Permitted Hours of Operation
Landscaping equipment, whether gas or electric powered, may only be operated legally between the hours of:
| Landscape Contractors | Residents Maintaining Own Property | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday through Friday | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 8 a.m. to dusk |
| Weekends and Holidays | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 9 a.m. to dusk |
These limitations do not apply to snow removal activities; public property and golf course maintenance; and cleanup after severe storms.
To report a violation of these rules, contact the Lake Bluff Police Department at (847) 234-8760, extension 2. Please know that, unfortunately, the Village cannot act on delayed reports of violations.
Watering Hours
Water may not be used for irrigation (e.g. watering lawns) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. between May 15 and September 15.
Gas vs. Electric Landscaping Equipment
The Village encourages residents to reduce their use of gas-powered landscaping equipment. Electric-powered landscaping equipment is quieter and reduces pollution generated by comparatively inefficient gasoline engines. The quality and battery life of electric equipment continue to improve and are now more than adequate for professional firms as well as homeowners. The Village is beginning to require its own contractors to use electric equipment and hopes you will consider making the same choice.
The Village is participating in the Quiet Communities Leaf Blower Study. This study is expected to conclude later this year (2026) and will provide data on the effectiveness and practicality of battery-powered equipment. The goal of this study is to gain insight into how other North Shore communities regulate gas-powered leaf blowers, which may help inform future regulatory decisions. Along with Lake Bluff, Wilmette, Northbrook, Glencoe, Highland Park, Winnetka, and Glenview are participating in this study. Staff recommends waiting until the study is complete before considering further amendments to the Village Code.
Learn more about leaf blower restrictions
Volcano Mulching
Lake Bluff’s tree canopy is one of our community’s greatest assets. However, placing mulch directly against a tree trunk (“volcano mulching”) can harm trees by trapping moisture and causing decay and disease. To properly mulch, maintain mulch at 2-4 inches deep, and apply mulch ONLY over the root system. Do not over-mulch or pile mulch against the trunk. We thank you for your help in ensuring the future health of all our trees in the Village.
Landscape Contractor Tips
Here are some tips when selecting a landscape contractor:
- The Village does not license landscape contractors, so these companies will not have a local license.
- Ensure your landscape contractor carries adequate general liability, automobile liability, and workman’s compensation insurance for job related injuries or health risks.
- Request the landscape contractor conduct a hazards assessment of your property prior to starting any work. A hazards assessment should include identifying, for example, safety issues such as: uneven terrain; fall hazards; overhead wires; and legal and appropriate places to park trucks and related equipment.
- Understand the training that a contractor requires of their employees, as well as the company’s drug and alcohol policy.
- Avoid having work performed when it’s raining or wet outside.
- Consider the reputation of the landscape contractor and speak to friends and neighbors or search the internet for references on past performance.
- Ask if the landscape contractor belongs to any professional organization for landscape companies.
