Frankfort Plant Removal Services

Our Plant Removal Process

Contact Frankfort's Department of Public Works for Plant Material Disposal & Organic Waste Management

Frankfort's Department of Public Works oversees comprehensive plant material disposal and organic waste management programs to ensure environmental compliance and community safety. Residents must follow seasonal yard waste collection guidelines, using biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) and bundling woody material in 4-foot lengths not exceeding 50 pounds. Composting facilities require permits and may charge fees; operating hours and accepted materials are posted on the municipal website. Specialized disposal categories include:

• Invasive species: bagged in heavy-duty plastic, sent to landfill (never composted)
• Diseased plants: quarantined and disposed of under controlled conditions
• Hazardous plants: require special handling protocols
• Healthy native plants: accepted for municipal composting
• Large woody material: coordinated with chipping services

All materials must be staged on private property until collection, with immediate cleanup to prevent the spread of invasive seeds or pathogens and to protect storm drains. Coordination with Frankfort's beautification and environmental programs is encouraged. Strictly avoid placing plant debris in streets or storm drains to prevent MS4 violations.

Frankfort Department of Public Works
432 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Official Website: Frankfort Department of Public Works

Professional Plant Assessment, Species Identification & Removal Prioritization in Frankfort's Prairie Till Plains

Professional botanical assessment is essential for responsible plant removal in Frankfort's Prairie Till Plains, where glacial soils support diverse native and non-native species. Certified experts use taxonomic keys and scientific nomenclature for accurate species identification, referencing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources prohibited plant lists and consulting University of Illinois Extension diagnostic services for complex cases. Comprehensive site evaluations include:

• Soil condition and root system assessment
• Ecological value for habitat and wildlife
• Coordination with landscape architects for restoration

Removal prioritization follows:

• Immediate: invasive species, diseased plants, safety hazards
• High: declining ornamentals, overcrowded plantings
• Moderate: healthy plants needing relocation

Documentation includes photographic records before and after removal, species verification, and site condition assessments, supporting restoration planning and regulatory compliance.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Plant Removal & Water Quality Protection

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) mandates strict water quality protection during plant removal, especially near Frankfort's protected waterways and wetlands. Compliance with watershed protection programs and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) standards is required to prevent sediment and debris from entering rivers and streams. Key requirements include:

• Environmental assessment of removal impacts on soil stability and water quality
• Protection of riparian buffers and streambanks
• Coordination with the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Immediate site protection involves preventing soil compaction, safeguarding root zones, and installing temporary erosion controls (silt fences, straw wattles). Restoration planning must prioritize native species replacement and habitat enhancement, aligning with Frankfort's biodiversity and environmental goals.

Invasive Species Management & Specialized Disposal Requirements Under Illinois Regulations

Frankfort faces significant challenges from invasive species such as Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica/frangula), Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Management protocols include:

• Removal timed to prevent seed dispersal (species-specific phenology)
• Mechanical extraction tailored to root type (taproot, fibrous, rhizomatous)
• Selective herbicide use under Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations
• Equipment sanitation between sites (70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% bleach)

Disposal requires bagging invasive material in heavy-duty plastic for landfill, never composting. Transportation protocols prevent seed spread, and follow-up monitoring is scheduled at 6 months and annually, with documentation of regrowth and treatment effectiveness.

Professional Certification, Safety Standards & Hazardous Plant Protocols

Plant removal in Frankfort demands professional credentials such as Illinois Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Arborist, with specialized training in invasive species management and pesticide application (Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing). Safety protocols require:

• Personal protective equipment: safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (A4+), steel-toed boots, long sleeves/pants
• First aid certification and emergency response plans
• Daily equipment inspection and maintenance

Hazardous plants like Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac (Toxicodendron spp.), Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) require barrier creams, full-body protection, and post-exposure washing. Liability standards include $1M+ general liability insurance, environmental impairment coverage, bonding for municipal contracts, and workers' compensation for employee safety.

