Des Plaines Plant Removal Services

Our Plant Removal Process

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

Proper plant material disposal in Des Plaines is governed by strict municipal protocols to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) for seasonal yard waste collection, and woody materials must be bundled in lengths not exceeding 4 feet and 50 pounds. Composting facilities require permits and may charge fees; operating hours and accepted materials are published by the city. Specialized disposal is required for invasive species (bagged and landfilled, never composted), diseased plants (quarantined and controlled disposal), hazardous plants (special handling), and healthy native plants (municipal composting). Large woody debris may require coordination with chipping services. All materials must be staged on private property, never in streets or storm drains, and immediate cleanup is required to prevent the spread of invasive seeds or pathogens. Coordination with city beautification and environmental programs is encouraged for integrated waste management.

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

Professional Plant Assessment, Species Identification & Removal Prioritization in Des Plaines's Chicago Lake Plain

Professional botanical assessment is essential for responsible plant removal in Des Plaines, which is situated on the Chicago Lake Plain with glacial drift soils. Certified experts use taxonomic keys and scientific nomenclature for accurate species identification, referencing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources prohibited plant lists and consulting University of Illinois Extension for complex cases. Comprehensive site evaluations include soil condition analysis, root system assessment, and ecological value determination. Removal prioritization follows a tiered approach:

• Immediate: invasive species, diseased plants, safety hazards
• High: declining ornamentals, overcrowded plantings
• Moderate: healthy plants needing relocation Documentation includes photographic records, species verification, and site condition reports, with coordination for restoration planning.

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

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

Plant removal in Des Plaines must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards, including coordination with watershed protection and TMDL programs. Operations must protect local rivers, streams, and wetlands from sediment and debris, with erosion control measures such as silt fences and straw wattles. Environmental assessments evaluate impacts on soil stability and water quality, ensuring riparian buffers and streambanks are protected. Restoration planning requires native species replacement in sensitive areas and integration with municipal biodiversity goals. Immediate site protection includes minimizing soil compaction, safeguarding root zones, and staging materials to prevent runoff contamination.

Invasive Species Management & Specialized Disposal Requirements Under Illinois Regulations

Des Plaines 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) Specialized 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 plants are bagged in heavy-duty plastic and sent to certified landfills, never composted. Follow-up monitoring is required at 6-month and annual intervals, with documentation and coordination with municipal tracking databases.

Professional Certification, Safety Standards & Hazardous Plant Protocols

All plant removal professionals in Des Plaines must hold Illinois or ISA Certified Arborist credentials, with specialized training in invasive species management and pesticide application. Safety protocols require PPE such as safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (Level A4+), steel-toed boots, and protective clothing for poison ivy. Hazardous plants like poison ivy, giant hogweed, and wild parsnip require barrier creams, full-body protection, and post-exposure washing. Coordination with the Des Plaines Health Department is essential for exposure treatment.

Des Plaines Health Department
1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: City of Des Plaines Official Website

Professional liability standards include a minimum $1M general liability insurance, environmental impairment coverage for herbicide use, bonding for municipal contracts, and workers' compensation for hazardous operations.

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

Des Plaines, located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, requires careful seasonal planning for plant removal. Optimal windows are fall/winter (October-March) for most invasives, early spring (March-April) before nesting, and late spring/early summer (May-June) for certain species. Summer (July-August) is restricted for wildlife protection and plant stress. Weather coordination uses National Weather Service Chicago data for soil moisture, temperature (60-85°F for herbicides), and wind speed (under 15 mph). Wildlife protection mandates nesting bird surveys (March-August), inspections for dens and roosts, and documentation of wildlife encounters, with timing adjusted to avoid seed dispersal and support ecological cycles.

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

Comprehensive site restoration in Des Plaines begins with soil testing through University of Illinois Extension for pH, nutrients, and organic matter. Amendments include 1-3 inches of compost incorporated into the top 6-8 inches, lime for pH adjustment, and mechanical tillage for compaction relief. Immediate stabilization uses annual ryegrass or winter rye seeded within 24-48 hours, with permanent native species (prairie, woodland, riparian) established based on site conditions. Mulching and erosion control blankets are used on slopes. Long-term planning integrates habitat enhancement, green infrastructure, and ongoing monitoring for invasive regrowth and restoration success.

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

Des Plaines's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requires immediate erosion control for exposed soil over 1,000 square feet. Best management practices include staging equipment away from storm drains, daily mechanical cleanup, and installation of silt fences and straw wattles. Long-term benefits of native plant restoration include improved infiltration, reduced runoff, and enhanced water quality. Compliance monitoring involves weekly inspections during restoration, photographic documentation, and prompt repair of damaged areas, coordinated with municipal environmental officers and U.S. EPA Region 5.

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection for Safe Plant Removal Operations

Before any excavation or root removal, Des Plaines requires mandatory JULIE (811) notification at least 48 hours in advance. Utility locations must be marked and documented, with hand-digging within 18 inches of markings. Safety protocols include maintaining a 10-foot minimum distance from overhead power lines and coordinating with all utility providers. Specialized techniques such as selective root pruning and root barriers protect infrastructure. Final inspection and approval are required before work begins, with coordination through the Des Plaines Building Department for municipal infrastructure impacts.

Des Plaines Building Division & Permits
2nd Floor, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Building Division & Permits

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Des Plaines, IL?

Des Plaines features diverse neighborhoods, each with unique plant removal considerations:

• Cumberland: Mature tree canopy, high utility density, historic district standards, opportunities for woodland restoration
• Lake Opeka Area: Proximity to water, wetland sensitivities, invasive reed canary grass, pollinator garden potential
• Downtown Des Plaines: Urban landscaping, limited equipment access, ornamental plantings, aesthetic and property value priorities
• Southwest Des Plaines: Prairie remnants, invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, conservation easements, native habitat enhancement
• Northwest Des Plaines: Suburban lots, mixed native/non-native species, HOA landscape requirements, green corridor integration
• River Road Corridor: Floodplain management, riparian buffer protection, infrastructure complexity, stormwater compliance
• Ballard Road Area: Older landscapes, mature trees, narrow streets, restoration opportunities with community engagement Each area requires tailored approaches for plant community assessment, environmental protection, infrastructure coordination, and restoration planning.

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

Des Plaines enforces strict regulations for plant removal operations. Equipment may operate 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM weekends, with noise restrictions and residential limitations. Commercial providers must hold a business license, contractor registration, general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and pesticide applicator licensing for chemical treatments. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment operation, pedestrian safety, and right-of-way permits. Environmental compliance mandates proper material handling, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to Illinois EPA regulations for waste disposal and site cleanup.

Des Plaines Planning and Zoning Division
2nd Floor, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Planning and Zoning Division