Montgomery Weed Control Services

Our Weed Control Process

Contact Montgomery's Department of Public Works for Weed Debris Disposal & Organic Waste Management

Proper disposal of yard waste and weed debris is essential for maintaining public health and environmental quality in Montgomery. The Department of Public Works operates a seasonal yard waste collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) for leaves and grass clippings. Brush must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, weighing no more than 50 pounds, and placed curbside on designated collection days. Composting facilities and transfer sites are available with posted operating hours; permits and fees may apply for large loads. Invasive species such as buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and Japanese honeysuckle must be bagged and sent to landfill, not composted, to prevent spread. Herbicide-treated plant material requires special handling and coordination with the Health Department. Chemical containers must be triple-rinsed, documented, and disposed of at hazardous waste events—never in regular trash or recycling. Strictly avoid placing plant debris in streets, gutters, or storm drains to prevent MS4 violations and protect water quality.

Montgomery Department of Public Works
10 Civic Center Avenue, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-9241
Official Website: Montgomery Public Works Department

Understanding Common Weeds & IPM Strategies for Montgomery's Prairie Till Plains

Montgomery's location on Illinois' Prairie Till Plains means soils are predominantly clay-rich with moderate to high organic matter and a pH of 6.0-7.5, influencing weed pressure and management. Common broadleaf weeds include dandelion, plantain, white clover, ground ivy, and creeping Charlie. Grassy weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, and quackgrass are prevalent, along with perennial violets, wild garlic, and wild onion. Invasive species like garlic mustard, buckthorn seedlings, and tree of heaven require special attention. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies include:

• Cultural controls: mow at 3-4 inches, fertilize based on soil tests, core aerate to reduce compaction, overseed with competitive grasses, and manage irrigation to favor desirable plants
• Mechanical controls: hand-weeding, cultivation, mulching (2-4 inches), landscape fabric, and flame weeding for targeted areas
• Biological controls: encourage beneficial insects, use competitive plantings, and apply corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent
• Chemical controls: use as a last resort, apply minimum effective rates, and prioritize spot treatments

Soil compaction and drainage issues in clay soils require integrating cultural controls and organic matter addition. Prevention strategies include improving soil health, proper fertilization, and consulting University of Illinois Extension for diagnostics.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Weed Control & Water Quality Protection

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict requirements to protect water quality during weed control operations. Applicators must coordinate with watershed protection programs and maintain buffer zones of 25-100 feet near streams, rivers, and wetlands to prevent pesticide runoff and drift. Compliance with the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is mandatory. Environmental protection measures include:

• Groundwater protection near municipal wells and water supply areas
• Surface water protection using low-drift nozzles and formulations
• Pollinator protection by restricting applications during bloom periods
• Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for rare species protection
• Erosion control: minimize soil disturbance, revegetate bare spots, and install sediment barriers

Permit coordination and documentation are required for chemical applications near sensitive areas, with advance consultation and environmental impact assessments as needed.

Illinois Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing Requirements for Montgomery

Weed control professionals in Montgomery must comply with Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations, including mandatory commercial applicator licensing (Category 3A Turf & Landscape, 3B Right-of-Way, or 10 Structural Pest Control as applicable). Certification requires passing exams and ongoing continuing education (10 CEUs per 3-year cycle). Federal EPA registration and restricted use pesticide (RUP) protocols must be followed, including IPM plan documentation and environmental impact assessments for large-scale applications. Professional liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), environmental impairment liability, and bonding for municipal contracts are required. Applicators must maintain detailed records of application dates, weather, rates, target species, and effectiveness, and report adverse incidents to the Department of Agriculture. Customer notification and coordination with local environmental monitoring are also mandated.

Montgomery Health Department Guidelines for Pesticide Application & Public Safety Protection

The Montgomery Health Department oversees public health protection during pesticide applications. Commercial applicators must provide public notification 24-48 hours in advance, using standardized signage. Setbacks of 100-150 feet are required from property lines, wells, water bodies, and sensitive sites such as schools and healthcare facilities. Re-entry intervals range from 6-48 hours depending on the product. Special restrictions apply in organic farming and food production zones. Risk management includes protecting children, pets, and sensitive individuals, establishing emergency contact procedures, and coordinating with emergency medical services for chemical exposure incidents. Application safety protocols require personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment calibration, spill prevention, and drift control. Post-application monitoring includes effectiveness evaluation, non-target impact assessment, and environmental monitoring.

