Orland Park Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

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

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material in Orland Park 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, placing them in biodegradable paper bags (plastic bags are not accepted) or rigid containers up to 32 gallons. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional permit or fee requirements for large-scale disposal. Yard waste is collected curbside on scheduled days, and a drop-off site is available for larger quantities, with operating hours and resident permit requirements posted seasonally. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but must be free of trash and non-organic debris. For up-to-date collection schedules, drop-off site hours, and detailed disposal guidelines, residents should contact:

Orland Park Department of Public Works
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-6350
Official Website: Orland Park Department of Public Works

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Orland Park’s Heavy Clay Soils

Orland Park’s lawns are predominantly established on heavy clay soils, such as Drummer silty clay loam, 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, lawns in Orland Park experience compounded drainage issues, restricted air movement to roots, and increased susceptibility to fungal diseases common in the region. Visual indicators that dethatching is needed include:

• Matted, spongy 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

Orland Park Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching activities near Orland Park’s wetlands, streams, and conservation areas are subject to oversight by the Environmental Commission and Sustainability Board. Work within 10-25 feet of protected wetlands or forest preserve lands (such as those managed by the Cook County Forest Preserve District or DuPage County Forest Preserve District) may require permits and adherence to buffer zone regulations. Seasonal restrictions are in place to protect wildlife, particularly during the April-May nesting season for ground-nesting birds; visual surveys are recommended before starting work. Erosion control is critical in these areas, especially on clay soils prone to severe erosion when bare. Best practices include immediate overseeding, use of erosion control blankets on slopes, and sediment barriers to prevent runoff into sensitive habitats. For permit requirements and environmental compliance procedures, contact:

Orland Park Commissions and Advisory Boards
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-6100
Official Website: Orland Park Commissions and Advisory Boards

Orland Park’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Orland Park enforces state and local regulations for organic waste management, in line with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5). Organic yard waste, including dethatched material, is prohibited from household trash and must be disposed of through municipal programs. Residents should use biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers for curbside collection, and follow guidelines for bundling and separating materials. On-site composting is permitted with setbacks from property lines (typically 5-10 feet) and best practices such as mixing thatch with leaves, maintaining moisture, and regular aeration to promote decomposition. These efforts support Orland Park’s waste reduction and sustainability goals. For composting guidelines and program details, contact:

Orland Park Department of Public Works
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-6350
Official Website: Orland Park Department of Public Works

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

Dethatching exposes bare soil, increasing the risk of erosion and sediment runoff, especially in Orland Park’s heavy clay soils. The village participates in the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program to protect the Lake Michigan watershed, requiring erosion control measures after aggressive dethatching. Immediate overseeding within 24-48 hours is recommended to stabilize soil, with temporary erosion control blankets used on slopes exceeding 10-15%. Sediment barriers should be installed to protect storm drains, and all exposed areas must be stabilized promptly to prevent clay sediment from entering waterways. Weather scheduling is critical—avoid dethatching before forecasted heavy rain and never work on saturated clay soils to prevent rutting and compaction. For more information on stormwater compliance and best practices, consult:

Orland Park Engineering Department
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-5010
Official Website: Orland Park Engineering Department

Additional resources:

• Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management
• Clean Water Act
• National Weather Service Chicago
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Orland Park, IL?

Orland Park encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, each with unique thatch management challenges due to differences in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown: Older lawns (50-70 years) with compacted Drummer silty clay loam, poor drainage, and mature tree canopy slowing thatch decomposition.
• Orland Hills: Post-WWII suburb with high water table in spring, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, and moderate tree cover.
• Eagle Ridge and Brook Hills: 1980s-2000s developments with somewhat improved drainage but still heavy clay soils, mixed grass species, and HOA-managed common areas.
• Orland Grove and Preserves: Proximity to forest preserves and wetlands, requiring buffer zone compliance and heightened erosion control.
• Somerglen and Silo Ridge: Newer subdivisions with minimal thatch but severe compaction from recent construction, full sun exposure, and rapid turf establishment.
• Parkway/Tree Lawn Areas: Street tree impact, variable maintenance, and compaction from foot traffic.
• Mallard Landings: Properties with irrigation systems, consistent moisture, and rapid thatch accumulation.

Each area requires tailored dethatching and soil management strategies based on soil drainage, grass species, tree density, and maintenance history. For neighborhood-specific guidance, contact:

Orland Park Development Services Department
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-5300
Official Website: Orland Park Development Services Department

Orland Park Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Landscaping operations in Orland Park are governed by municipal ordinances designed to minimize noise and ensure public safety. Power dethatchers and related equipment may be operated between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays; Sunday restrictions may apply, so residents and contractors should verify current regulations. Noise ordinances limit decibel levels for outdoor equipment, and commercial service providers must be licensed and registered with the village, carrying appropriate liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bonding may be required for municipal contracts. For up-to-date ordinance details, business registration, and equipment operation guidelines, contact:

Orland Park Code Enforcement
14700 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Phone: (708) 403-5300
Official Website: Orland Park Code Enforcement

For additional educational resources on lawn care and dethatching best practices in Illinois, visit University of Illinois Extension.