Morton Grove Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

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

Morton Grove’s Department of Public Works (DPW) coordinates a comprehensive leaf collection program each fall, typically running from mid-October through the first week of December. Collection days are assigned by neighborhood, with most areas receiving weekly curbside pickup during peak season. Residents should place leaves in biodegradable paper yard waste bags or in loose piles at the curb, depending on the current year’s policy and weather conditions. All materials must be set out by 7:00 AM on collection day and kept at least three feet from storm drains, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. The DPW also operates a Transfer Station for bulk leaf drop-off, requiring a resident permit and accepting leaves during posted hours. Brush and small branch collection is available on scheduled days, and vacuum truck collection may be used in high-volume areas. For the most current schedule, guidelines, and permit information, contact:

Morton Grove Public Works Department
7840 Nagle Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 470-5235
Official Website: Morton Grove Public Works Department

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

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

Morton Grove’s landscape is shaped by heavy clay prairie soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are slow-draining and prone to compaction, which means that leaf accumulation can quickly create anaerobic conditions, suffocating turfgrass within 2-3 weeks of heavy coverage. In compacted urban soils, damage may occur even faster, leading to fungal diseases and blocked sunlight. While leaves can be beneficial in naturalized garden beds, conservation buffer zones, and wooded areas—where they support wildlife and soil health—removal is essential on maintained lawns to prevent turf loss. Mulch-mowing is effective only when leaf coverage is light and soils are well-drained; otherwise, removal is necessary to avoid rapid lawn decline. For more on local soils, visit the USDA Web Soil Survey.

• Heavy clay soils = poor drainage, rapid turf suffocation
• Remove leaves from maintained lawns within 2-3 weeks of accumulation
• Retain leaves in naturalized or conservation areas for ecological benefit
• Mulch-mow only when coverage is light and soils are not compacted

Morton Grove Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is critical near Morton Grove’s streams, wetlands, and conservation areas. Illinois regulations require buffer zone management to prevent nutrient runoff and protect sensitive habitats. Leaves should be left in place only in designated naturalized areas, while removal is mandatory from maintained lawns and buffer zones adjacent to water bodies. Wildlife habitat considerations are important—leaves in conservation areas provide shelter and food for native species. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ensures compliance with protected area guidelines. For more information on environmental programs and natural resource management, contact:

Morton Grove Environment and Natural Resources
6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 663-3072
Official Website: Morton Grove Environment and Natural Resources

• Maintain buffer zones free of leaf piles near streams and wetlands
• Retain leaves in conservation areas for wildlife and soil health
• Remove leaves from lawns and buffer strips to prevent runoff
• Coordinate with Illinois DNR for protected area compliance (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

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

Morton Grove participates in the Illinois EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which mandates strict controls on organic debris entering storm drains. Leaves left in streets or gutters can wash into storm sewers, leading to nutrient loading, oxygen depletion, and algae growth in local receiving waters such as the North Branch of the Chicago River. Residents must keep leaves out of the street and use only approved curbside collection methods. Violations can result in fines under the Clean Water Act and local ordinances. For more on stormwater compliance, see EPA NPDES and Clean Water Act.

• Never rake or blow leaves into streets or storm drains
• Use curbside collection or bagging as directed by DPW
• Protect local streams and rivers from nutrient pollution
• Report illegal dumping to the Morton Grove Public Works Department

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

Illinois law prohibits disposal of yard waste, including leaves, in landfills. Morton Grove enforces this through its municipal collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags or participate in loose leaf collection as scheduled. The DPW educates residents on proper disposal, composting alternatives, and setback requirements from property lines and water bodies. The Transfer Station accepts leaves for composting, and residents are encouraged to mulch-mow when feasible. For more on state regulations, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

• Use only biodegradable paper bags for bagged collection
• Participate in municipal loose leaf collection as scheduled
• Compost leaves on-site where possible, following setback guidelines
• No yard waste in regular trash per Illinois landfill ban

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

Morton Grove’s urban canopy features a mix of sugar maples, Norway maples, oaks, elms, ash, and honey locusts. Early leaf drop begins in October with maples and ash, followed by oaks, hickories, and elms through November, and late-holding species like bur oak and American beech into December. The National Weather Service Chicago (NWS Chicago) provides local forecasts to help schedule removals after major drop events but before heavy rain or early snow, which can mat leaves and complicate collection. Multiple collection passes are recommended to match the sequential drop patterns and avoid missed pickups due to weather. Freeze-thaw cycles in late fall can further impact removal timing.

• Early October: Maples, ash begin dropping
• Mid-October–November: Oaks, hickories, elms, honey locust
• Late November–December: Bur oak, beech
• Monitor NWS Chicago for optimal removal windows
• Plan for multiple passes to match tree drop patterns

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

After leaf removal, assess your lawn for thin or damaged areas, especially where heavy leaf cover persisted. Late-season fertilization (using a slow-release, nitrogen-rich formula) should be applied before the ground freezes, typically by mid-November in Morton Grove’s USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. Overseeding can be done in early fall after leaf removal if conditions allow. Set your mower to a final height of 2.5–3 inches to protect turf over winter, and clear all debris to improve drainage—especially important in clay soils. Plan for early spring recovery with light raking and gradual fertilization. For science-based lawn care advice, contact:

University of Illinois Extension
850 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025
Phone: (847) 998-7700
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

• Fertilize in late fall before ground freeze
• Mow to 2.5–3 inches for winter
• Clear debris and improve drainage
• Plan for spring recovery and overseeding if needed

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Morton Grove, IL?

Morton Grove features diverse neighborhoods, each with unique leaf management challenges:

• Delaine Farms: Mature oaks and maples, heavy clay soils, high leaf volume, proximity to North Branch Chicago River requires strict NPDES compliance.
• Lehigh/Farragut Corridor: Dense parkway trees, compacted urban soils, alley collection logistics, moderate slope increases wind-driven leaf accumulation.
• Prairie View Estates: Newer development, smaller lots, lighter tree cover (honey locust, ash), better drainage, but rapid leaf drop in short window.
• Oriole Park Area: Adjacent to parkland, high wildlife habitat value, mix of prairie soils and urban fill, buffer zone management near wetlands.
• Austin/Capulina Historic District: Large lots, mature canopy (elms, oaks), older infrastructure, front collection, floodplain proximity requires careful placement.
• Behnke Subdivision: Moderate tree density, loess-influenced soils, flat topography, easy access for vacuum trucks, but wind exposure increases leaf drift.
• Golf Road Corridor: Commercial/residential mix, scattered trees, compacted soils, alley and front collection, special attention to storm drain proximity.

Each area’s tree coverage, soil type, environmental proximity, and development pattern influence collection schedules and compliance requirements. For neighborhood-specific guidance, contact:

Morton Grove Community and Economic Development
6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 470-5231
Official Website: Morton Grove Community and Economic Development

Morton Grove Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

Morton Grove regulates the use of leaf blowers and other equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may typically be operated from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, with restrictions on Sundays and holidays. Commercial operators must be licensed, and all users must comply with local noise ordinances. Seasonal restrictions may apply to certain types of blowers. For full ordinance details and permit requirements, contact:

Morton Grove Building and Inspectional Services Department
6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 470-5214
Official Website: Morton Grove Building and Inspectional Services Department

• Operate equipment only during permitted hours
• Observe all noise and seasonal restrictions
• Commercial services require proper licensing
• Check for updates to local ordinances before each season

By following Morton Grove’s municipal guidelines, residents can protect lawn health, comply with environmental regulations, and contribute to the community’s ecological stewardship each fall.