Homewood Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Homewood’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material is essential for maintaining compliance with Homewood’s municipal waste management programs and supporting local sustainability goals. The Village of Homewood provides curbside yard waste collection from April through November, with specific collection days and requirements for residents and commercial contractors. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, and leaves, which must be separated and placed in biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Rigid containers (up to 32 gallons) may also be used if clearly marked for yard waste. For larger quantities or commercial projects, the yard waste drop-off site is available during posted hours, and a resident permit or sticker may be required. Contractors should be aware of applicable fee structures and seasonal availability. For detailed information on collection schedules, accepted materials, and drop-off site operations, contact:

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

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Homewood’s Heavy Clay Soils

Homewood’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soil series, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring and an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5), which slows microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. The result is a tendency for thatch—a dense layer of undecomposed stems and roots—to accumulate more rapidly than in well-drained soils. Illinois’ humid summers promote vigorous Kentucky bluegrass growth, while spring waterlogging and freeze-thaw cycles further limit decomposition. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, problems compound: poor drainage is exacerbated, air movement to roots is restricted, and fungal diseases become more prevalent. Homeowners should watch for these indicators of excessive thatch:

• Matted, spongy grass surface
• Water ponding after light rain
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded areas
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Poor drought performance

Homewood Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching activities near Homewood’s wetlands, streams, and conservation lands require careful coordination with the Environmental Commission and, where applicable, the T.R.E.E. Committee. Properties within 10-25 feet of protected areas, such as those adjacent to Cook County Forest Preserve District lands or local wetlands, may be subject to buffer zone regulations and permit requirements. Seasonal restrictions are in place to protect wildlife, especially during the spring nesting season (April-May), when ground-nesting birds are active. Visual surveys for nesting activity are recommended before work begins. Erosion control measures are mandatory for exposed clay soils, including immediate overseeding or the use of erosion control blankets on slopes. For guidance on compliance procedures and permit applications, contact:

Environmental Programs / T.R.E.E. Committee
Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Rd
Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Environmental Programs / T.R.E.E. Committee

Homewood’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Homewood enforces state and local organic waste management regulations in accordance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Organic yard waste, including dethatched material, is prohibited from household trash and must be disposed of through municipal collection or approved composting methods. Residents should use only biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers for curbside collection. On-site composting is permitted, provided piles are set back 5-10 feet from property lines and thatch is mixed with brown materials (such as leaves) to ensure proper aeration and moisture. These practices support Homewood’s waste reduction initiatives and help maintain compliance with state law. For more information on composting guidelines and collection schedules, contact:

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

Post-Dethatching Stormwater Management in Compliance with Homewood’s MS4 Program

Dethatching exposes soil, increasing the risk of erosion and sediment runoff into storm drains that ultimately impact the Lake Michigan watershed. Homewood’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit, in coordination with the Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management and the Clean Water Act, requires immediate stabilization of bare soil. Best practices include:

• Overseeding within 24-48 hours after dethatching
• Applying starter fertilizer and maintaining consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks
• Using erosion control blankets on slopes over 10-15%
• Installing sediment barriers to protect storm drains
• Scheduling work to avoid heavy rain (consult National Weather Service Chicago) Never dethatch when clay soils are saturated, as this causes severe rutting and compaction. For further guidance on stormwater compliance, contact:

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

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Homewood, IL?

Homewood’s neighborhoods each present unique thatch management challenges due to variations in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown: Oldest lawns, compacted Drummer silty clay loam, mature tree canopy, slow thatch decomposition, frequent moss and disease issues.
• Ravinia and Southgate: Post-WWII suburbs with poorly drained clay soils, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, moderate tree cover, high water table in spring.
• Governors Park: 1980s-2000s development, mixed soil compaction, newer lawns with less thatch but construction-related compaction, some tall fescue areas.
• Homewood Estates: Newer subdivisions, minimal thatch but severe compaction from recent construction, full sun exposure, rapid grass growth.
• Parkway/Tree Lawn Areas: Adjacent to streets, compacted soils from traffic, variable grass species, street tree impact on light and moisture.
• Properties near Forest Preserves: Proximity to Cook County Forest Preserve District or wetlands, buffer zone regulations, seasonal flooding, increased environmental oversight.
• HOA-Managed Communities: Varying maintenance intensity, professionally irrigated lawns, rapid thatch accumulation, strict compliance with municipal standards.

Homewood Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Homewood regulates landscaping operations to minimize noise, ensure safety, and protect public health. Power dethatchers and similar equipment may be operated between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays; Sunday restrictions may apply—verify with the Community Development Department. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels for outdoor equipment. Commercial service providers must register with the Village, maintain comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and may be required to post bonds for municipal contracts. All contractors must comply with local licensing and business registration requirements. For ordinance details and business registration, contact:

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

By following these guidelines and working closely with Homewood’s municipal departments and environmental agencies, residents and contractors can ensure that dethatching practices support healthy turf, protect local waterways, and comply with all relevant regulations specific to Homewood’s challenging heavy clay soil conditions.