessments evaluate impacts on soil stability and water quality, especially near riparian buffers. Restoration planning must include native species replacement and habitat enhancement, aligning with Lombard's biodiversity and environmental protection goals.

Invasive Species Management & Specialized Disposal Requirements Under Illinois Regulations

Lombard faces significant challenges from invasive species such as:

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica/frangula)
• Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
• Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Removal protocols include timing to prevent seed dispersal, mechanical extraction tailored to root type, and selective herbicide use under Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations. Equipment must be sanitized between sites. Invasive species must be bagged and sent to landfill, never composted, with strict transportation protocols. Follow-up monitoring is required at 6-month and annual intervals, with documentation and coordination with municipal invasive species tracking programs.

Professional Certification, Safety Standards & Hazardous Plant Protocols

Plant removal professionals in Lombard must hold Illinois or ISA Certified Arborist credentials, with specialized training in invasive species management and pesticide application. Safety protocols require personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (Level A4+), steel-toed boots, and long clothing for poison ivy protection. Hazardous plants like poison ivy, giant hogweed, and wild parsnip require barrier creams, full-body protection, and post-exposure washing. Liability insurance (minimum $1M), environmental impairment coverage, and workers' compensation are mandatory. For health and safety guidance, contact:

Lombard Health Department
111 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 682-7400
Official Website: DuPage County Health Department

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Lombard's Climate Zone 5b

Lombard's USDA Hardiness Zone 5b climate requires careful timing for plant removal. The optimal window for most invasive species is fall and winter (October-March), when energy reserves are low. Early spring (March-April) is best before wildlife nesting, while late spring/early summer (May-June) targets certain species during active growth. Summer (July-August) is restricted to protect wildlife and avoid plant stress. Weather coordination uses National Weather Service Chicago data for soil moisture, temperature (60-85°F for herbicide), and wind speed (under 15 mph). Mandatory wildlife surveys are required during breeding season, with documentation of any encounters and work modifications as needed.

Post-Removal Site Restoration, Soil Amendment & Native Species Establishment

Restoration after plant removal involves soil testing through University of Illinois Extension for pH, nutrients, and organic matter. Amendments such as 1-3 inches of compost are incorporated into the top 6-8 inches of soil, with lime added as needed. Immediate stabilization uses annual ryegrass or winter rye seeded within 24-48 hours, followed by permanent native species suited to prairies, woodlands, or riparian zones. Mulching and erosion control blankets are used on slopes. Long-term plans focus on native plant community reestablishment, habitat enhancement, and integration with Lombard's green infrastructure. Monitoring includes establishment care for 1-2 growing seasons and invasive species checks.

Stormwater Management & Erosion Control During Plant Removal Operations in Compliance with Lombard's MS4 Program

Lombard's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requires immediate erosion control for exposed soil over 1,000 square feet. Storm drains must be protected from debris and soil migration using perimeter controls and inlet protection. Equipment is staged away from water bodies, and daily cleanup is performed with mechanical sweeping. Temporary barriers such as silt fences and straw wattles are installed. Long-term benefits include improved infiltration and water quality from native plantings. Compliance monitoring involves weekly inspections for the first month, then monthly, with photographic documentation and prompt repairs as needed. For regional support, contact:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 353-2000
Official Website: EPA Region 5

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection for Safe Plant Removal Operations

Before any excavation or root removal, JULIE (811) notification is mandatory at least 48 hours in advance. Utility locations must be marked and documented, with hand-digging required within 18 inches of markings. Safety protocols include maintaining a 10-foot minimum distance from overhead power lines and coordinating with utility companies for clearance. Specialized techniques such as selective root pruning and root barriers protect infrastructure. Final inspection and approval are coordinated with the building department. For permits and inspections, contact:

Lombard Building Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5750
Official Website: Lombard Building Division

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lombard, IL?

Lombard's neighborhoods each present unique plant removal challenges:

• Downtown Lombard: Mature landscapes, high utility density, historic district standards, and opportunities for pollinator gardens
• Butterfield East: Mix of native and ornamental species, proximity to wetlands, HOA landscape requirements, and green corridor integration
• Hammerschmidt: Dense residential plantings, moderate invasive species pressure, narrow streets, and restoration for wildlife habitat
• Manor Hill: Established tree canopy, conservation easements, water quality protection zones, and native woodland restoration
• Glenbard East: School and park adjacency, high community use, infrastructure complexity, and pollinator-friendly plantings
• Yorktown: Commercial-residential mix, utility access challenges, aesthetic standards, and opportunities for green infrastructure
• Lilacia Park Area: Rare species habitat, mature plantings, public event coordination, and native prairie restoration

Each area requires tailored approaches for plant community assessment, environmental sensitivity, infrastructure protection, and restoration planning. For planning and zoning guidance, contact:

Lombard Planning Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5749
Official Website: Lombard Planning Services

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

Lombard regulates plant removal equipment operation with permitted hours (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM weekends) and noise restrictions. Commercial operators must hold a business license, contractor registration, general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and bonding where required. Pesticide applicators need state licensing. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment use, pedestrian safety, and right-of-way permits. Environmental compliance mandates proper material handling, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to Illinois EPA regulations. For regulatory information, contact:

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

By following these comprehensive guidelines, Lombard residents and professionals can ensure plant removal activities support environmental protection, public safety, and the long-term health of the community's native ecosystems.