City Clarifies Policy on Removal of Tree Debris from Storms

The Farmington Hills Public Service Department has fielded numerous calls recently from residents asking about special provisions for removal of tree debris from recent summer storms.

The city doesn’t offer special tree debris removal under its contract with Waste Management, according to a news release. The policy stands whether the tree fell during a storm or if it was removed voluntarily by a private contractor.

If a tree comes down on residential property, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to remove the branches and any other storm-related or removal-related debris left behind.

Pickup of tree branches and storm debris, or debris left by a tree removal contractor, follows the standard yard waste collection guidelines below and occurs on the regularly scheduled garbage day.

• Small limbs (six inches in diameter or less) and brush must be tied in bundles that do not exceed four feet in length or weigh more than 60 pounds per bundle.
• Limbs three to six inches do not need to be bundled but need to be stacked neatly at the street.
• Unbundled brush and large limbs will not be picked up.
• Tree limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter will not be picked up by the City’s rubbish hauling contractor. Disposal of these larger limbs is the responsibility of the homeowner and may require hiring a contractor.
• Tree debris may be placed at the curbside for composting in a trash can (32-gallon size limit) with a “Yard Waste” sticker on both sides (“Yard Waste” stickers are available free from City Hall or the DPW) or in brown paper yard waste bags.
• Tree debris, such as brush or twigs, should not stick out above the top of the container.
• If a homeowner had tree branches or a tree stump chipped, it is their responsibility to properly dispose of the chippings according to these standard yard waste guidelines.

If you have questions, please call the DPW at (248) 871-2850 or visit www.fhgov.com.

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Photo via Flickr