Bartlett Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Bartlett’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material in Bartlett is managed through the village’s comprehensive yard waste collection program, which typically operates from April through November. Residents are required to separate dethatched thatch, grass clippings, and leaves for collection, ensuring that only biodegradable paper yard waste bags or rigid containers (32-gallon maximum) are used—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Commercial contractors must adhere to specific fee structures and may require permits for large-scale disposal. For those preferring to drop off yard waste, the village provides a designated site with set operating hours and resident permit or sticker requirements. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but it is important to check the current accepted materials list each season. For more information on collection schedules, drop-off site hours, and disposal guidelines, residents should contact:

Bartlett Department of Public Works
228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-0811
Official Website: Bartlett Public Works Department

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Bartlett’s Heavy Clay Soils

Bartlett’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soil series, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring and an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5), which slows microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. The result is a tendency for thatch—a dense layer of undecomposed stems and roots—to accumulate more rapidly than in well-drained soils. Illinois’ humid summers promote vigorous Kentucky bluegrass growth, while spring waterlogging and freeze-thaw cycles further limit decomposition. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, problems compound: poor drainage is exacerbated, air movement to roots is restricted, and fungal diseases become more prevalent. Homeowners should watch for these indicators of excessive thatch:

• Spongy or matted grass surface
• Water ponding after light rain
• Thinning turf despite fertilization
• Moss growth in shaded areas
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Poor drought performance

Bartlett Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching activities near Bartlett’s wetlands, streams, and conservation lands require careful coordination with the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Properties within 10-25 feet of protected areas, such as those adjacent to Cook County Forest Preserve District or DuPage County Forest Preserve District, may need permits and must follow buffer zone regulations. Erosion control is especially critical in heavy clay soils, which are highly susceptible to sediment runoff when bare. During the spring dethatching window (April-May), residents and contractors must also be mindful of wildlife breeding seasons—visual surveys for nesting birds are recommended before work begins, in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources guidelines. For permit requirements, seasonal restrictions, and environmental compliance procedures, contact:

Bartlett Environmental & Public Health Resources
228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-0800
Official Website: Bartlett Environmental & Public Health Resources

Bartlett’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Bartlett enforces Illinois’ organic waste management regulations, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits disposal of yard waste in household trash. The village’s yard waste collection program requires residents to use biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers for dethatched material, with no plastic bags allowed. On-site composting is permitted but must follow setback requirements (typically 5-10 feet from property lines) and best practices: dethatch should be mixed with brown materials like leaves, kept moist but not saturated, and regularly aerated to promote decomposition. These practices support Bartlett’s waste reduction and sustainability goals. For composting guidelines, collection schedules, and disposal requirements, contact:

Bartlett Department of Public Works
228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-0811
Official Website: Bartlett Public Works Department

Post-Dethatching Stormwater Management in Compliance with Bartlett’s MS4 Program

Bartlett participates in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program to protect the Lake Michigan watershed, in accordance with Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management and the Clean Water Act. After dethatching, exposed clay soils are highly prone to erosion and sediment runoff, especially before new grass is established. Best practices include:

• Immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours (preferably with improved Kentucky bluegrass or turf-type tall fescue)
• Application of starter fertilizer and consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks
• Use of temporary erosion control blankets on slopes exceeding 10-15%
• Sediment protection for nearby storm drains
• Avoiding dethatching when heavy rain is forecast within 24-48 hours (National Weather Service Chicago)
• Never dethatch when soils are saturated to prevent rutting and compaction For more information on stormwater compliance and erosion control, contact:

Bartlett Engineering Services (within Public Works)
228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-0811
Official Website: Bartlett Public Works Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Bartlett, IL?

Bartlett’s neighborhoods each present unique thatch management challenges due to variations in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown Bartlett: Oldest lawns, Drummer silty clay loam, high compaction, mature tree canopy, Kentucky bluegrass dominant, slow thatch decomposition, frequent water ponding.
• Apple Orchard and Bartlett Hills: 1970s-80s developments, moderately compacted clay soils, mix of bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, moderate tree cover, some irrigation, variable thatch rates.
• Fairfax and Woodland Hills: 1980s-2000s subdivisions, newer clay soils, less compaction, more sun exposure, rapid bluegrass growth, less tree cover, higher thatch accumulation risk.
• Asbury Place and Herons Landing: Newer developments, minimal thatch but severe compaction from construction, full sun, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue mix, irrigation common.
• Park Place and Oak Glenn: Proximity to wetlands and forest preserves, poorly drained clay, environmental oversight, buffer zone regulations, seasonal flooding, moss and disease issues.
• Bartlett Pointe and Brewster Creek: HOA-managed, consistent maintenance, irrigation, rapid thatch buildup, newer clay soils, less tree cover.
• Bartlett Park District Areas: Public parks, variable maintenance, high traffic, compaction, bluegrass and ryegrass, near conservation lands. For park and public area management, contact:

Bartlett Park District
696 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 540-4900
Official Website: Bartlett Park District

Bartlett Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Bartlett regulates landscaping operations to minimize noise and ensure public safety. Power dethatchers and similar equipment may typically be operated between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays—residents should verify current ordinances. Noise limits apply to all power equipment, and commercial operators must be licensed and registered with the village, carrying comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bonding may be required for municipal contracts. For work near wetlands or protected areas, additional permits may be necessary. For up-to-date ordinance details, business registration, and permit requirements, contact:

Bartlett Planning & Development Services Department
228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 540-5920
Official Website: Bartlett Planning & Development Services Department

For further guidance on turf management, soil improvement, and fertilization best practices, consult the University of Illinois Extension and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.