Average Rating
5.0 stars - 25 Reviews

About Us

Who We Are

Founder Bio – Chris Hilmes

Chris Hilmes is the founder of Emerald Edge Lawns and brings more than 30 years of professional turf management experience to every property the company serves. During the first 15 years of his career, Chris managed large-scale commercial lawn care operations, including award-winning properties for Fortune 500 companies. That hands-on leadership experience built a strong foundation in operational excellence, consistency, and results-driven turf programs.
 
As his career progressed, Chris worked alongside elite sports turf teams nationwide, supporting turf management efforts at MLB, NFL, and PGA Tour facilities. Exposure to these high-performance environments refined his attention to detail and helped shape Emerald Edge’s professional-level standards.
long-term lawn care
Chris previously served as Vice President of the Gateway Sports Turf Managers Association and is a respected industry speaker with deep expertise in turfgrass and soil science. His ability to blend proven commercial practices with advanced sports turf principles allows Emerald Edge Lawns to deliver science-based, customized lawn care solutions.
 
As a family-run business, Emerald Edge Lawns is built on trust, consistency, and personal service. Chris believes every lawn deserves the same level of care and professionalism as elite, award-winning properties—because at Emerald Edge, it’s personal.
Lawn care program built for Illinois transition zone conditions
Charmaine San Miguel is a versatile professional currently working as a Remote Assistant for Emerald Edge Lawns. Over the years, she has built a strong career foundation through diverse roles, including Cold Caller in real estate, Technical Support Team Leader at HP, Technical Support Representative at Spectrum, and Sponsorship Coordinator for road tour concerts. Her adaptability and dedication have allowed her to thrive across industries, from customer service to event management.
 
Beyond her professional achievements, Charmaine is a proud mother of two. Her daughter, Kylah, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, while her son, Kyle, is a high school varsity player excelling both academically and athletically. Balancing career and family, Charmaine continues to inspire with her commitment, resilience, and passion for growth.
Professional lawn care providers

Charles Nunn brings years of hands-on experience and a strong work ethic to the Emerald Edge Lawns team. He spent over a decade with a local gutter company and several years in roofing before transitioning to warehouse operations, where he worked for nearly nine years. After that, Charles returned to roofing for a few more years before deciding he wanted to focus on work that kept him closer to the ground and connected to the outdoors — which ultimately led him to Emerald Edge Lawns.

Charles is known for his sharp problem-solving skills, steady reliability, and easygoing personality. Customers quickly appreciate his attention to detail and the pride he takes in doing things right the first time. He’s also naturally personable — you might find yourself chatting with him just as much as you would with Chris.
Outside of work, Charles enjoys fishing and hunting for morel mushrooms each spring, hobbies that require patience and a keen eye. Most of all, he values spending time with his family and his puppy, Alvin, making the most of every season both on and off the job.