As residents clean up from weekend storms, the city reminded Lincolnites of how to properly dispose fallen trees and branches.
the Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:00 pm
As residents clean up from weekend storms, the city reminded Lincolnites of how to properly dispose fallen trees and branches. Different guidelines exist for trees on public and private property.
Those who have downed utility lines or tree limbs resting on utility lines should contact LES at 365-2412 or 888-365-2412.
Public trees are those that are in the public rights of way, generally between the sidewalk and the curb. Residents are asked to call Community Forestry at 441-7035 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays to report damage to street trees. Residents who have immediate safety concerns about any fallen tree after business hours should call the Lincoln Police non-emergency number at 441-6000.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department asked Lincolnites on Tuesday to help clear fallen limbs from street trees on public rights of way. Small branches and limbs can be left for pick up by refuse haulers on the normal day of garbage service.
For large limbs from public trees, Community Forestry staff will leave logs in the right of way next to the sidewalk, and these can be picked up by residents to use as firewood.
Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson said Community Forestry handles nearly 2,500 calls a year about broken or fallen tree limbs.
Johnson said trees along a section of South 13th Street took significant damage. The street between Van Dorn and South streets will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to allow for tree and limb removal.
All trees not on the public rights of way are the responsibility of the property owner. Waste haulers differ on requirements and collection fees for disposal of branches.
* Smaller trees, brush and branches — under four inches in diameter — from public or private property can be cut into lengths of four feet or less, secured and left for pickup by garbage service. Haulers may charge extra fees for branch collection.
* Large trees and branches — more than four inches in diameter — on private property can be cut up and removed by a licensed tree arborist or taken by the homeowner for disposal.
Fees are charged at the two city disposal sites:
* 5101 North 48th Street: This site is for those using small vehicles (one ton and less) and trailers (60 sq. feet and less). Loads must be tied or tarped to avoid additional fees.
* 6001 Bluff Road: This site is for those using larger vehicles or trailers as well as any landscaping, lawn care, handyman or property management businesses. Fees are charged based on vehicles size. Loads must be tied or tarped or the load will be refused access.
These sites are open weekdays from 6:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Saturdays from 6:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sundays from 6:45 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 441-8102 or 441-8104 or see the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: landfill).
* Tree debris also can be taken to Hofeling Enterprises, 2200 S. Folsom Court, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. weekdays. The site also will be open this Saturday and Sunday. Hofeling will accept tree debris at no charge Tuesday and Wednesday. The charge is $10 per pickup load after Wednesday.
* Yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings can not be thrown away with regular trash. For information on yard waste disposal, see lincoln.ne.gov, and type in the keyword "yard waste."