Arlington Heights Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Arlington Heights offers comprehensive brush disposal programs 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 are available with posted hours; resident permits or stickers may be required, and commercial contractors must adhere to fee structures for bulk loads. Municipal chipping services are coordinated through the Department of Public Works and, in some cases, the Park District, with finished mulch available for residents during peak spring and fall seasons. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants, in compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Street and storm drain disposal is strictly prohibited to protect the Lake Michigan watershed, and violations may result in penalties. For more information:

Arlington Heights Department of Public Works
33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5800
Official Website: Arlington Heights Public Works Services

Arlington Heights Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush is highly regulated in Arlington Heights and throughout Cook County, with most suburban municipalities prohibiting or strictly limiting the practice. Where permitted, daily open burning permits must be obtained from the Fire Department, and all activities must comply with local, county, and Illinois EPA air quality standards. Safety requirements include minimum setback distances from structures (typically 50–150 feet), constant supervision, and immediate access to water or fire extinguishers. Burning of leaves, construction debris, or plastics is strictly forbidden. Fire weather restrictions are enforced in coordination with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning is suspended during red flag warnings, droughts, or high winds. Residents must also comply with county-wide bans during extreme conditions. For defensible space and emergency access, vegetation management around structures is encouraged. For permit details:

Arlington Heights Fire Department
1150 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Phone: (847) 368-5450
Official Website: Arlington Heights Fire Department

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

Arlington Heights’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

Disposal protocols for invasives require bagging all fruit and seeds, never composting or chipping, and transporting to landfill. 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, in partnership with local conservation organizations and forest preserves.

Arlington Heights Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Arlington Heights is subject to oversight by the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits are required for work within buffer zones (typically 10–25 feet), and all activities must comply with local tree preservation ordinances and Illinois environmental regulations. Wildlife protection is critical during the April–August breeding season, requiring nesting bird surveys and inspections for active dens or bat roosts. Erosion control is essential on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to severe erosion when vegetation is removed. Selective removal techniques should preserve beneficial habitat features, and brush piles may be strategically created for wildlife shelter. For guidance:

Arlington Heights Environmental Commission
33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5000
Official Website: Arlington Heights Boards & Commissions

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

Professional brush removal in Arlington Heights requires adherence to strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, and all operators of specialized equipment (brush hogs, chippers) must be properly trained and certified. Mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) includes chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant 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 (JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig). Contractors must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance, environmental impairment coverage if herbicides are used, and workers’ compensation for all employees. Proof of JULIE compliance is required for municipal work.

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

Optimal brush removal timing in Arlington Heights is influenced by climate, wildlife, and soil conditions. The best window is December–March, when frozen ground minimizes soil compaction and wildlife is less vulnerable. Early spring (March–April) is suitable before nesting season, while late fall (October–November) is ideal after breeding season ends. Work should be avoided May–August to protect nesting birds and during periods of saturated clay soils to prevent rutting. Weather coordination with National Weather Service Chicago is essential—avoid high winds (over 20–25 mph), heavy rain, or extreme heat. Fire weather awareness is critical during dry periods, and all work must comply with seasonal burning restrictions and wildlife protection requirements.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to protect the Lake Michigan watershed under Arlington Heights’s MS4 permit and the Clean Water Act. Erosion control measures (mulching, silt fencing, erosion blankets) are critical for exposed clay soils, especially on slopes. Native species reestablishment using Illinois-adapted plants supports ecological recovery and stormwater management. Construction phase protection includes proper equipment staging, daily cleanup, and containment of debris to prevent migration into storm drains. Long-term management involves monitoring for invasive regrowth (buckthorn and honeysuckle resprout vigorously), maintenance of restored areas, and, if necessary, licensed herbicide application in compliance with Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations. For water quality guidance, see Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Arlington Heights

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant brush and storm debris. Arlington Heights coordinates emergency collection through public communications, with instructions for separating organic brush from construction debris and placing materials at the curb without blocking streets. Priority is given to emergency vehicle routes and major thoroughfares, with extended collection hours or temporary drop-off sites as needed. FEMA coordination may be required for major disasters, including documentation for federal assistance and management of temporary debris storage sites. Safety protocols include traffic control, utility coordination (ComEd for power lines), and public safety measures during cleanup. For emergency response:

Arlington Heights Police Department
200 E. Sigwalt St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5300
Official Website: Arlington Heights Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Arlington Heights, IL?

Arlington Heights encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Historic Districts (e.g., Downtown, Scarsdale): Mature vegetation, high buckthorn pressure, narrow streets, overhead utilities, and limited equipment access
• Northgate and Ivy Hill: Established subdivisions with dense brush, moderate invasive presence, and proximity to forest preserves requiring permit coordination
• Arlington Terrace and Greenbrier: Newer developments with less invasive pressure, HOA landscaping standards, and improved access for equipment
• Stonegate and Pioneer Park: Mixed-age vegetation, moderate fire risk near open spaces, and clay soils prone to rutting
• Lake Arlington Area: Wetland proximity, conservation easements, and strict environmental oversight
• Arlington Glen and Surrey Ridge: High utility density, alley access, and seasonal water table fluctuations
• South Arlington Heights: Larger lots, semi-rural characteristics, and increased need for defensible space Disposal logistics vary by area, with some neighborhoods relying on curbside pickup and others utilizing drop-off sites or municipal chipping services.

Arlington Heights Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Brush removal in Arlington Heights is governed by municipal ordinances regulating equipment operation and commercial service standards. Typical operation hours are 7 AM–9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM–9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays—always verify current local code. Commercial contractors must be licensed, carry comprehensive insurance, and comply with bonding requirements for municipal work. Public safety is paramount, requiring traffic control measures and emergency vehicle access at all times. Enforcement is managed through the Building & Life Safety Department’s Code Enforcement division, with penalties for violations such as noise, illegal dumping, or unpermitted work. For ordinance details:

Arlington Heights Community Development Department
33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5200
Official Website: Arlington Heights Planning & Community Development Department

By following these comprehensive guidelines, Arlington Heights residents and contractors can ensure safe, environmentally responsible, and legally compliant brush removal that supports community safety, ecological health, and the long-term stewardship of the Lake Michigan watershed.