Barrington Hills Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Barrington Hills residents must follow specific municipal brush disposal procedures to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Brush should be bundled in lengths no longer than 4 feet, with each bundle weighing under 50 pounds and tied securely with biodegradable twine—plastic is strictly prohibited. Yard waste drop-off sites are available during the April-November collection season, with posted hours and resident permit or sticker requirements. Commercial contractors bringing bulk brush loads may be subject to additional fees. Municipal chipping services are coordinated through the Department of Public Works, often in partnership with the Park District, and finished mulch may be available for residents. These programs are designed to comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibits brush in household trash and mandates the use of biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers. Strictly avoid placing brush in streets or storm drains to protect the Lake Michigan watershed and prevent MS4 violations. For more information, contact:

Barrington Hills Public Works Department (via Village of Barrington)
400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 304-3316
Official Website: Barrington Hills Public Works Department

Barrington Hills Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in Barrington Hills is subject to strict regulation, with many Chicago suburban municipalities—including those in Cook County—prohibiting or severely limiting open burning due to air quality and fire safety concerns. Where burning is permitted, residents must obtain a daily permit, adhere to seasonal burning windows, and follow safety requirements such as maintaining minimum setbacks from structures (typically 50-150 feet), constant supervision, and having a water source or fire extinguisher on hand. Burning of leaves, construction debris, or plastics is strictly prohibited. Fire weather restrictions are coordinated with the National Weather Service Chicago, and burning may be suspended during red flag warnings or county-wide bans. Always check current regulations and obtain approval before burning. For guidance, contact:

Barrington Hills Fire Protection Districts
See fire district map for coverage areas
Phone: (224) 848-4800 (Barrington Countryside FPD)
Official Website: Barrington Hills Fire Protection Districts

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

Barrington Hills faces significant invasive brush pressure, with Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), and Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) dominating many understories. Proper identification is critical, as these species require specialized disposal: remove before fruit set (June-September), bag all berries, and dispose of invasives at a landfill—never compost or chip for mulch. Equipment must be sanitized between sites to prevent disease spread. Hazardous vegetation such as poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats require protective measures. Restoration with native species (oak, serviceberry, viburnum) supports ecosystem recovery and aligns with local conservation goals. For invasive species guidance, consult:

Barrington Hills Community Development Department
112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3003
Official Website: Barrington Hills Building Department

Barrington Hills Environmental Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, streams, or protected areas in Barrington Hills requires coordination with the Environmental Commission or Sustainability Board. Permits may be required for work within 10-25 feet of sensitive habitats, and erosion control measures are mandatory on slopes, especially in heavy clay soils prone to severe erosion. Wildlife protection is essential during the April-August breeding season, with mandatory surveys for nesting birds and inspections for active dens or bat roosts. Selective removal techniques should preserve beneficial habitat features, and immediate site stabilization is required to prevent sediment runoff. For environmental compliance and permit information, contact:

Barrington Hills Boards, Commissions & Committees
Village Hall, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3000
Official Website: Barrington Hills Boards, Commissions & Committees

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

Professional brush removal in Barrington Hills requires adherence to strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, and all operators must be trained and certified for equipment such as chippers and brush hogs. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory, including chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. Before any excavation or stump removal, residents and contractors must contact JULIE 811 - Call Before You Dig at least 48-72 hours in advance to locate underground utilities. Liability insurance (minimum $1 million per occurrence), workers’ compensation, and bonding are required for commercial work. For safety and utility coordination, contact:

Barrington Hills Public Works Department (via Village of Barrington)
400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 304-3316
Official Website: Barrington Hills Public Works Department

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

Optimal brush removal timing in Barrington Hills’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) is ideal after breeding concludes. Avoid major removal from May-August to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. Monitor weather forecasts from the National Weather Service Chicago to avoid work during high winds, saturated soils, or red flag fire warnings. Schedule work to prevent equipment damage to wet clay soils and to comply with fire safety and wildlife protection requirements.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is essential to comply with Barrington Hills’s MS4 permit obligations under the Clean Water Act and protect the Lake Michigan watershed. Erosion control measures—such as silt fencing, erosion control blankets, and mulching—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. Long-term management involves monitoring for invasive regrowth (especially buckthorn), maintaining restored areas, and using herbicides only as permitted by Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations. For stormwater compliance, contact:

Barrington Hills Public Works Department (via Village of Barrington)
400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 304-3316
Official Website: Barrington Hills Public Works Department

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Barrington Hills

Severe weather events in the Chicago area can generate significant storm debris, requiring coordinated emergency response. Barrington Hills issues emergency collection announcements and may extend yard waste collection hours or open temporary drop-off sites. Residents must separate organic brush from construction debris and place materials at the curb without blocking streets. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes for vehicle access, with coordination among Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage sites may be activated. Utility companies (ComEd, Nicor) are involved in power line clearance. For emergency procedures, contact:

Barrington Hills Police Department
112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3006
Official Website: Barrington Hills Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Barrington Hills, IL?

Barrington Hills encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique brush management needs:

• Historic Estates: Mature woodlands with dense buckthorn and honeysuckle understories, high property values, and strict HOA restoration standards
• Spring Creek Valley: Proximity to Cook County Forest Preserve District and wetlands, requiring permit coordination and sensitive habitat protection
• Bateman Road Corridor: Heavy clay soils, mature vegetation, and limited equipment access due to narrow drives
• North Algonquin Road: Newer subdivisions with less invasive pressure but more underground utilities and HOA landscaping requirements
• Fox River Area: Floodplain and wetland proximity, high water table in spring, and stormwater management challenges
• South Barrington Hills: Adjacent to DuPage County Forest Preserve District, requiring coordination for buffer zones and wildlife corridors
• Equestrian Communities: Extensive trail systems, open fields, and unique fire access needs Disposal logistics vary by area, with some neighborhoods relying on curbside pickup and others using drop-off sites or municipal chipping services.

Barrington Hills Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Barrington Hills enforces municipal ordinances governing brush removal equipment operation and commercial service standards. Equipment operation is typically restricted to 7 AM-9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM-9 PM on Saturdays, with possible Sunday limitations. Commercial contractors must hold valid licenses, provide proof of comprehensive insurance (minimum $1 million liability), and comply with bonding requirements for municipal work. Public safety is prioritized through traffic control measures and emergency access standards. Enforcement is managed by Code Enforcement, with penalties for violations such as illegal dumping or noise infractions. For ordinance details, contact:

Barrington Hills Building Permits & Code Enforcement
112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3003
Official Website: Barrington Hills Building Permits & Code Enforcement