Tree Debris- How to Handle; Where to Take Limbs

The record heavy snow (“http://www.crh.noaa.gov/arx/?n=may0213“)  that fell on Rochester impacted trees throughout the city. Work on fallen trees continues in the days and weeks ahead.  While some tree debris is the responsibility of the city, other tree debris removal falls upon individual owner.  How can you tell the difference?

Public trees are along the curb in the public right-of-way, in a boulevard, or in park land.  Private trees are in yards (behind the sidewalk), or other “non-public” sites.  Homeowners often handle their own tree debris.  If help is needed, be sure to contact a licensed tree professional (see Parks website for a list (“http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/forestry/index.asp“) ).

Homeowners who handle their own tree debris are responsible for removal.  Here are two locations that will accept woody/vegetative debris from the May 2 Historic Winter Storm:

Hathaway Tree Service, 2555 50th Avenue NW, Rochester.

Logan’s Tree Service, 4026 70th Avenue NW, Byron

Park and Recreation Forestry crews will be working for several days and weeks on the removal of downed limbs.  The priority for downed tree and limb removal is:

Trees or branches in roadways
Public trees that block driveways
Trees or branches over sidewalks
Other tree debris locations

If a public tree is down in the City of Rochester, call Parks and Recreation Department at (507) 328-2525.  Safety factors to consider:

Use a tree professional licensed in Rochester
Wear eye and hand protection
Use hearing protection
Beware of partial tree limbs, or trees under stress – a wrong cut can bring a tree branch down and cause injuries or death.  If in doubt, hire a licensed tree professional – don’t take a chance

If a tree is contacting a power line, report to Rochester Public Utilities at  (507) 280-9191  Never take a chance with a tree on a wire – consider it to be charged with electricity and call RPU to handle.

For more information, contact Ken Jones, City of Rochester, Deputy Emergency
Management Director at 507-328-2824 or kjones@rochestermn.gov.  ###

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