Montgomery Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

Contact Montgomery's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Leaf Collection & Curbside Pickup Schedules

Montgomery, Illinois, provides a structured municipal leaf collection program each fall to help residents manage seasonal leaf drop efficiently and in compliance with state regulations. The Department of Public Works typically begins curbside leaf collection in mid-October, continuing through the first week of December, with neighborhood-specific pickup days published annually. Residents should place leaves at the curb by 7:00 AM on their scheduled collection day, ensuring piles are at least three feet from storm drains, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. Montgomery allows both loose leaf collection (where vacuum trucks are available) and collection in biodegradable paper bags, in accordance with the Illinois yard waste landfill ban. For larger volumes, the Village Transfer Station accepts bulk leaf drop-off during posted hours, with a resident permit required. Brush and small branch collection is also available, but materials must be separated from leaf piles. For the most current schedule, guidelines, and permit information, contact:

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

• Place leaves curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day
• Use only biodegradable paper bags if required
• Keep piles clear of storm drains, hydrants, and vehicles
• Check for neighborhood-specific collection dates and any special extended hours

Understanding Leaf Accumulation Impact on Montgomery's Heavy Clay Prairie Soils & Lawn Health

Montgomery's landscape is shaped by heavy clay prairie soils, with areas of loess and river bottom alluvial deposits. These soils are slow-draining and prone to compaction, which means that leaf accumulation can quickly create anaerobic conditions detrimental to turf health. When leaves cover lawns for more than two to three weeks, especially on clay soils, they block sunlight, trap moisture, and limit air exchange, leading to turf suffocation and increased risk of fungal diseases. In compacted urban soils, damage can occur even faster. While leaves can be beneficial in naturalized garden beds, conservation buffer zones, and wooded or prairie restoration areas, maintained lawns require regular removal to prevent damage. Mulch-mowing is effective only when leaf coverage is light and soils are well-draining; otherwise, removal is necessary to protect lawn health. For more on local soil characteristics, visit the USDA Web Soil Survey.

Montgomery Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is essential for protecting Montgomery's sensitive natural resources, including the Fox River, local streams, wetlands, and conservation areas. Illinois regulations require buffer zones near water bodies, where natural leaf retention supports wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling. However, in maintained lawn areas adjacent to these zones, leaves must be removed to prevent nutrient runoff and water quality degradation. Residents should avoid disposing of leaves in or near streams, wetlands, or conservation easements, and coordinate with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for guidance on protected areas. For questions about buffer zone management and environmental compliance, contact:

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

• Retain leaves in naturalized areas for wildlife and soil health
• Remove leaves from maintained lawns near water bodies
• Follow buffer zone guidelines to protect streams and wetlands
• Consult Illinois Department of Natural Resources for conservation area requirements

Keep Leaves Out of Streets & Storm Drains: Montgomery's NPDES Stormwater Compliance Requirements

Montgomery participates in the Illinois EPA Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which mandates strict stormwater management practices to protect local water quality. Leaves left in streets, gutters, or near storm drains can wash into the Fox River and its tributaries, contributing to nutrient loading, oxygen depletion, and harmful algae blooms. Residents are required to keep leaves out of the street and use designated curbside collection or drop-off options. Proper disposal helps Montgomery comply with the EPA NPDES permit and the Clean Water Act. For more information on stormwater compliance and reporting concerns, contact:

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

• Never rake or blow leaves into the street or storm drains
• Use curbside collection or approved drop-off sites
• Protect local rivers and streams from organic matter pollution
• Learn more at Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Montgomery's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Fall Leaves

Montgomery enforces the Illinois yard waste landfill ban, which prohibits disposal of leaves and other organic yard waste in landfills. The Village provides education on proper leaf management, including the use of biodegradable paper bags and participation in municipal collection programs. Residents are encouraged to compost leaves on-site where feasible, following setback requirements from property lines and water bodies. The Transfer Station accepts leaves for composting, and information on hours and permit requirements is available through the Department of Public Works. For state guidelines and composting resources, visit University of Illinois Extension.

