Homewood Hedging Services

Our Hedging Process

Contact Homewood's Department of Public Works for Hedge Trimming Debris & Brush Disposal

Proper disposal of hedge trimmings and brush is essential for maintaining Homewood’s community standards and environmental compliance. The Village of Homewood operates a seasonal yard waste collection program from April through November, requiring residents to bundle branches in 4-foot lengths and limit bundles to 50 pounds. Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or bundled for curbside pickup on scheduled collection days. For larger hedge renovation projects, residents may utilize the Homewood Transfer Station, which operates during regular business hours and may require a resident permit or sticker. Accepted materials include organic hedge clippings, while inorganic debris such as wire, plant ties, or plastic containers must be separated and disposed of through alternative means. Disposing of trimmings in streets, gutters, or storm drains is strictly prohibited to prevent violations of the Illinois yard waste landfill ban and NPDES regulations. For more information on disposal procedures, permits, and fees, contact:

Homewood Department of Public Works
17755 S Ashland Ave, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Hedge Selection for Homewood's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils & Climate Zone 6a

Selecting appropriate hedge species for Homewood requires careful consideration of the region’s USDA Hardiness Zone 6a and its predominant prairie clay and glacial till soils. These soils are typically heavy, with moderate to poor drainage and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Winter de-icing salt exposure, wind from open prairie landscapes, and urban heat island effects further influence plant health. Recommended species for Homewood include:

• Native/Adapted: Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum), winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), chokeberry (Aronia spp.), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
• Salt-Tolerant: Juniper (Juniperus spp.), cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus), potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
• Shade-Tolerant: American yew (Taxus canadensis), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), coral berry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), native hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
• Drought-Resistant: Sumac (Rhus aromatica), prairie rose (Rosa setigera), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), butterfly bush alternatives (Buddleia davidii, with caution)
• Cold-Hardy: Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens)

Avoid invasive species such as buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, autumn olive, and burning bush. For guidance on plant selection and soil analysis, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey and University of Illinois Extension.

Homewood Environmental Compliance Requirements for Hedge Work Near Protected Areas

Hedge installation or major renovation near Homewood’s streams, wetlands, or protected natural areas requires strict adherence to environmental regulations. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is necessary for work within buffer zones or near sensitive habitats. Permits may be required, and native species should be prioritized for buffer plantings to support erosion control and habitat preservation. Seasonal restrictions may apply to protect nesting wildlife, typically from April through July. Stormwater management practices, such as proper grading and erosion control, are essential to prevent runoff into protected areas. For properties adjacent to conservation lands or endangered species habitats, additional buffer requirements and coordination with local conservation organizations may be necessary. For more information, contact:

Homewood Planning & Zoning Department
2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3387
Official Website: Planning & Zoning

Property Lines, Rights-of-Way & Sightline Rules for Hedges in Homewood

Homewood’s zoning ordinances regulate hedge placement to ensure public safety and property rights. Setback requirements typically range from 3 to 10 feet from property lines, depending on the zoning district. Front yard hedge heights are often limited to 6-8 feet, with stricter limits near intersections and driveways to maintain sight distance triangles (usually 30-50 feet for safety). Hedges must not obstruct sidewalks, fire hydrants, street signs, or utility access. Major landscape installations may require permits and review by the Building Department or Community Development. Non-compliant installations are subject to correction orders, removal, or appeal through local boards. For permit procedures and enforcement details, contact:

Homewood Building Department / Community Development
2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3856
Official Website: Building Division / Building Permits

Safe Pruning Standards, Wildlife Protection & Seasonal Timing in Homewood

Professional hedge maintenance in Homewood should follow ANSI A300 pruning standards to promote plant health and prevent disease. Key practices include making clean cuts just outside the branch collar, sanitizing tools between plants, and avoiding harmful practices like topping or excessive thinning. Pruning is best performed in late winter for structural shaping, while spring-blooming species should be pruned after flowering. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye and hearing protection is required, and ladder safety protocols must be followed for tall hedges. Wildlife protection is critical—avoid major pruning from April through July to protect nesting birds. Integrated pest management (IPM) should be used to monitor and address common Illinois hedge pests, with organic treatments prioritized. For diagnostic support, consult the University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic.

Managing Hedge Waste Under Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements

Illinois law prohibits disposal of hedge clippings in household trash or landfills, requiring participation in municipal organic waste programs or proper composting. Homewood’s yard waste collection program accepts healthy, non-invasive trimmings, while diseased or invasive materials (such as buckthorn or bush honeysuckle) require containment and certified disposal to prevent spread. Home composting is permitted for suitable materials, but compost piles must be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and water sources to prevent nuisances. Large volumes of hedge waste may be taken to regional composting facilities. Commercial landscapers must comply with Illinois EPA regulations for organic waste management. For more information, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Stormwater Protection During Hedge Work in Compliance with Homewood's NPDES Program

Hedge work in Homewood must be conducted with stormwater protection in mind, in accordance with the village’s NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) program. Debris containment is essential to prevent organic matter from entering storm drains, which can lead to water quality violations under the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requirements. Best management practices include using silt fences or mulch berms during installation, promptly removing debris, and maintaining vegetative buffers near water bodies. Compliance with the Illinois EPA MS4 program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 standards is required for all hedge projects impacting stormwater systems.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Homewood, IL?

Homewood features diverse neighborhoods, each with unique hedging considerations:

• Downtown Homewood: Urban compacted clay soils, high pedestrian traffic, strict sightline and ADA requirements, historic district review for hedge style and height, limited equipment access due to parking and narrow lots.
• Ravinia/Heather Hill: Well-drained glacial till soils, moderate deer pressure, HOA restrictions on species and height, utility lines along rear property lines, privacy screening and noise buffering from nearby roads.
• Southgate: Heavy clay soils with poor drainage, high salt exposure from winter road treatments, wide parkways requiring salt-tolerant and drought-resistant species, alley access for maintenance equipment.
• Governors Park: Mixed sun/shade conditions, mature tree canopy, conservation area proximity, buffer zone requirements, coordination with park district for boulevard plantings, seasonal flooding risk.
• Homewood Estates: Newer developments with modern infrastructure, underground utilities, strict setback and height regulations, microclimate variations from building orientation, community association maintenance standards.
• Flossmoor Road Corridor: High wind exposure, prairie-style landscaping, traffic noise buffering needs, public right-of-way restrictions, emergency vehicle access requirements.
• Old Homewood: Historic bungalow district, alkaline clay soils, architectural review for hedge style, narrow setbacks, neighbor coordination for shared property lines, mature vegetation communities.

Homewood Municipal Ordinances for Hedge Trimmer Operation, Noise & Commercial Service Standards

Homewood’s municipal ordinances regulate hedge trimmer operation hours, typically allowing equipment use from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, with additional restrictions on Sundays and holidays. Noise ordinances require the use of properly maintained equipment to minimize disturbance. Commercial hedge services must be licensed, insured, and comply with all local and state regulations, including neighbor notification procedures for major projects. For questions about service standards or to report violations, contact:

Homewood Department of Public Works
17755 S Ashland Ave, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Public Works Department

By following these guidelines, Homewood residents and professionals can ensure that hedge installation and maintenance practices support community aesthetics, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance, contributing to the long-term health and beauty of the village landscape.