Lombard Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Lombard’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Lombard residents benefit from a comprehensive municipal yard waste collection program, typically operating from April through November. Accepted materials include dethatched grass, leaves, and small branches, which must be separated and placed in biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are not permitted. Rigid containers (up to 32 gallons) may also be used if properly labeled. For larger quantities or commercial contractors, the Village provides a yard waste drop-off site with specific operating hours, permit or sticker requirements, and fee structures. Residents should consult the seasonal collection schedule to ensure timely curbside pickup and avoid accumulation of yard waste, which can impede stormwater flow and attract pests. For detailed information on accepted materials, collection days, and drop-off site procedures, contact: Lombard Department of Public Works
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Public Works Department

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Lombard’s Heavy Clay Soils

Lombard’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soil series, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring (often 12-24 inches from the surface), and exhibit an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5). Such conditions create anaerobic environments that slow microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, leading to rapid thatch accumulation—especially under Kentucky bluegrass, the dominant turf species in the area. Illinois’ humid summers promote aggressive grass growth, while spring waterlogging and freeze-thaw cycles further hinder thatch breakdown. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, problems compound: poor drainage, restricted air movement to roots, increased fungal disease risk, and drought stress. Key indicators that dethatching is needed include:

• Matted, spongy grass surface
• Water ponding after light rain
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded areas
• Increased disease presence (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Poor lawn performance during drought

Lombard Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching near Lombard’s wetlands, streams, or conservation lands—such as those adjacent to DuPage County Forest Preserve District or Cook County Forest Preserve District—requires careful coordination with the local Environmental Commission. Work within 10-25 feet of wetland buffer zones may necessitate permits and adherence to erosion control measures, especially given the severe erosion risk posed by exposed clay soils. Seasonal restrictions may apply to protect wildlife, particularly during the April-May nesting period for ground-nesting birds; visual surveys are recommended before starting work. Residents and contractors must follow environmental compliance procedures, including immediate stabilization of disturbed areas and sediment protection for nearby water bodies. For guidance on permits, buffer zone requirements, and best practices, contact: Lombard Environmental Commission
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Environmental Programs

Lombard’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), organic waste—including dethatched material—cannot be disposed of in household trash. Lombard’s municipal program supports waste reduction goals by offering curbside yard waste collection and a drop-off site, with strict requirements for biodegradable paper bags and proper material separation. On-site composting is permitted, provided bins are set back 5-10 feet from property lines and thatch is mixed with brown materials (like leaves) to ensure proper aeration and moisture. Residents are encouraged to follow best practices:

• Use only biodegradable paper bags or labeled rigid containers
• Separate dethatched material from other yard waste if required
• Maintain compost piles with adequate brown material and aeration
• Consult the Lombard Public Works Department for collection schedules and guidelines Educational resources and composting workshops may be available through: Lombard Park District
  227 W. Parkside Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
  Phone: (630) 627-1281
  Official Website: Lombard Park District

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

Lombard participates in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program to protect the Lake Michigan watershed, in accordance with the Clean Water Act and Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management requirements. After dethatching, exposed clay soils are highly susceptible to erosion and sediment runoff, which can impair local waterways. Best practices include:

• Immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours to stabilize soil
• Use of erosion control blankets on slopes exceeding 10-15%
• Temporary mulching if overseeding is delayed
• Sediment barriers to protect storm drains
• Avoiding dethatching when heavy rain is forecast within 24-48 hours (National Weather Service Chicago)
• Never dethatch on saturated clay soils to prevent rutting and compaction For further information on stormwater compliance and erosion control, contact: 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

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lombard, IL?

Lombard’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
• Butterfield East/West: 1960s-70s subdivisions, poorly drained clay soils, moderate tree cover, Kentucky bluegrass dominant, high maintenance intensity
• Arboretum Area: Proximity to DuPage County Forest Preserve District, higher water table, environmental oversight, buffer zone requirements
• Highland Lakes: Newer developments, less established turf, construction compaction, minimal tree cover, rapid grass growth, less thatch but more compaction
• Manor Hill: Post-WWII era, dense tree canopy, fine fescue in shade, moss and disease issues, slow thatch breakdown
• Yorktown Area: Commercial/residential mix, heavy traffic, compacted soils, variable irrigation, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass mix
• Park Avenue Corridor: Parkway strips, street tree impact, variable drainage, HOA-managed common areas Each area’s dethatching needs are influenced by:
• Soil drainage and compaction
• Grass species composition
• Tree canopy density
• Maintenance history and irrigation
• Proximity to wetlands or conservation lands

Lombard Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Lombard enforces municipal ordinances to ensure safe and respectful landscaping operations. Power dethatchers and similar equipment may be operated between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays; Sunday restrictions may apply, so residents should verify with the Village. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels for outdoor equipment, and commercial service providers must be properly licensed and registered with the Village, carrying comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bonding may be required for municipal contracts. For up-to-date regulations, business registration, and compliance requirements, contact: Lombard Code Enforcement
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5757
Official Website: Lombard Code Enforcement

For additional technical guidance on dethatching, soil management, and turf health, consult: University of Illinois Extension
801 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: (217) 333-5900
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

For environmental compliance and watershed protection: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 North Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: (217) 782-3397
Official Website: Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management

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

By following these guidelines and utilizing Lombard’s municipal resources, residents can effectively manage thatch in challenging heavy clay soils, protect local water quality, and maintain healthy, resilient lawns in compliance with Illinois environmental standards.