Des Plaines Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Des Plaines offers comprehensive brush disposal options to support responsible yard waste management and environmental compliance. Residents can utilize seasonal curbside collection (April–November), following strict guidelines: brush must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, each bundle under 50 pounds, and tied with biodegradable twine—plastic is strictly prohibited. Yard waste drop-off sites require a resident permit or sticker, with posted hours and specific procedures for commercial contractors bringing 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 programs comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits brush in household trash and mandates biodegradable bags or rigid containers. Never place brush in the street or near storm drains to protect the Lake Michigan watershed and avoid penalties for illegal dumping.

Des Plaines Department of Public Works
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5464
Official Website: Public Works and Engineering Department

Des Plaines Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush is highly regulated in Des Plaines and throughout Cook County, with most Chicago suburbs prohibiting or strictly limiting this practice. Where burning is permitted, residents must obtain a daily permit from the Fire Department, adhere to setback requirements (typically 50–150 feet from structures), and ensure constant supervision with a water source on hand. Burning is never allowed for leaves, construction debris, or treated materials. Fire weather restrictions are enforced in coordination with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning is suspended during red flag warnings, droughts, or county-wide bans. Creating defensible space around structures and maintaining emergency vehicle access are essential for fire safety, especially near forest preserves or rural edges. Always verify current regulations before planning any open burning.

Des Plaines Fire Department
405 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5340
Official Website: Fire Department

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

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

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus): Dominant understory invasive, requiring removal before fruit set (June–September)
• Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.): Dense thickets, bag berries to prevent spread
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora): Thorny, impenetrable barriers
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Alters soil chemistry, nitrogen-fixing Specialized disposal is required: invasive brush with viable seeds must be landfilled, 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 (oak, serviceberry, viburnum) supports ecological recovery and aligns with local conservation goals.

Des Plaines Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Des Plaines is subject to oversight by the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits are often required for work within 10–25 feet of sensitive habitats, and erosion control is critical on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to runoff. Wildlife protection mandates surveys for nesting birds (April–August) 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 soil loss. Coordination with state and federal agencies ensures compliance with environmental regulations and supports long-term ecosystem health.

Des Plaines Environmental Commission
1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5300
Official Website: Boards and Commissions

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

Professional brush removal in Des Plaines 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 PPE use (chaps, gloves, eye and hearing protection, 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, and minimum approach distances to overhead lines must be observed. Contractors must carry comprehensive liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding for municipal work. Proof of JULIE compliance is mandatory for all projects.

• JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig
• Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations

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

Optimal brush removal timing in Des Plaines is shaped 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) follows breeding season and precedes ground freeze. Avoid major removal from May–August to protect nesting birds and comply with wildlife regulations. Monitor weather forecasts via National Weather Service Chicago to avoid high winds, saturated soils, or red flag fire warnings. Always adjust work schedules to protect both ecological and worker safety.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is essential to protect the Lake Michigan watershed and comply with Des Plaines’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. Erosion control measures (mulching, silt fencing, erosion blankets) are critical for exposed clay soils, especially on slopes. 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 to prevent stormwater contamination. Long-term management involves monitoring for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, honeysuckle), maintenance of restored areas, and, if necessary, licensed herbicide application in accordance with Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Des Plaines

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant storm debris, requiring coordinated emergency response. Des Plaines issues collection announcements and may extend yard waste hours or open temporary drop-off sites. Residents must separate organic brush from other debris and place it at the curb without blocking streets or sidewalks. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes, with coordination among Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage sites may be activated. Safety protocols include utility coordination (ComEd for power lines), traffic control, and worker protection from hazardous conditions.

Des Plaines Police Department
1418 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5400
Official Website: Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Des Plaines, IL?

Des Plaines encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Cumberland: Mature trees, heavy buckthorn understory, narrow streets limit equipment access
• Craig Manor: Proximity to forest preserves, high invasive pressure, sensitive wetland buffers
• Oakton: Older infrastructure, overhead utilities, established brush density
• Lake Opeka Area: HOA requirements, manicured landscapes, stormwater management focus
• North Central: Newer developments, less invasive pressure, easier equipment access
• South River Road: Floodplain considerations, clay soils, drainage challenges
• Golf-Miner District: Mixed commercial/residential, traffic control needs, alley collection logistics Each area requires tailored approaches for vegetation type, environmental sensitivity, utility density, soil conditions, and disposal logistics, with close coordination with municipal programs and neighborhood associations.

Des Plaines Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Des Plaines enforces strict ordinances for brush removal equipment operation and commercial service standards. Equipment may typically operate from 7 AM–9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM–9 PM on Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions varying—always verify current local rules. Commercial contractors must be licensed, carry comprehensive insurance, and comply with public safety requirements, including traffic control and emergency vehicle access. Code Enforcement oversees compliance, with penalties for violations such as noise, improper disposal, or unlicensed operation. Residents and contractors should consult the Community Development Department for up-to-date regulations and permit requirements.

Des Plaines Community Development Department
1420 Miner Street, 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Community and Economic Development Department