Arlington Heights Plant Removal Services

Our Plant Removal Process

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

Arlington Heights provides comprehensive plant material disposal programs to ensure safe, environmentally responsible management of organic waste. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) for seasonal yard waste collection, and woody materials must be bundled in 4-foot lengths weighing no more than 50 pounds. Composting facilities require permits and may charge fees for large loads or commercial drop-offs. Specialized disposal categories include:

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

All plant debris must be staged on private property until collection, with immediate cleanup to prevent the spread of invasive seeds or pathogens and to protect storm drains. Coordination with municipal beautification and environmental programs is encouraged for community-wide stewardship.

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

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

Professional botanical assessment is essential for responsible plant removal in Arlington Heights, which is situated on glacial drift soils supporting diverse prairie and woodland communities. 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. Site evaluations include:

• Soil condition and root system assessment
• Ecological value and wildlife habitat evaluation
• Coordination with landscape architects for restoration

Removal prioritization follows:

• 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, supporting transparent restoration planning.

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

Plant removal in Arlington Heights must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency water quality protection standards. Coordination with watershed protection programs and TMDL compliance is required to safeguard local rivers and streams from sediment and debris. Key requirements include:

• Environmental assessment of removal impacts on soil and water
• Protection of riparian buffers and streambanks
• Integration with the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
• Immediate site protection: prevent soil compaction, protect root zones, install temporary erosion controls (silt fence, straw wattles)
• Proper staging to prevent runoff contamination

Restoration planning must prioritize native species replacement and habitat enhancement, aligning with Arlington Heights's biodiversity and environmental goals.

Invasive Species Management & Specialized Disposal Requirements Under Illinois Regulations

Arlington Heights faces significant pressure from invasive plants, including:

• 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 (species-specific phenology)
• Mechanical removal tailored to root type
• Selective herbicide use under Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations
• Equipment sanitation between sites (70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% bleach)

Mandatory disposal: invasive species must be bagged and landfilled, never composted. Transportation protocols prevent seed spread, and follow-up monitoring is required at 6-month and annual intervals, with documentation for municipal databases.

Professional Certification, Safety Standards & Hazardous Plant Protocols

Plant removal professionals in Arlington Heights must hold Illinois or ISA Certified Arborist credentials, with specialized training in invasive species management and pesticide application (Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing). Safety protocols require:

• PPE: safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (A4+), steel-toed boots, long sleeves/pants
• First aid certification and emergency response plans
• Daily equipment inspection and maintenance

Hazardous plant handling includes:

• Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac: barrier creams, protective clothing, post-exposure washing
• Giant Hogweed: full body protection
• Wild Parsnip: phototoxicity precautions

Liability standards require $1M+ general liability insurance, environmental impairment coverage for herbicide use, and workers' compensation for all employees.

Arlington Heights Health Department
33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5760
Official Website: Arlington Heights Health & Human Services Department

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

Arlington Heights, in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, experiences cold winters and warm summers. Optimal plant removal windows are:

• Fall/Winter (Oct–Mar): best for most invasives
• Early Spring (Mar–Apr): before nesting and active growth
• Late Spring/Early Summer (May–Jun): for certain species
• Summer (Jul–Aug): restrictions for wildlife and plant stress

Weather coordination uses National Weather Service Chicago data for soil moisture, temperature (60–85°F for herbicides), and wind speed (<15 mph). Wildlife protection mandates nesting bird surveys (Mar–Aug), visual checks for dens/roosts, and coordination with Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Removal timing is adjusted to plant biology and dormancy cycles to prevent seed dispersal and support ecosystem health.

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

Restoration after plant removal is critical for long-term ecological health. Procedures include:

• Soil testing via University of Illinois Extension for pH, nutrients, organic matter
• Amendments: 1–3 inches compost, lime for pH adjustment, mechanical tillage or aeration for compaction
• Immediate stabilization: annual ryegrass or winter rye seeded within 24–48 hours, organic mulch, erosion control blankets on slopes >15%
• Permanent restoration: native prairie, woodland, or riparian species based on site conditions
• Habitat enhancement: diverse plantings for wildlife, integration with mature vegetation

Monitoring includes 1–2 growing seasons of care, invasive species checks, and success evaluation by coverage and diversity, with professional management for ongoing stewardship.

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

Arlington Heights's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requires immediate erosion control for exposed soil over 1,000 sq ft and protection of storm drains from debris. Best management practices include:

• Equipment staging away from drains/waterways with secondary containment
• Daily mechanical cleanup of debris (no hosing)
• Temporary erosion barriers (silt fence, straw wattles, check dams)
• Material containment with tarps/barriers during processing

Long-term, native plant establishment improves infiltration, reduces runoff, and enhances water quality, supporting Arlington Heights's green infrastructure and climate resilience. Compliance monitoring involves weekly inspections (first month), monthly thereafter, and documentation with photos and repair protocols.

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

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 location markings must be verified and documented with photos. Safety protocols include:

• Minimum 10-foot clearance from overhead power lines (up to 50kV)
• Hand-digging within 18 inches of marked utilities
• Coordination with electric, gas, water, and telecom providers
• Emergency procedures for accidental strikes (immediate work stoppage, emergency services notification)

Specialized techniques such as selective root pruning and mechanical barriers protect infrastructure. Final inspection and approval are coordinated with the Arlington Heights Building Department for municipal infrastructure impacts.

Arlington Heights Building Department
33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5560
Official Website: Arlington Heights Building & Life Safety Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Arlington Heights, IL?

Arlington Heights encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique plant removal and restoration needs:

• Scarsdale: Mature landscapes, high native tree density, historic district standards, careful restoration for property value and heritage
• Ivy Hill: Wetland proximity, invasive reed canary grass pressure, sensitive water quality zones, HOA landscape guidelines
• Stonegate: Dense utility corridors, narrow streets, mature oaks, careful excavation and restoration for infrastructure protection
• Terramere: Newer developments, prairie restoration opportunities, pollinator garden integration, community green initiatives
• Downtown Arlington Heights: Urban plantings, limited access, high aesthetic standards, coordination with municipal beautification
• Greenbrier: Woodland edge, buckthorn and honeysuckle management, wildlife habitat enhancement, conservation easement requirements
• Arlington Terrace: Mixed-age landscapes, moderate invasive pressure, opportunities for native buffer establishment, community engagement in restoration

Each area requires tailored approaches considering plant communities, environmental sensitivities, infrastructure complexity, community standards, and restoration opportunities.

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

Arlington Heights regulates plant removal operations to ensure safety, minimize disruption, and protect the environment. Key standards include:

• Equipment operation: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM weekends; noise restrictions apply
• Commercial licensing: business license, contractor registration, general liability and workers' compensation insurance, bonding as required, pesticide applicator licensing for chemical use
• Safety protocols: traffic control, proper equipment operation, pedestrian safety, right-of-way permits, emergency response procedures
• Environmental compliance: proper material handling/disposal, vehicle maintenance to prevent leaks, site cleanup, adherence to Illinois EPA regulations

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