Cicero Landscape Services

Contact Your Local Cicero Public Works or Parks Department for Green Waste Info

Cicero’s green waste management program is designed to support residents in maintaining healthy lawns while protecting local waterways and the Lake Michigan watershed. Yard waste collection typically runs from April through November, with pickups scheduled weekly on regular refuse days. Residents must use paper yard waste bags or clearly labeled rigid containers—plastic bags are not accepted. For larger branches, brush bundles must be tied with twine and kept under 4 feet in length. Drop-off sites for yard waste and composting are available to residents, often requiring a valid sticker or permit, and accept only organic materials such as grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. Commercial landscapers must comply with disposal requirements and may be subject to fees. Disposing of lawn waste in streets, alleys, or storm drains is strictly prohibited to prevent water quality violations under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5).

Cicero Public Works Department
4949 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 656-3600
Official Website: Cicero Department of Public Works

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Cicero, IL

Lawn care in Cicero is governed by a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure environmental compliance and community safety. The Illinois Fertilizer Act (505 ILCS 80) restricts phosphorus use on established lawns unless a soil test indicates deficiency or for new lawn establishment. Fertilizer applications must avoid buffer zones near water bodies, typically 10-25 feet. Pesticide use is regulated under the Illinois Pesticide Act (415 ILCS 60), requiring commercial applicator licensing and notification postings. Outdoor watering is subject to local ordinances, often following odd/even address schedules and time-of-day restrictions (before 10 AM or after 6 PM). Noise ordinances limit equipment operation to 7:00 AM-9:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM-9:00 PM Saturdays, with restrictions on Sundays and holidays. Commercial operators must register with the town, maintain liability insurance, and ensure worker certifications.

Cicero Community Development Department
4949 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 656-3600
Official Website: Cicero Town Departments

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Cicero, IL?

Cicero’s neighborhoods each present unique lawn care challenges shaped by local soil, climate, and community factors:

• Grant Works: Characterized by mature tree canopies, heavy clay soils, and smaller lot sizes, requiring shade-tolerant grasses and frequent aeration.
• Boulevard Manor: Features newer developments with shallow topsoil and drainage issues, necessitating soil amendments and drought-tolerant turf blends.
• Clyde: Historic district with older homes, dense underground utilities, and strict aesthetic standards, demanding careful compliance with local guidelines.
• Hawthorne: Proximity to the Des Plaines River and forest preserves brings wetland buffer regulations and increased wildlife pressure.
• Parkholme: Larger lots and open sun exposure create heat stress and compaction challenges, best addressed with tall fescue and core aeration.
• Central Cicero/Downtown: Urban microclimate, high traffic, and limited green space require resilient turf species and integrated pest management.
• South Cicero: Bordering industrial areas, lawns face salt and pollutant exposure, making soil testing and remediation essential.

Partnering With Cicero’s Environmental Commission for Sustainable Landscaping

Cicero’s Environmental Commission plays a vital role in guiding sustainable landscaping and protecting sensitive areas. Key initiatives include:

• Wetland and buffer zone protection, enforcing fertilizer and pesticide restrictions near waterways
• Promotion of organic lawn care and native plantings, such as prairie grasses and wildflowers
• Installation of rain gardens to manage stormwater and reduce runoff
• Community composting and mulching programs to recycle green waste
• Coordination with Cook County Forest Preserve District and local tree planting campaigns These efforts support compliance with the Clean Water Act and Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management, ensuring Cicero’s contribution to Lake Michigan watershed protection.

Cicero Environmental Commission
4949 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 656-3600
Official Website: Cicero Town Departments

Top Cicero Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Cicero lawns face several region-specific challenges:

• Heavy clay soil compaction
• Alkaline pH (7.0-8.0+)
• Road salt damage (especially near major roads)
• Grub infestations (Japanese beetles, masked chafers)
• Fungal diseases (brown patch, snow mold)
• Drought and heat stress
• Weed invasions (crabgrass, dandelion, nutsedge)

Science-based solutions include:

• Core aeration twice annually to relieve compaction
• Soil testing via University of Illinois Extension and sulfur amendments for pH adjustment
• Overseeding with turf-type tall fescue for drought tolerance
• Integrated pest management and disease-resistant grass cultivars
• Proper mowing, watering, and mulching practices
• Installation of French drains or subsurface drainage for wet areas
• Use of organic fertilizers and grasscycling to improve soil health

What Makes Lawns in Cicero Different From the Rest of Illinois?

Cicero’s lawns are shaped by unique regional factors:

• Climate: USDA Hardiness Zone 5a-6a, with a 180-200 day growing season and harsh winters
• Soil: Predominantly Drummer silty clay loam, high in calcium and naturally alkaline, with poor drainage due to glacial till
• Microclimate: Urban heat island effects, Lake Michigan’s moderating influence, and prairie winds
• Pest Pressure: High incidence of Japanese beetles, billbugs, and fungal diseases from humid summers
• Development Patterns: Post-WWII suburban growth, mature tree canopies, and a shift from pure Kentucky bluegrass to mixed-species lawns These conditions require tailored horticultural practices and ongoing adaptation to climate and soil realities.

Supporting Local Events in Cicero With Lawn Expertise

Lawn care professionals and municipal staff support a variety of community events and programs:

• Summer festivals and farmers markets on the village green
• Athletic field maintenance for youth sports (Little League, soccer, football)
• Park beautification for public gatherings and holiday celebrations
• Collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department for volunteer cleanup days
• Emergency storm response and debris removal after severe weather
• Community education workshops, Arbor Day, and Earth Day events
• Partnerships with local schools, garden clubs, and libraries for sustainable lawn care education

Cicero Parks and Recreation Department
4949 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 656-3600
Official Website: Cicero Parks and Recreation Department

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Backed by Cicero’s Green Initiatives

Cicero’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its green initiatives:

• Tree City USA participation and local tree planting programs
• Water conservation through smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors
• Drought-tolerant turf selection and xeriscaping for low-water landscapes
• Compost topdressing and organic lawn care to improve clay soil structure
• Pollinator-friendly landscaping supporting bees and butterflies
• Transition to battery-powered equipment to reduce emissions and noise
• Grasscycling to reduce landfill waste and carbon footprint These practices align with Cicero’s climate action goals and regional environmental partnerships.

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Cicero

Lawn care services and municipal programs cover all major neighborhoods and streets in Cicero, including:

• Downtown/Central: Cermak Road corridor, Town Hall, Cicero Metra Station
• North Cicero: 16th Street, Grant Works, Hawthorne Race Course area
• South Cicero: 31st Street, Parkholme, Morton East High School vicinity
• East Cicero: Laramie Avenue, Boulevard Manor, Clyde Historic District
• West Cicero: Austin Boulevard, Roosevelt Road, areas near Cicero Community Park
• Major Subdivisions: Boulevard Manor, Grant Works, Parkholme, Hawthorne
• Landmarks: Cicero Community Park, Hawthorne Park District, Morton College, Cicero Metra Station
• Special Considerations: Historic districts (Clyde), conservation easements near Des Plaines River, areas with HOA guidelines This comprehensive coverage ensures that every resident benefits from science-based, environmentally responsible lawn care tailored to Cicero’s unique suburban landscape.

Cicero Water Department
4949 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: (708) 656-3600
Official Website: Cicero Water Department