Clarendon Hills Landscape Services

Contact Your Local Clarendon Hills Public Works or Parks Department for Green Waste Info

Clarendon Hills provides a comprehensive yard waste collection program from April through November, supporting responsible green waste management and environmental protection. Residents must use paper yard waste bags or rigid containers (plastic bags are not accepted) for grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. Brush bundles should be tied with twine, not exceeding 4 feet in length. For larger quantities, the village offers a designated drop-off site with limited hours; a resident sticker or permit may be required for access. Commercial landscapers must comply with disposal requirements and may be subject to additional fees. It is strictly prohibited to dispose of lawn waste in streets, alleys, or storm drains, as this can lead to water quality violations under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), impacting local waterways and the Lake Michigan watershed.

Clarendon Hills Public Works Department
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-4750
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Public Works Department

Clarendon Hills Park District
315 Chicago Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 323-2626
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Park District

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Clarendon Hills, IL

Lawn care in Clarendon Hills is governed by a robust regulatory framework to protect public health and the environment. The Illinois Fertilizer Act (505 ILCS 80) restricts phosphorus use on established lawns unless a soil test indicates deficiency or for new turf establishment. Fertilizer applications must avoid buffer zones near water bodies (typically 10-25 feet). Pesticide use is regulated under the Illinois Pesticide Act (415 ILCS 60), requiring commercial applicator licensing and notification/posting for treated areas. Outdoor watering is subject to local ordinances, often following odd/even address schedules and time-of-day restrictions (before 10 AM or after 6 PM) to conserve water. Equipment operation is limited to 7:00 AM–9:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM Saturdays, and is restricted on Sundays and holidays. Commercial operators must register with the village, maintain liability insurance, and ensure worker certifications.

Clarendon Hills Community Development Department
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5410
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Community Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Clarendon Hills, IL?

Clarendon Hills encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, each with unique lawn care considerations shaped by local soil, microclimate, and community standards:

• Blackhawk Heights: Features mature tree canopy, heavy clay soils, and drainage challenges; Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are common, with shade stress under large oaks and maples.
• Prospect Park: Historic homes with smaller lots, alkaline soils, and proximity to the downtown area; subject to historic district guidelines and higher pedestrian traffic.
• Stonegate: Newer development with improved drainage but shallow topsoil; tall fescue blends are increasingly used for drought tolerance.
• Clarendon Hills Estates: Larger lots, HOA restrictions, and proximity to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District; buffer zones and native plantings are encouraged.
• Downtown/Central: Mixed-use area with compact lawns, urban heat island effects, and higher salt exposure from winter road maintenance.
• North of Burlington Avenue: Transitional area with moderate tree cover, variable soil depth, and commuter community dynamics due to proximity to the Metra station.
• South of 55th Street: Residential area with newer homes, clay-rich soils, and increased need for core aeration and drainage solutions.

Partnering With Clarendon Hills’s Environmental Commission for Sustainable Landscaping

The Clarendon Hills Environmental Commission plays a vital role in guiding sustainable landscaping and environmental stewardship. Key initiatives include:

• Wetland and buffer zone protection, especially near forest preserves and sensitive areas
• Promotion of organic lawn care and reduced-chemical practices
• Encouragement of native plant integration, such as prairie grasses and wildflowers
• Installation of rain gardens for stormwater management
• Community composting and mulching programs
• Grasscycling to return nutrients to the soil and reduce landfill waste Stormwater management is coordinated to prevent nutrient runoff into the Lake Michigan watershed, supporting compliance with the Clean Water Act and Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management. Collaboration with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and local environmental programs further strengthens these efforts.

