Golf Weed Control Services

Our Weed Control Process

Contact Golf's Department of Public Works for Weed Debris Disposal & Organic Waste Management

Proper disposal of weed debris and organic waste is essential for maintaining environmental quality and regulatory compliance in Golf. The village operates a seasonal yard waste collection program from April 1 to November 30, requiring all yard waste to be placed in biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Brush must be bundled in lengths no longer than 4 feet and weigh no more than 50 pounds per bundle, with curbside placement allowed only on designated collection days. Invasive plant materials such as buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and Japanese honeysuckle must be bagged and sent to landfill, not composted, to prevent further spread. Herbicide-treated plant material requires special handling and coordination with the Health Department. Empty pesticide containers must be triple-rinsed and documented before disposal at household hazardous waste events, never in regular trash or recycling. Disposing of plant debris in streets, gutters, or storm drains is strictly prohibited to protect water quality and avoid MS4 violations. For more information on waste management schedules, permits, and fees, contact:

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

Understanding Common Weeds & IPM Strategies for Golf's Chicago Lake Plain Soils

Golf, Illinois, is situated on the Chicago Lake Plain, characterized by fertile prairie soils with moderate to high clay content and pH levels typically between 6.0 and 7.5. Common weeds include broadleaf species like dandelion, plantain, white clover, ground ivy (creeping Charlie), and perennial violets, as well as grassy weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, and quackgrass. Invasive species like garlic mustard and buckthorn seedlings are also prevalent. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Golf emphasizes:

• Cultural controls: mowing at 3-4 inches, balanced fertilization, core aeration, overseeding, and proper irrigation
• Mechanical controls: hand-weeding, mulching (2-4 inches), landscape fabric, and flame weeding
• Biological controls: promoting beneficial insects, competitive plantings, and using allelopathic species
• Chemical controls: spot treatments as a last resort, using minimum effective rates

Clay soils can increase compaction and affect herbicide persistence, making cultural and mechanical controls especially important. Soil health improvement through compost addition and regular soil testing is recommended. For diagnostic support, consult:

University of Illinois Extension
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Weed Control & Water Quality Protection

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict requirements to protect water quality during weed control operations. Applicators must coordinate with watershed protection programs and maintain buffer zones of 25-100 feet near streams, rivers, and wetlands to prevent pesticide runoff and drift. Compliance with the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is mandatory. Environmental protection measures include:

• Using low-drift nozzles and formulations
• Timing applications to avoid pollinator activity and bloom periods
• Immediate revegetation of disturbed areas and installation of sediment barriers
• Groundwater protection near municipal wells and water supply zones

Permit coordination and documentation are required for chemical applications near sensitive areas. For guidance on water quality protection and permit procedures, contact:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Official Website: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing Requirements for Golf

All commercial weed control applicators in Golf must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, with Category 3A (Turf & Landscape) certification required for most services. Licensing involves passing a certification exam, completing continuing education units (10 hours per 3-year cycle), and maintaining insurance (minimum $1 million general liability). Federal EPA registration and compliance with restricted use pesticide (RUP) protocols are mandatory. Applicators must:

• Maintain detailed application logs (date, time, weather, rates, target species)
• Report adverse incidents to the Department of Agriculture
• Provide customer notification and coordinate with municipal monitoring programs

For licensing and regulatory information, contact:

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Official Website: Illinois Department of Agriculture

Golf Health Department Guidelines for Pesticide Application & Public Safety Protection

The Golf Health Department oversees public notification and safety protocols for pesticide applications. Commercial applicators must post advance notice (24-48 hours) with clear signage and observe setback requirements from property lines, wells, and sensitive sites (typically 100-150 feet). Re-entry intervals range from 6 to 48 hours depending on the product. Special restrictions apply near schools, healthcare facilities, and organic zones. Public health protection measures include:

