New Lenox Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

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

New Lenox’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 scheduled 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 New Lenox Transfer Station accepts bulk leaf drop-off for residents with a valid permit during posted hours, and only leaves, grass clippings, and small branches are accepted. For questions about collection schedules, bag requirements, or transfer station permits, contact:

New Lenox Department of Public Works
701 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 215-4800
Official Website: New Lenox Department of Public Works

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

New Lenox is situated on heavy clay prairie soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey, which are known for slow drainage and compaction. When leaves accumulate for more than two to three weeks on these soils, turfgrass can quickly suffocate due to reduced air exchange and moisture retention, leading to anaerobic conditions and increased risk of fungal diseases. In compacted urban fill soils, damage can occur even faster. While mulch-mowing is effective for light leaf coverage on well-drained areas, removal is necessary when leaves form thick mats, especially in shaded or poorly drained lawns. Leaves may be left in naturalized beds, conservation buffers, or wooded areas to support soil health and wildlife, but maintained lawns require regular removal to prevent turf loss and disease.

New Lenox Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is essential near New Lenox’s streams, wetlands, and conservation areas to protect sensitive habitats and comply with state and local regulations. Buffer zones must be maintained along water bodies, and leaves should not be dumped or blown into these areas. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) provides guidance on managing natural areas, emphasizing the ecological benefits of retaining leaves in conservation zones for wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling. However, in maintained lawns and near stormwater infrastructure, removal is required to prevent nutrient runoff and habitat disruption. Residents are encouraged to consult with the New Lenox Community Development Department for site-specific guidance:

New Lenox Community Development Department
1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 462-6490
Official Website: New Lenox Community Development Department

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

Leaves must never be placed in streets, gutters, or near storm drains in New Lenox, as this practice can lead to nutrient loading, oxygen depletion, and algae growth in local receiving waters such as Hickory Creek and the Des Plaines River. The Village operates under the Illinois EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, which requires strict compliance with NPDES regulations to protect water quality. Residents should:

• Place leaves at the curb, not in the street
• Keep piles at least three feet from storm drains
• Avoid raking leaves into ditches or waterways

For more information on stormwater compliance and water quality protection, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Water Act.

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

Illinois law prohibits the disposal of yard waste, including leaves, in landfills. New Lenox enforces this through its municipal collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags or participate in loose leaf collection as designated. The DPW provides educational materials on composting and proper disposal, and the Transfer Station offers alternatives for bulk drop-off. Setback requirements from property lines and stormwater features are enforced to prevent runoff. Residents are encouraged to compost leaves on-site where feasible, following guidelines from the University of Illinois Extension. For questions about compliance or composting, contact:

New Lenox Building Department
1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 462-6490
Official Website: New Lenox Building Department

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

New Lenox’s urban canopy features a mix of oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust, each with distinct leaf drop patterns. Sugar and Norway maples, along with ash trees, begin shedding in early October. Red and white oaks, hickories, and elms follow from mid-October through November, while bur oaks and American beech may hold leaves into December. The National Weather Service Chicago provides up-to-date forecasts to help residents plan removal 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 of local species and to accommodate unpredictable Illinois weather.

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

After leaf removal, lawns should be assessed for thin or damaged areas. Late-season fertilization, typically in early November, supports root growth and winter hardiness in New Lenox’s USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. Overseeding may be possible if completed before the first hard frost. The final mowing should leave grass at 2.5 to 3 inches to protect crowns during winter. Debris clearance and drainage improvements are especially important on clay soils to prevent waterlogging. Residents can consult the University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic for advice on lawn recovery and spring care following winter dormancy.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout New Lenox, IL?

New Lenox encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, each with unique leaf management needs:

• Heather Glen: Mature oaks and maples, heavy clay soils, proximity to Hickory Creek requiring strict NPDES compliance
• Cherry Hill: Dense parkway trees, moderate clay content, larger lots, and front collection logistics
• Windemere East: Newer development, lighter tree cover, compacted urban soils, efficient curbside pickup
• Palmer Ranch: Adjacent to prairie restoration areas, high wind exposure, and special buffer management for conservation zones
• Nantucket Lakes: Mix of mature and young trees, variable soil drainage, and close to wetlands requiring environmental oversight
• Liberty Square: Historic area with large lots, mature canopy, and alley access challenges for collection vehicles
• Sky Harbor: Elevated topography, prairie wind exposure, and rapid leaf accumulation in low-lying areas

Each area’s tree density, soil type, and proximity to sensitive resources influence collection schedules and environmental compliance requirements.

New Lenox Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

New Lenox regulates the operation of leaf blowers and other equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may generally be used 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. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels, and commercial operators may require municipal licensing. Residents should avoid using blowers near protected areas and during high wind events to prevent leaf dispersal into streets or waterways. For details on equipment regulations and seasonal restrictions, contact:

Will County Health Department
501 Ella Avenue, Joliet, IL 60433
Phone: (815) 727-8480
Official Website: Will County Health Department

By following New Lenox’s municipal guidelines, residents help protect local water quality, support ecological stewardship, and maintain healthy lawns throughout the fall and winter seasons.