Clarendon Hills Boards & Commissions
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-5400
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Boards & Commissions

Top Clarendon Hills Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Lawns in Clarendon Hills face several region-specific challenges:

• Heavy clay soil compaction
• Alkaline pH (7.0–8.0+)
• Road salt damage near major roads (e.g., Ogden Avenue)
• Grub infestations (Japanese beetles, masked chafers)
• Fungal diseases (brown patch, dollar spot, snow mold)
• Drought and heat stress in summer
• Weed invasions (crabgrass, dandelion, nutsedge)

Science-based solutions include:

• Core aeration at least twice annually to relieve compaction
• Soil testing through University of Illinois Extension and sulfur amendments for pH adjustment
• Overseeding with turf-type tall fescue for drought and disease resistance
• Integrated pest management and use of disease-resistant grass cultivars
• Proper mowing, watering, and mulching practices
• Installation of French drains or subsurface drainage for persistent wet areas
• Targeted weed management using cultural and mechanical controls

What Makes Lawns in Clarendon Hills Different From the Rest of Illinois?

Clarendon Hills’s lawns are shaped by unique regional characteristics:

• Climate: USDA Hardiness Zone 5a–6a, with a growing season of 180–200 days and harsh winters
• Soil: Predominantly Drummer silty clay loam and similar series, high in calcium and naturally alkaline, with poor drainage due to glacial till deposits
• Microclimate: Urban heat island effects, Lake Michigan’s moderating influence, and prairie winds increasing evapotranspiration
• Pest Pressure: High incidence of Japanese beetles, masked chafer grubs, and billbugs
• Historical Patterns: Post-WWII suburban development, mature tree canopy in older neighborhoods, and a shift from pure Kentucky bluegrass to mixed-species lawns

Supporting Local Events in Clarendon Hills With Lawn Expertise

Lawn care professionals and municipal staff support a variety of community events and programs:

• Summer festivals and farmers markets on the village green
• Athletic field maintenance for youth sports (Little League, soccer, football)
• Park beautification for public gatherings and holiday celebrations
• Emergency storm cleanup and debris removal after severe weather
• Community education initiatives, including Arbor Day and Earth Day events
• Partnerships with local garden clubs and library programs for sustainable lawn care workshops

Clarendon Hills Park District
315 Chicago Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 323-2626
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Park District

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Backed by Clarendon Hills’s Green Initiatives

Clarendon Hills aligns its landscaping practices with sustainability and environmental protection goals:

• Tree City USA program participation and annual Arbor Day observances
• Water conservation through smart irrigation controllers, rain sensors, and weather-based scheduling
• Drought-tolerant turfgrass selection and rainwater harvesting systems
• Organic lawn care, compost topdressing, and pollinator-friendly plantings
• Equipment electrification to reduce emissions and noise
• Grasscycling to minimize landfill waste and support local carbon reduction efforts
• Native plant landscaping to sequester carbon and support biodiversity

Clarendon Hills Forestry & Tree City USA
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-4750
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Forestry & Tree City USA

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Clarendon Hills

Lawn care services and municipal programs cover all major neighborhoods and streets in Clarendon Hills, including:

• Downtown/Central: Prospect Avenue, Burlington Avenue, Walker Avenue, and the area surrounding the Metra station
• Blackhawk Heights: Blackhawk Drive, Indian Drive, Mohawk Drive, and adjacent streets
• Prospect Park: Park Avenue, Woodstock Avenue, and the historic district near the village center
• Stonegate: Stonegate Road, Oxford Avenue, and the surrounding subdivision
• Clarendon Hills Estates: Oxford Avenue, 58th Street, and areas near the DuPage County Forest Preserve District
• North of Burlington: Ann Street, Harris Avenue, and the neighborhoods near Walker School
• South of 55th Street: 55th Street, Richmond Avenue, and the southern residential developments
• Landmarks: Lions Park, Hosek Park, Walker School, Clarendon Hills Middle School, and the Metra station Special considerations apply in historic districts, areas with HOA restrictions, and properties adjacent to conservation easements or forest preserves. For water service and outdoor watering information, contact:

Clarendon Hills Water Services
1 North Prospect Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 286-4750
Official Website: Clarendon Hills Water Services

By following local regulations, participating in municipal programs, and adopting science-based horticultural practices, Clarendon Hills residents and professionals can maintain healthy, sustainable lawns that support community values and protect the Lake Michigan watershed.