Montgomery Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

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

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material is essential for both environmental compliance and neighborhood cleanliness in Montgomery. The Village operates a comprehensive yard waste collection program, typically running from April through November, which includes curbside pickup and a designated drop-off site for residents. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but all must be separated according to municipal guidelines. Only biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers (up to 32 gallons) are permitted—plastic bags are strictly prohibited to comply with state and local waste reduction goals. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional permit or fee requirements. Residents should check the seasonal collection schedule and ensure that all materials are placed at the curb on designated days. For more information on yard waste collection, drop-off site hours, and permit requirements, contact:

Montgomery Department of Public Works
200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-9241
Official Website: Montgomery Public Works Department

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Montgomery’s Heavy Clay Soils

Montgomery’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 (often 12-24 inches from the surface), and feature an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5) that slows microbial activity. The result is a natural tendency for thatch—a dense layer of undecomposed organic matter at the soil surface—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 such as summer patch become more prevalent. Key indicators that dethatching is needed include:

• Matted, spongy lawn surface
• Water ponding after light rain
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded areas
• Increased disease pressure
• Poor drought performance

Montgomery Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching activities near Montgomery’s wetlands, streams, and conservation lands require careful coordination with the local Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Properties within 10-25 feet of protected areas, such as those adjacent to Cook County Forest Preserve District or DuPage County Forest Preserve District, may need permits and must follow buffer zone regulations. Erosion control is especially critical on heavy clay soils, which are highly susceptible to sediment runoff when bare. During the spring dethatching window (late March through April), residents and contractors must also be aware of wildlife breeding seasons—visual surveys for nesting birds are recommended before work begins, in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources guidelines. For questions about environmental compliance, buffer zones, and seasonal restrictions, contact:

Montgomery Commissions and Committees
200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-8080
Official Website: Montgomery Commissions and Committees

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

Montgomery enforces Illinois’ organic waste management regulations, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits disposal of yard waste in household trash. The village’s yard waste program requires that dethatched material be placed in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers, with no plastic bags allowed. Residents may also compost dethatched material on-site, provided they follow setback requirements (typically 5-10 feet from property lines) and best practices such as mixing thatch with leaves for proper aeration and moisture. These efforts support Montgomery’s sustainability and waste reduction initiatives. For composting guidelines, collection schedules, and program details, contact:

Montgomery Department of Public Works
200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-9241
Official Website: Montgomery Public Works Department

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

After dethatching, exposed clay soils in Montgomery are at high risk for erosion and sediment runoff, which can impact the Lake Michigan watershed. The village participates in the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program, requiring immediate stabilization of bare soil. Best practices include:

• Overseeding within 24-48 hours (preferably with improved Kentucky bluegrass or turf-type tall fescue)
• Applying starter fertilizer and maintaining consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks
• Using temporary erosion control blankets on slopes over 10-15%
• Installing sediment barriers to protect storm drains Scheduling dethatching should always consider weather forecasts from the National Weather Service Chicago; avoid work if heavy rain is expected within 24-48 hours and never dethatch on saturated clay soils to prevent rutting and compaction. For more information on stormwater compliance and erosion control, contact:

Montgomery Community Development Department
200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-8080
Official Website: Montgomery Community Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Montgomery, IL?

Montgomery’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
• Lakewood Creek: 2000s development, moderate compaction, Kentucky bluegrass dominant, some tall fescue in newer areas, irrigation systems common
• Boulder Hill: Post-WWII suburb, poorly drained clay soils, high water table in spring, mature trees, decades of thatch accumulation
• Blackberry Crossing: Newer subdivision, minimal tree cover, full sun, rapid turf growth, compaction from recent construction
• Parkview Estates: Proximity to wetlands and forest preserves, buffer zone regulations, seasonal flooding, environmental oversight
• Foxmoor: HOA-managed, variable maintenance, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass mix, moderate compaction
• Marviray Manor: Smaller lots, limited irrigation, drought stress in summer, less thatch but more compaction Each area’s dethatching needs are influenced by soil drainage, grass species, tree density, maintenance history, and proximity to protected lands.

Montgomery Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Landscaping operations in Montgomery are governed by municipal ordinances designed to protect residents and the environment. Power dethatchers and similar equipment may only be operated during permitted hours—typically 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Noise ordinances apply to all powered equipment, and commercial service providers must be properly licensed and registered with the village. Insurance requirements include liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and bonding may be required for municipal contracts. For detailed information on landscaping regulations, business registration, and equipment use, contact:

Montgomery Community Development Department
200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-8080
Official Website: Montgomery Community Development Department

For additional resources and best practices, residents are encouraged to consult:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
• Clean Water Act
• USDA Web Soil Survey

By following these guidelines and utilizing local government resources, Montgomery residents can effectively manage thatch in their lawns while protecting the environment and complying with all relevant regulations.