Frankfort Health Department
501 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Official Website: Will County Health Department

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Frankfort's Climate Zone 5b

Frankfort's USDA Hardiness Zone 5b climate requires careful timing for plant removal. Optimal windows include:

• Fall/Winter (October-March): most invasive removals
• Early Spring (March-April): before nesting and active growth
• Late Spring/Early Summer (May-June): for certain species
• Summer (July-August): restrictions for wildlife protection

Weather coordination uses National Weather Service Chicago data for soil moisture, temperature (60-85°F for herbicide), precipitation, and wind speed (under 15 mph). Wildlife protection mandates nesting bird surveys (March-August), visual checks for dens/roosts, and coordination with Illinois Department of Natural Resources for timing. Removal windows are species-specific, considering growth cycles and dormancy.

Post-Removal Site Restoration, Soil Amendment & Native Species Establishment

Restoration after plant removal is critical for ecological health. Procedures include:

• Soil testing via University of Illinois Extension for pH, nutrients, organic matter
• Amending soil with 1-3 inches of compost, lime for pH adjustment, and mechanical tillage for compaction relief
• Immediate stabilization: seeding annual ryegrass or winter rye within 24-48 hours, mulching, and installing erosion control blankets on slopes

Long-term planning focuses on reestablishing native prairie, woodland, or riparian communities, enhancing wildlife habitat, and integrating with Frankfort's green infrastructure. Monitoring includes 1-2 growing seasons of care, invasive species checks, and success evaluation by coverage and diversity.

Frankfort Community Development Department
432 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Official Website: Frankfort Development Services Department

Stormwater Management & Erosion Control During Plant Removal Operations in Compliance with Frankfort's MS4 Program

Frankfort's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act requires immediate erosion control for exposed soil over 1,000 square feet and protection of storm drains from debris. Best management practices include:

• Staging equipment away from drains and water bodies with secondary containment
• Daily mechanical cleanup of plant debris from streets and sidewalks
• Installing silt fences, straw wattles, and check dams around work areas
• Containing materials during processing with tarps and barriers

Long-term, native plant restoration improves infiltration, reduces runoff, and enhances water quality. Compliance monitoring involves weekly inspections for the first month, monthly thereafter, with photographic documentation and prompt repair of damaged areas.

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection for Safe Plant Removal Operations

Before any excavation or root removal, JULIE (811) notification is mandatory at least 48 hours in advance. Utility location must be verified and documented, with hand-digging required within 18 inches of marked lines. Safety protocols include:

• Maintaining minimum approach distances to overhead lines (10 feet for up to 50kV)
• Coordinating with electric, gas, water, and telecom utilities
• Emergency procedures for accidental strikes: immediate work stoppage and emergency notification

Specialized techniques such as selective root pruning and root barriers protect infrastructure. Final inspection and approval by utility representatives and the Frankfort Building Department ensure restoration and safety.

Frankfort Building Department
432 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Official Website: Frankfort Building Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Frankfort, IL?

Frankfort's neighborhoods each present unique plant removal challenges:

• Historic Downtown: mature trees, high utility density, historic landscape standards, restoration for pollinator gardens
• Prestwick: woodland edges, invasive pressure, HOA landscape requirements, proximity to wetlands
• Butternut Creek Woods: native woodland, rare species habitat, limited equipment access, conservation easements
• Brookside Glen: newer developments, ornamental plantings, stormwater management zones, community green corridors
• Olde Stone Village: prairie remnants, invasive grass encroachment, infrastructure near open space, native restoration opportunities
• Lincoln Estates: mature landscaping, mixed native/non-native species, property value considerations, pollinator habitat potential
• Sandalwood Estates: riparian buffers, water quality protection, complex utility layout, wildlife enhancement

Each area requires tailored assessment of plant communities, environmental sensitivities, infrastructure, community standards, and restoration opportunities, with coordination among municipal departments and conservation partners.

Frankfort Municipal Ordinances for Plant Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Frankfort regulates plant removal equipment operation to minimize community disruption and ensure safety. Permitted hours are typically 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions and residential limitations enforced. Commercial service providers must have:

• Business licenses and contractor registration
• General liability and workers' compensation insurance
• Bonding where required
• Pesticide applicator licensing for chemical treatments

Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment operation, pedestrian safety, and right-of-way permits. Environmental compliance covers material handling, vehicle maintenance, cleanup, and waste disposal in accordance with Illinois EPA regulations. Coordination with the Frankfort Planning Department ensures adherence to local ordinances and service standards.

Frankfort Planning Department
432 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Official Website: Frankfort Planning and Zoning Commission