Golf Flower Bed Maintenance Services

Our Flower Bed Maintenance Process

Contact Golf’s Department of Public Works for Garden Debris Disposal & Municipal Composting Programs

Proper flower bed maintenance in Golf, Illinois, begins with responsible garden debris management coordinated through the Department of Public Works. Residents must sort materials for disposal:

• Healthy plant material (annuals, perennial divisions, deadheaded flowers) is suitable for municipal composting
• Diseased material (powdery mildew, blight, rust) must be bagged and sent to landfill, never composted
• Invasive species (buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard) require containment and certified disposal
• Pruned branches must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, tied with biodegradable twine, and weigh under 50 pounds
• Yard waste is collected April-November in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers (no plastic)
• Finished compost is available for soil improvement, supporting sustainable practices in heavy clay soils
• Mulch must be kept 3-5 feet from structures for fire safety, following Fire Department guidelines

Golf Department of Public Works
1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029
Phone: (847) 998-8852
Official Website: Golf Department of Public Works

Professional Soil Assessment & Amendment Requirements for Golf’s Heavy Clay Soils

Golf’s flower beds are typically established in Drummer silty clay loam, characterized by 35-60% clay and alkaline pH (7.0-8.5). Mandatory soil testing through University of Illinois Extension or certified labs is essential to determine:

• pH adjustment needs (sulfur application to lower to 6.0-7.0)
• Organic matter content (target 4-6%, often only 2-3% present)
• Nutrient levels and drainage assessment Comprehensive amendment protocols include:
• Incorporating 3-4 inches of compost into the top 8-12 inches of soil
• Building raised beds 8-12 inches high for improved drainage
• Using a 50/50 mix of native clay and compost for planting
• Addressing compaction with double-digging or tilling, and mitigating salt damage with gypsum

Golf Environmental Commission Guidelines for Flower Bed Maintenance Near Protected Areas

Flower bed projects near wetlands, streams, or conservation areas require coordination with the Environmental Commission. Key guidelines include:

• Observing buffer zones (10-25 feet) and obtaining permits for work near sensitive areas
• Protecting tree root zones (no cultivation within drip line)
• Prioritizing native, pollinator-friendly plants such as milkweed (Asclepias), coneflower (Echinacea), and asters (Symphyotrichum)
• Timing maintenance to avoid wildlife nesting periods (April-August)
• Using mulching (2-4 inches) and silt fencing to control runoff and erosion in clay soils

Golf Environmental Commission
1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029
Phone: (847) 998-8852
Official Website: Golf Environmental Programs

Integrated Pest Management & Plant Health Care Standards for Golf’s Climate Zone 5a-6a

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the foundation of plant health care in Golf’s Zone 5a-6a climate. The IPM hierarchy includes:

• Cultural controls: proper plant selection, spacing (12-18 inches), watering, fertilization based on soil tests, and sanitation
• Mechanical controls: hand-weeding, shallow cultivation, and physical barriers
• Biological controls: encouraging beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
• Chemical controls: used only as a last resort, following Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations Common issues include Japanese beetles, slugs, powdery mildew, aphids, and iris borers. Tools must be sanitized between uses (70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% bleach solution) to prevent disease spread.

Seasonal Maintenance Calendar & Weather Coordination for Golf’s Growing Conditions

Golf’s climate requires a seasonally responsive maintenance calendar:

• Spring (April-May): Wait until mid-May after last frost; remove winter mulch, divide perennials, renew mulch
• Summer (June-August): Deep, infrequent watering; monitor for pests and diseases; deadhead regularly
• Fall (September-October): Divide spring-blooming perennials, plant bulbs, amend soil, reduce irrigation
• Winter (November-March): Apply protective mulch after ground freezes, maintain tools, plan for next season Weather-responsive practices include monitoring National Weather Service Chicago forecasts, adjusting irrigation during drought, and protecting plants from heat and frost.

Golf Water Department Coordination for Efficient Irrigation & Conservation Compliance

Efficient irrigation is coordinated with the Water Department, emphasizing:

• Drip irrigation systems and rain sensors to reduce evaporation and disease
• Compliance with seasonal restrictions (odd/even watering schedules May-September)
• Early morning watering (5-9 AM) for best results
• Grouping plants by water needs (hydrozoning)
• Backflow prevention device testing and annual certification, as required by municipal cross-connection control programs Permits and inspections for irrigation systems are managed through the Water Department.

Golf Water Department
1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029
Phone: (847) 998-8852
Official Website: Golf Water Services

Professional Plant Selection, Installation & Replacement Standards for Sustainable Gardens

Plant selection in Golf must be based on:

• Site conditions (sun/shade, moisture, pH)
• Climate hardiness (Zone 5a-6a, -15°F to 95°F+)
• Native and adapted species (coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, asters, milkweed)
• Disease and pest resistance Sustainable installation includes:
• Planting at or above soil level in clay
• Amending backfill with 50% compost
• Mulching 2-4 inches, keeping 2-3 inches from stems
• Spring planting after mid-May or fall planting in September-early October Quality standards require nursery-grown, disease-free plants and establishment care protocols.

Stormwater Management & Pollinator Protection in Compliance with Golf’s Environmental Initiatives

Golf’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act mandates best management practices (BMPs) to protect the Lake Michigan watershed:

• Apply fertilizers and pesticides based on soil tests, avoiding application before rain
• Incorporate organic matter to improve infiltration and reduce runoff
• Use mulching for erosion control
• Integrate native plants for pollinator and wildlife habitat (milkweed, bee balm, asters)
• Support long-term benefits: carbon sequestration, air quality, and urban heat island mitigation

Municipal Coordination for Public Garden Maintenance & Community Beautification Programs

The Parks and Recreation Department coordinates public flower bed maintenance, seasonal displays, and community involvement:

• Volunteer opportunities (Master Gardener programs, workshops)
• Community garden technical assistance
• Plant donation and educational programs
• Public safety: non-toxic plant selection, maintenance scheduling to avoid public disruption, emergency access
• Integration with school and environmental education initiatives

Golf Parks and Recreation Department
1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029
Phone: (847) 998-8852
Official Website: Golf Parks and Recreation

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Golf, IL?

Golf’s neighborhoods present diverse flower bed maintenance challenges:

• Historic districts: mature tree canopy (30-50% shade), lead contamination risk, poor drainage
• Post-WWII suburbs: moderate shade, compacted clay, HOA landscape standards
• New developments: full sun, construction debris, alkaline pH, irrigation system access
• Forest preserve-adjacent: pollinator corridor potential, invasive species pressure, native plant integration
• Parkway/tree lawn areas: municipal vs. homeowner maintenance, utility conflicts (call JULIE 811 before digging)
• Proximity to Lake Michigan: delayed spring bloom, moderated winters
• Community gardens: shared maintenance, composting logistics, educational opportunities Each area requires tailored soil amendment, plant selection, and maintenance logistics.

Golf Municipal Ordinances for Garden Maintenance Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Golf’s municipal ordinances regulate garden maintenance equipment and commercial services:

• Equipment operation hours: typically 7 AM-9 PM weekdays, 8 AM-9 PM Saturdays, verify Sunday restrictions
• Commercial contractors must be licensed and certified, with pesticide applicators licensed per Illinois Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Regulations
• Compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5) and Illinois EPA Water Quality & Watershed Management
• Public safety protocols: clear emergency access, proper signage for pesticide applications, and adherence to noise ordinances For permits and code enforcement, contact:

Golf Building Department
1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029
Phone: (847) 503-9008
Official Website: Golf Building Department