Montgomery Health Department
10 Civic Center Avenue, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-8080
Official Website: Montgomery Public Health Services

Seasonal Weed Control Calendar & Weather Timing for Montgomery's Climate Zone 5b

Montgomery is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, with a climate that requires careful timing of weed control activities. Key seasonal recommendations include:

• Early Spring (late March–early April): Apply pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F for crabgrass control
• Late Spring (May–June): Target broadleaf weeds during active growth
• Summer (July–August): Spot treat persistent weeds and manage nutsedge, adjusting irrigation as needed
• Fall (September–October): Control perennials and apply pre-emergents for winter annuals

Weather coordination is critical—avoid applications before rainfall (24-48 hour window), and observe wind speed (under 10 mph for liquids, 15 mph for granular). Optimal temperatures are 60-85°F; avoid applications above 90°F. Microclimate factors such as urban heat islands, elevation, and proximity to water bodies affect timing. Use National Weather Service Chicago forecasts for planning and coordinate with municipal landscaping schedules.

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Weed Control Operations in Montgomery

Montgomery operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit as required by the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES programs. Best management practices include:

• Preventing chemical runoff into storm drains and local waterways (Fox River, Blackberry Creek)
• Mixing and loading chemicals at least 100 feet from storm drains and water bodies
• Using secondary containment for storage and handling
• Immediate spill response with absorbent materials and barriers
• Managing equipment wash water in designated areas with proper drainage

Long-term goals include reducing chemical loads in water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and integrating with climate action initiatives. Enforcement includes reporting, inspections, and coordination with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal of Weed Control Products Under Illinois Regulations

Safe storage and disposal of weed control products are regulated to protect public health and the environment. Requirements include:

• Locked, ventilated storage areas at least 100 feet from wells and water supplies
• Temperature control (40-90°F) and inventory rotation (FIFO)
• Security measures to prevent unauthorized access
• PPE selection based on product labels and SDS
• Mixing/loading in dedicated areas, equipment decontamination (triple-rinse), and emergency eye wash/shower facilities
• Triple-rinse empty containers and document disposal
• Use household hazardous waste events for leftover chemicals
• Never pour chemicals into drains, soil, or trash
• Emergency response: call poison control (1-800-222-1222) and coordinate with local emergency services

Montgomery Water Department
10 Civic Center Avenue, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-9241
Official Website: Montgomery Water & Sewer Division

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Montgomery, IL?

Montgomery encompasses several neighborhoods, each with unique weed management needs:

• Lakewood Creek: Predominantly clay soils with moderate drainage; proximity to wetlands requires buffer zones and special permits. Homeowner associations enforce strict landscape standards. Common weeds: crabgrass, dandelion, garlic mustard.
• Boulder Hill: Older residential area with compacted soils and higher organic matter. School zones require enhanced safety protocols. Invasive buckthorn and ground ivy are prevalent.
• Montgomery Crossing: Newer development with loam-clay mix soils and good drainage. Proximity to Fox River necessitates water quality protection. Seasonal occupancy patterns affect treatment timing.
• Marviray Manor: Sandy loam soils with rapid drainage; salt exposure from winter de-icing impacts plant communities. Business district areas require higher aesthetic standards.
• Fairfield Way: Near parks and recreational areas, requiring public use considerations and pollinator protection. Perennial violets and white clover are common.
• Parkview Estates: Close to municipal water supply protection zones; chemical use is restricted. Quackgrass and foxtail are persistent issues.
• Blackberry Crossing: Adjacent to Blackberry Creek, with regulatory sensitivities for waterway protection. Invasive honeysuckle and tree of heaven seedlings require targeted management.

Montgomery Community Development Department
10 Civic Center Avenue, Montgomery, IL 60538
Phone: (630) 896-8080
Official Website: Montgomery Community Development Department

Montgomery Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Montgomery enforces municipal ordinances to ensure safe and compliant weed control operations. Equipment may be operated from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions in residential areas. Commercial applicators must hold a valid business license, register with the municipality, and maintain insurance (minimum $1 million liability, workers compensation, environmental impairment). Bonding is required for municipal contracts, and Illinois Department of Agriculture certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment calibration, public notification, and right-of-way permits. Environmental compliance covers material handling, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and documentation, with coordination under Illinois EPA and local ordinances.