Mount Prospect Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

Contact Mount Prospect’s Department of Public Works for Brush Disposal & Municipal Chipping Programs

Mount Prospect offers comprehensive brush disposal programs to support responsible vegetation management and environmental compliance. Residents can utilize seasonal curbside yard waste collection, typically available from April through November. Brush must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, weigh less than 50 pounds per bundle, and be tied with biodegradable twine—plastic is strictly prohibited. Yard waste drop-off sites are available with specific operating hours, and residents may need a permit or sticker for access. Commercial contractors must follow fee structures for bulk loads. Municipal chipping services are coordinated through the Department of Public Works, with finished mulch often available for residents. These programs ensure compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits brush in household trash and mandates the use of biodegradable materials. Strictly avoid placing brush in streets or storm drains to protect the Lake Michigan watershed and prevent MS4 violations.

Mount Prospect Department of Public Works
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 870-5640
Official Website: Mount Prospect Public Works Department

Mount Prospect Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in Mount Prospect is highly regulated, with many Chicago suburbs, including Mount Prospect, prohibiting or strictly limiting open burning due to air quality and safety concerns. Where burning is permitted, residents must obtain a daily permit from the Fire Department, adhere to setback requirements (typically 50-150 feet from structures), and ensure constant supervision with a water source on hand. Burning of leaves, construction debris, or plastics is strictly forbidden. Fire weather restrictions are enforced in coordination with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning is suspended during red flag warnings, high winds, or drought conditions. County-level bans (Cook County) may also apply. Creating defensible space around structures and maintaining emergency vehicle access are essential for fire safety and compliance with local and state codes.

Mount Prospect Fire Department
112 E. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 870-5660
Official Website: Mount Prospect Fire Department

Understanding Brush Types, Invasive Species & Specialized Disposal in Mount Prospect’s Heavy Clay Soils

Mount Prospect’s brush management must address several invasive species common to the Chicago area, including:

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus): Dominant understory invasive
• Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.): Dense thickets
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora): Thorny barriers
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Alters soil chemistry

Specialized disposal is required for invasives—bag all berries and seeds, and dispose of material at a landfill (never compost or chip for mulch). Equipment must be sanitized between sites to prevent disease spread. Hazardous vegetation such as poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats require protective measures (long sleeves, gloves, tick checks). Restoration with native species like serviceberry and viburnum supports ecological recovery and aligns with local conservation goals, especially in heavy clay soils that challenge root establishment and equipment operation.

Mount Prospect Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Mount Prospect requires coordination with the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits are often needed for work within 10-25 feet of sensitive habitats. Wildlife protection is critical—mandatory surveys for nesting birds (April-August) and inspections for active dens or bat roosts are required. Selective removal techniques help preserve beneficial habitat features, and erosion control measures (such as silt fencing or erosion control blankets) are essential on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to erosion. Immediate site stabilization and mulching of bare areas are necessary to prevent sediment runoff into the Lake Michigan watershed and to comply with local and state environmental regulations.

Mount Prospect Sustainability Programs
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 818-5328
Official Website: Mount Prospect Sustainability Programs

Professional Safety Standards, Equipment Requirements & Utility Coordination (JULIE 811) for Brush Removal

Professional brush removal in Mount Prospect requires adherence to strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, and all operators must be trained in equipment safety (chainsaws, chippers, brush hogs) and wear comprehensive PPE (chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye and hearing protection, steel-toed boots). Before any excavation or stump removal, JULIE 811 must be notified at least 48-72 hours in advance to locate underground utilities, and minimum approach distances to overhead lines must be observed. Contractors must carry commercial general liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding for municipal work. Proof of JULIE compliance and environmental impairment liability (if herbicides are used) are also required.

JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators)
Call 811 or visit JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Mount Prospect’s Climate Zone 5a-6a

Optimal timing for brush removal in Mount Prospect’s Zone 5a-6a climate is during the winter (December-March) when the ground is frozen, minimizing soil compaction and rutting in heavy clay soils. Early spring (March-April) is also suitable before wildlife breeding season begins. Work should be avoided from May through August to protect nesting birds and during periods of saturated soils to prevent equipment damage. Weather coordination is essential—operations should be suspended during high winds (over 20-25 mph), heavy precipitation, or red flag fire warnings as issued by the National Weather Service Chicago. Wildlife surveys are mandatory before removal during breeding season, and documentation is required for any protected species encounters.

Post-Removal Site Restoration & Stormwater Management in Compliance with Mount Prospect’s MS4 Program

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to comply with Mount Prospect’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and protect the Lake Michigan watershed. Erosion control is critical for exposed clay soils—use mulching, erosion control blankets, and silt fencing as needed. Reestablish native vegetation with Illinois-adapted species to stabilize soil and support local ecosystems. Construction phase protection includes proper equipment staging, daily cleanup, and containment of debris to prevent migration into storm drains. Long-term management involves monitoring for invasive regrowth (especially buckthorn), maintaining restored areas, and applying herbicides only by licensed applicators in accordance with Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations. Coordination with municipal environmental programs ensures ongoing compliance.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Mount Prospect

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant storm debris. Mount Prospect coordinates emergency brush collection through public communications, with instructions for separating organic brush from other debris and placing it at the curb without blocking streets or sidewalks. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares, with extended collection hours or temporary drop-off sites as needed. Coordination with FEMA may be required for federal disaster declarations, including documentation and temporary debris storage. Safety protocols include traffic control, barricades, and coordination with the Police and Fire Departments for hazardous situations such as downed power lines. Utility companies (ComEd, Nicor) are engaged for emergency clearance, and worker safety is paramount during hazardous conditions.

Mount Prospect Police Department
112 E. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 870-5656
Official Website: Mount Prospect Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Mount Prospect, IL?

Mount Prospect encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Historic Downtown: Mature tree canopy, high buckthorn pressure, narrow streets, overhead utilities, and limited equipment access
• Lions Park Area: Proximity to wetlands, conservation easements, and Cook County Forest Preserve buffer zones, requiring permit coordination and sensitive habitat protection
• Randhurst Village: Newer development with less invasive pressure, HOA landscaping standards, and easier equipment access
• Central Mount Prospect: Dense residential grid, alley access, mature vegetation, and high property value expectations for restoration
• Northwest Estates: Larger lots, semi-rural character, higher fire risk near forest preserves, and seasonal water table fluctuations
• South Mount Prospect: Heavy clay soils, drainage challenges, and proximity to streams requiring erosion control
• Mount Prospect Park District Areas: Coordination with park maintenance, public access considerations, and integration with municipal chipping programs Disposal logistics vary by area, with some neighborhoods relying on curbside pickup and others utilizing drop-off sites or municipal chipping services.

Mount Prospect Park District
1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 255-5380
Official Website: Mount Prospect Park District

Mount Prospect Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Mount Prospect enforces strict ordinances for brush removal equipment operation and commercial service standards. Equipment operation is typically allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Commercial contractors must be licensed, carry comprehensive insurance, and comply with public safety requirements, including traffic control and emergency access. Noise restrictions and dust control measures are enforced to minimize community impact. Code Enforcement oversees compliance, and violations may result in fines or suspension of permits. All operations must adhere to municipal, county, and state regulations, ensuring safe, responsible, and environmentally sound brush removal throughout Mount Prospect.

Mount Prospect Community Development Department
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 818-5328
Official Website: Mount Prospect Community Development Department