• Barriers and notification for children, pets, and sensitive individuals
• Emergency contact procedures for exposure incidents (poison control: 1-800-222-1222)
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and equipment calibration
• Post-application monitoring for effectiveness and non-target impacts

For health and safety guidance, contact:

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

Seasonal Weed Control Calendar & Weather Timing for Golf's Climate Zone 5b

Golf is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, with seasonal weed control timing based on soil temperatures and weather patterns. Key recommendations include:

• Early spring (late March–early April): pre-emergent crabgrass control at 50-55°F soil temperature
• Late spring (May–June): broadleaf weed control during active growth
• Summer (July–August): spot treatments and nutsedge management
• Fall (September–October): perennial weed control and pre-emergent for winter annuals

Weather coordination is critical—avoid applications before rainfall (24-48 hours), during high winds (over 10 mph for liquids), or extreme temperatures (above 90°F). Microclimate factors such as urban heat islands and proximity to water bodies may affect timing. For up-to-date forecasts, consult:

National Weather Service Chicago
Official Website: National Weather Service Chicago

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Weed Control Operations in Golf

Golf operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, requiring best management practices to prevent chemical runoff into local waterways. Applicators must:

• Mix and load chemicals at least 100 feet from storm drains and water bodies
• Use secondary containment for storage and handling
• Respond immediately to spills with absorbent materials and containment barriers
• Manage equipment wash water in designated areas

Long-term goals include reducing chemical loads in water bodies and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Enforcement includes reporting, inspections, and penalties for violations. For stormwater compliance information, contact:

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

Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal of Weed Control Products Under Illinois Regulations

Safe storage and disposal of weed control products are regulated to protect public health and the environment. Requirements include:

• Locked, ventilated storage at least 100 feet from wells and water supplies
• Temperature control (40-90°F) and inventory rotation (FIFO)
• PPE selection based on product labels and safety data sheets
• Triple-rinse protocols for empty containers and documentation
• Disposal of leftover chemicals at hazardous waste events—never in trash, drains, or soil
• Emergency response procedures for spills and exposures (poison control: 1-800-222-1222)

For hazardous waste disposal guidance, contact:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Official Website: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Golf, IL?

Golf features several distinct neighborhoods, each with unique weed management needs:

• Central Golf Village: Dense clay soils, moderate drainage, and high property values require integrated IPM and strict aesthetic standards. Proximity to water supply zones necessitates buffer zones and chemical restrictions.
• Golf Road Corridor: Higher traffic and salt exposure from winter de-icing increase stress-tolerant weed populations. Enhanced safety protocols are needed near public right-of-ways.
• Prairie View Area: Loamier soils and better drainage support diverse plant communities but require vigilance for invasive species like garlic mustard. Community environmental values favor reduced chemical use.
• Parkside District: Adjacent to parks and recreational areas, this neighborhood requires pollinator protection, public notification, and drift prevention.
• School Zone Vicinity: Enhanced safety protocols, extended notification, and organic management options are prioritized due to sensitive populations.
• Business District: Seasonal occupancy and higher landscape maintenance standards require flexible scheduling and detailed record-keeping.
• Wetland Buffer Zones: Proximity to wetlands and waterways demands strict buffer enforcement, permit coordination, and erosion control.

For neighborhood-specific management or regulatory questions, contact:

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

Golf Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Golf enforces municipal ordinances to ensure safe and compliant weed control operations. Equipment may be operated from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions in residential areas. Commercial applicators must hold a valid business license, register with the municipality, and maintain insurance (minimum $1 million liability). Safety protocols include:

• Traffic control and work zone setup
• Equipment calibration and maintenance
• Public notification and signage
• Right-of-way permit coordination
• Immediate cleanup and environmental compliance

For ordinance details and licensing procedures, contact:

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

By following these comprehensive guidelines and working closely with local and state agencies, Golf residents and professionals can achieve effective, sustainable weed control while protecting public health, water quality, and the environment.