• Use only approved biodegradable bags for leaf disposal
• Participate in municipal curbside or drop-off programs
• Compost leaves on-site where allowed, following local ordinances
• Review state requirements at Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Optimal Leaf Removal Timing for Montgomery's Tree Species & Illinois Fall Weather Patterns

Montgomery's urban canopy features a mix of sugar maples, Norway maples, ash, oaks (red, white, bur), hickories, elms, honey locust, and American beech. Leaf drop begins in early October with maples and ash, peaks mid-October through November with oaks, hickories, and elms, and extends into December with bur oak and beech. Optimal removal timing aligns with major drop events and before heavy rainfall or early freezes, which can mat leaves and complicate collection. Multiple collection passes are recommended, especially in neighborhoods with dense tree cover. Residents should monitor National Weather Service Chicago forecasts for precipitation and frost dates to plan removal. Early snow or freeze-thaw cycles may require adjusting schedules to prevent leaves from smothering turf.

• Schedule removal after peak drop events but before heavy rain or snow
• Plan for multiple passes in high-canopy areas
• Monitor local weather for optimal timing
• Consult University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic for tree-specific advice

Post-Leaf Removal Lawn Recovery & Winter Preparation in Montgomery's Climate Zone

After leaf removal, assess lawns for thin or damaged areas, especially where heavy leaf cover persisted. Late-season fertilization, applied according to University of Illinois Extension recommendations, supports root health and spring recovery. Overseeding may be possible if completed before soil temperatures drop below germination thresholds. For winter preparation, mow lawns to a final height of 2.5 to 3 inches, clear all debris, and address drainage issues—particularly important in Montgomery's clay soils. Early spring care should focus on gentle raking, soil aeration, and gradual fertilization to support recovery from winter dormancy. For detailed lawn care guidance, contact:

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

• Fertilize late in the season for root health
• Mow to 2.5–3 inches before winter
• Remove all debris and improve drainage
• Plan for spring overseeding and aeration as needed

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Montgomery, IL?

Montgomery encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, each with unique leaf management challenges:

• Lakewood Creek: Features mature oaks and maples, heavy clay soils, and proximity to conservation areas, requiring careful NPDES compliance and multiple collection passes.
• Boulder Hill: Dense urban canopy with older elms and maples, compacted soils, and smaller lots; alley access can complicate collection logistics.
• Foxmoor: Newer development with moderate tree cover, improved drainage, and larger lots, but exposed to prairie winds that redistribute leaves.
• Montgomery Crossing: Mix of mature and young trees, moderate clay content, and sloped lots increasing leaf movement toward storm drains.
• Marviray Manor: Adjacent to the Fox River, with floodplain soils and high environmental sensitivity; strict buffer zone management is required.
• Parkview Estates: High density of parkway trees, variable soil conditions, and adjacency to parks, necessitating coordinated collection and compliance with park district guidelines.
• Blackberry Crossing: Newer homes with developing tree canopy, loess-influenced soils, and fewer collection challenges, but wind exposure can cause leaf drift.

Each area requires tailored collection strategies based on tree density, soil drainage, environmental proximity, and development patterns. For neighborhood-specific collection schedules, contact:

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

Montgomery Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

Montgomery regulates the operation of leaf blowers and other powered equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may typically be operated between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, with restrictions on Sundays and holidays. Commercial operators may require additional licensing, and all users must comply with noise ordinances and seasonal restrictions. Residents should avoid using blowers to move leaves into streets or storm drains, as this violates both local and state regulations. For questions about equipment operation, noise control, or commercial licensing, contact:

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

• Operate equipment only during permitted hours
• Comply with all noise and environmental ordinances
• Do not blow leaves into streets or storm drains
• Check for commercial licensing requirements if applicable

By following Montgomery's municipal guidelines, residents can help protect local water quality, support ecological health, and maintain vibrant, resilient lawns throughout the fall and winter seasons.