Huntley Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Huntley residents benefit from comprehensive municipal brush disposal programs designed to protect the environment and comply with Illinois regulations. Curbside yard waste collection typically runs April through November, requiring brush to be bundled in 4-foot lengths, under 50 pounds, and tied with biodegradable twine—plastic is strictly prohibited. Yard waste drop-off sites are available with posted hours, and residents may need a permit or sticker for access. Commercial contractors must follow fee structures for bulk loads. Municipal chipping services, coordinated through the Department of Public Works and sometimes the Park District, offer on-site chipping during peak spring and fall seasons, with finished mulch often available for residents. Strict separation of brush from leaves and other materials is required, and all programs comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Never place brush in the street or storm drains, as this can impact the Lake Michigan watershed and result in penalties. For more information:

Huntley Department of Public Works
10987 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 515-5222
Official Website: Huntley Department of Public Works

Huntley Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in Huntley is subject to strict regulations, with many Chicago suburbs prohibiting or severely limiting this practice to protect air quality and public safety. Where permitted, residents must obtain a daily open burning permit from the Fire Department, adhere to seasonal burning windows, and follow setback requirements—typically 50-150 feet from structures. Only clean, dry brush may be burned; leaves, treated wood, and plastics are strictly forbidden. Supervision and a water source are mandatory, and burning is prohibited during high winds, drought, or red flag warnings as issued by the National Weather Service Chicago. County-level bans (Cook, DuPage) may further restrict burning. Always check current regulations and weather conditions before burning. For permit information:

Huntley Fire Department
11118 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 669-5066
Official Website: Huntley Fire Department

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

Huntley’s brush removal efforts must address several invasive species common to the Chicago area, including:

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus): Dominant in local understories, requiring removal before fruit set (June-September)
• Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.): Dense thickets, bag berries to prevent spread
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora): Thorny, impenetrable barriers
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Alters soil chemistry

Disposal protocols require bagging fruiting material and sending invasives to landfill—never compost or chip for mulch. Equipment must be sanitized between sites to prevent disease spread. Hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats require protective measures. Restoration with native species (serviceberry, viburnum, prairie grasses) supports ecosystem health and aligns with local conservation goals.

Huntley Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near Huntley’s wetlands, streams, and protected areas is regulated to safeguard sensitive habitats and water quality. Permits may be required for work within 10-25 feet of wetlands or conservation easements, with oversight from the Environmental Commission. Wildlife protection is critical—mandatory surveys for nesting birds (April-August) and inspections for dens or bat roosts are required. Selective removal techniques preserve beneficial habitat features, and brush piles may be strategically retained for wildlife. Erosion control is essential on Huntley’s heavy clay soils, especially on slopes, using silt fencing or erosion blankets to prevent sediment runoff into the Lake Michigan watershed. For guidance:

Huntley Boards and Commissions
10987 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 515-5200
Official Website: Huntley Boards and Commissions

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

Professional brush removal in Huntley requires adherence to rigorous safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, with all operators trained in equipment safety (chainsaws, chippers, brush hogs) and PPE use (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 a minimum 10-foot clearance from overhead power lines is required. Contractors must carry general liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding for municipal work. Proof of JULIE compliance and environmental liability coverage is essential for projects involving herbicide use. For utility locating:

JULIE 811
Call 811 or visit JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig

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

Optimal brush removal timing in Huntley’s Zone 5a-6a climate is during 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, while late fall (October-November) follows the completion of nesting. Avoid removal from May through August to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. Always monitor weather forecasts from the National Weather Service Chicago to avoid work during high winds, saturated soils, or red flag fire warnings. Equipment should not be used on wet clay soils to prevent severe rutting, and all work must comply with fire weather and wildlife protection protocols.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to protect the Lake Michigan watershed under Huntley’s MS4 permit and the Clean Water Act. Erosion control measures—such as mulching, silt fencing, and erosion control blankets—are critical for exposed clay soils. Reestablish native vegetation using 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), periodic maintenance, and, if necessary, licensed herbicide application in compliance with Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations. For environmental compliance:

Huntley Development Services Department
10987 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 515-5252
Official Website: Huntley Development Services Department

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Huntley

Severe weather events in the Chicago area often generate significant storm debris, requiring coordinated emergency response. Huntley issues collection announcements via its website and social media, with instructions to separate organic brush from construction debris and household waste. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares, with extended yard waste collection hours or temporary drop-off sites established as needed. FEMA coordination may be necessary for major disasters, requiring documentation and proper debris placement. Safety protocols include utility coordination (ComEd for power lines), traffic control with the Police Department, and public safety measures during cleanup. For emergency response:

Huntley Police Department
10911 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 515-5311
Official Website: Huntley Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Huntley, IL?

Huntley encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Del Webb Sun City: Mature landscaping, moderate buckthorn pressure, HOA requirements for appearance
• Talamore: Newer development, less invasive pressure, strict HOA landscaping standards
• Downtown Huntley: Older grid-pattern streets, high utility density (overhead lines), limited equipment access
• Georgian Place: Proximity to wetlands, conservation easements, permit coordination required
• Southwind: Established subdivision, moderate brush density, clay soil drainage challenges
• Northbridge: Adjacent to forest preserve, high invasive species risk, wildlife habitat sensitivity
• Wing Pointe: Planned community, deed restrictions on vegetation, curbside collection logistics

Each area requires tailored approaches for vegetation type, environmental sensitivity, infrastructure, and disposal logistics, with close coordination between residents, HOAs, and municipal agencies.

Huntley Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Huntley enforces municipal ordinances governing 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—always verify current local rules. Commercial contractors must be licensed, carry comprehensive insurance, and comply with public safety requirements, including traffic control and emergency vehicle access. Noise restrictions and dust control measures are enforced to minimize community impact. Code Enforcement oversees compliance, with penalties for violations. For ordinance details:

Huntley Code Enforcement
10987 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: (847) 515-5252
Official Website: Huntley Code Enforcement