Removing branches after a storm or regular pruning presents a common challenge for property owners, requiring a plan to safely clear and dispose of the organic debris. The sheer volume of branches can quickly overwhelm a space, making it necessary to manage the material efficiently. Successful branch removal involves a two-step process: reducing the size of the material on-site and arranging the final logistical removal. Focusing on preparation and understanding local regulations makes this task manageable and environmentally responsible.
Reducing Branch Volume On-Site
The most practical approach to managing a large pile of branches is to significantly reduce the material’s overall volume before final disposal. This minimizes hauling costs and simplifies the removal process, often transforming bulky waste into useful byproducts. Volume reduction can be achieved through manual cutting, mechanical chipping, or strategic bundling.
For branches too large for municipal collection, manual cutting with loppers or a pruning saw is necessary to break down the material into smaller, manageable sections. Loppers are effective for branches up to about 1.5 inches in diameter, while a handsaw is required for thicker limbs. This volume reduction decreases the space the branches occupy, making them easier to handle and stack.
Chipping is a high-efficiency method for volume reduction, using specialized equipment to shred branches into wood chips or mulch. Renting a wood chipper allows you to process large quantities of material into a usable product that can be spread over garden beds to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Chipper capacity varies, so select a machine rated for the maximum diameter of your largest branches, typically up to six inches for residential rental models.
For branches intended for curbside collection, they must be cut down and bundled according to specific municipal requirements. Regulations typically mandate that individual branches do not exceed four feet in length and six inches in diameter. Bundles must be secured tightly with natural fibers like jute or cotton twine, as plastic strapping is often prohibited because it contaminates the composting process. Meeting these dimensions and tying specifications is a prerequisite for successful municipal pickup.
Methods for Final Removal and Disposal
Once the branch volume has been reduced, the next step is determining the most suitable logistical method for removing the material. Options range from utilizing municipal services to hiring professional haulers or transporting the debris yourself. The choice depends on the quantity of material, local service availability, and willingness to handle the logistics.
Many communities offer a scheduled curbside yard waste collection service that accepts bundled branches and bagged organic debris. This method is often the most cost-effective, but it requires strict adherence to volume limitations, such as a maximum weight of 40 to 50 pounds per bundle or container. If the volume exceeds the weekly limit, disposal may need to be phased out over several collection cycles or a different method utilized.
For larger quantities, self-hauling the branches to a local transfer station, recycling center, or municipal composting facility is a viable option. These facilities process organic waste into mulch or compost, diverting it from landfills. Before transport, confirm the facility’s acceptance criteria, which often include maximum branch diameters and fees based on volume or weight.
If time and physical labor are constraints, professional services can manage the entire removal process. Tree removal companies, landscaping businesses, or specialized junk haulers can be hired to chip or haul away the debris. While more expensive, this option provides convenience and is useful after significant storm damage or a large tree removal project, as these companies are responsible for disposing of the waste they generate.
Safety Considerations and Local Regulations
Handling branches and operating machinery requires careful attention to safety and compliance with local environmental and fire ordinances. Protective equipment is necessary when working with cutting tools or power equipment.
When using loppers, saws, or chippers, always wear appropriate protective equipment, including safety goggles or a face shield to guard against flying debris. Heavy-duty work gloves protect hands from splinters and cuts, and hearing protection is necessary when operating loud machinery like a wood chipper. Chippers pose hazards and must be operated while wearing close-fitting clothing, feeding material butt-end first, and keeping hands clear of the infeed chute.
A major regulatory consideration involves the burning of branches, which is strictly controlled in many areas due to air quality and fire risk concerns. Open burning is frequently prohibited in urban or densely populated areas, and even where permitted, it often requires a burn permit from the local fire department or environmental agency. Regulations typically restrict the size of the fire, the type of material burned (only dry, untreated wood is allowed), and the proximity to structures (often a minimum of 50 feet). Always verify current local ordinances and fire bans before burning any brush.