River Forest Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

Contact River Forest's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Leaf Collection & Curbside Pickup Schedules

River Forest operates a comprehensive municipal leaf collection program each fall, typically beginning in mid-October and running through the first week of December. Collection is organized by neighborhood, with specific pickup days assigned to each area and increased frequency during peak leaf drop in late October and November. Residents may place loose leaves at the curb for vacuum collection, provided piles are set out by 7:00 AM on scheduled days and kept at least 10 feet from storm drains, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. Biodegradable paper bags are required for any bagged yard waste, in compliance with the Illinois yard waste landfill ban. For larger volumes, the village offers access to a Transfer Station for bulk leaf disposal; permits may be required, and only leaves and small branches are accepted during posted operating hours. For more information or to confirm your neighborhood’s collection schedule, contact:

River Forest Public Works Department
400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 366-8500
Official Website: River Forest Public Works Department

Understanding Leaf Accumulation Impact on River Forest's Heavy Clay Prairie Soils & Lawn Health

River Forest’s soils are predominantly heavy clay prairie soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils drain slowly, causing water to pool and creating anaerobic conditions when covered by a thick layer of leaves. In these conditions, just 2-3 weeks of heavy leaf accumulation can suffocate turfgrass, block sunlight, and promote fungal diseases. Compacted urban fill soils, common in developed areas, exacerbate these issues by further reducing drainage and air exchange. While mulch-mowing is effective for light leaf coverage on well-drained soils, removal is necessary when leaves accumulate heavily or in shaded, poorly drained areas. Leaves can be left in naturalized garden beds, conservation buffer zones, or wooded areas to support soil health and wildlife, but maintained lawns require regular removal to prevent damage. For more on local soils, visit the USDA Web Soil Survey.

River Forest Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is essential for protecting River Forest’s sensitive natural resources, including the Des Plaines River and adjacent wetlands. Illinois regulations require buffer zones near streams, rivers, and conservation areas, where natural leaf retention supports wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling. However, leaves must be removed from maintained lawns and kept out of buffer zones to prevent nutrient runoff and water quality degradation. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ensures compliance with protected area guidelines and supports ecological stewardship. Residents are encouraged to consult with local environmental services for best practices:

River Forest Environmental Commission
400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 366-8500
Official Website: River Forest Environmental Commission

For state-level guidance, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Keep Leaves Out of Streets & Storm Drains: River Forest's NPDES Stormwater Compliance Requirements

River Forest participates in the Illinois EPA’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program, which mandates strict controls on organic debris entering storm drains. Leaves left in streets or gutters can clog stormwater systems, leading to localized flooding and nutrient pollution in the Des Plaines River and connected waterways. Excess organic matter in stormwater increases nutrient loading, depletes oxygen, and can trigger algae blooms, harming aquatic life. Residents must ensure leaves are placed on the parkway—not in the street—and never block storm drains. For more on stormwater compliance, see the EPA NPDES and Clean Water Act.

River Forest's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Fall Leaves

Illinois law prohibits the disposal of yard waste, including leaves, in landfills. River Forest enforces this through its municipal collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags for bagged leaves or participate in loose leaf curbside collection. The village provides educational materials on proper disposal, composting alternatives, and setback requirements to prevent yard waste from entering stormwater systems. Residents may also utilize the Transfer Station for bulk drop-off, following posted guidelines. For more information on state regulations, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

Optimal Leaf Removal Timing for River Forest's Tree Species & Illinois Fall Weather Patterns

River Forest’s urban canopy features a diverse mix of oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locusts, each with distinct leaf drop patterns. Sugar and Norway maples, along with ash trees, begin shedding leaves in early October. Red and white oaks, hickories, elms, and honey locusts follow from mid-October through November, while bur oaks and American beech may hold leaves into December. Optimal removal timing involves multiple collection passes: after major drop events but before heavy rainfall or early snow, which can mat leaves and complicate removal. Monitoring local forecasts from the National Weather Service Chicago helps residents schedule removal before freeze-thaw cycles set in. Key tips include:

• Schedule removal after peak drop for each tree species
• Plan for multiple passes in areas with dense canopy
• Remove leaves before forecasted rain or snow events

Post-Leaf Removal Lawn Recovery & Winter Preparation in River Forest's Climate Zone

After leaf removal, River Forest residents should assess lawns for thin or damaged areas, especially where heavy leaf cover persisted. Late-season fertilization, applied according to University of Illinois Extension recommendations, supports root health and winter hardiness. Overseeding may be possible in early fall after leaf removal, but should be completed before the first hard frost. Final mowing should leave grass at 2.5-3 inches to protect crowns during winter. Clearing debris and improving drainage—especially in clay-rich soils—reduces disease risk and prepares lawns for spring recovery. For expert advice, contact:

University of Illinois Extension
Cook County Office, 2205 Enterprise Dr., Suite 501, Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: (708) 449-4320
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

For plant health diagnostics, visit the University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout River Forest, IL?

River Forest’s neighborhoods each present unique leaf management challenges:

• Central River Forest: Mature oaks and maples create high leaf volumes; heavy clay soils slow decomposition, requiring frequent removal. Proximity to the Des Plaines River necessitates strict NPDES compliance.
• North River Forest: Newer developments with mixed species and improved drainage; smaller lots and alley access affect collection logistics.
• Keystone Park Area: Dense canopy of elms and honey locusts; adjacent to parklands and floodplain, requiring careful buffer management and stormwater protection.
• Edgewood Place District: Historic homes with large lots and mature trees; compacted urban soils increase risk of turf damage from leaf accumulation.
• Concordia University Vicinity: Institutional grounds with diverse species; wind exposure from open spaces leads to uneven leaf distribution and accumulation in low areas.
• River Edge Estates: Close to wetlands and conservation areas; special attention to buffer zones and wildlife habitat preservation.
• Lake Street Corridor: Commercial and residential mix; parkway trees and high traffic require coordinated collection to prevent street and storm drain blockages.

River Forest Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

River Forest regulates the use of leaf blowers and other powered equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may typically be operated between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays; Sunday and holiday use may be restricted. Commercial operators must comply with licensing requirements and observe all seasonal restrictions. Residents are encouraged to use electric or low-noise equipment and avoid blowing leaves into streets or neighboring properties. For details on local ordinances and code enforcement, contact:

River Forest Building Department
400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 714-3552
Official Website: River Forest Building Department

For public health concerns related to leaf management, contact:

Cook County Department of Public Health
7556 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: (708) 836-8600
Official Website: Cook County Department of Public Health

By following River Forest’s municipal guidelines and state regulations, residents can protect lawn health, support ecological stewardship, and ensure compliance with environmental standards throughout the fall leaf season.