Park Board and City of Minneapolis respond to storm damage

Posted on 16 June, 2014

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) responded over the weekend to clear streets and remove downed boulevard trees following the Saturday storm. Large tree debris collection is also been planned for June 16-27 to help residents get rid of tree debris from down trees in their yards.

The wind and rain from Saturday’s June 14 storm resulted in down trees and limbs, particularly in the southern half of the city.  The Park Board forestry crews cleared the streets of more than 70 down boulevard trees on Saturday and Sunday. Going forward, the removal of boulevard trees from streets and homes is the top priority for the MPRB Forestry Department, followed by removal of down trees in parks.

To report a down tree blocking a sidewalk or street, or a boulevard tree down on private property, contact the Park Board Forestry Department at 612-313-7710 or forestry@minneapolisparks.org from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Regular Yard Waste Collection for Smaller Branches 
Residents with small branches and pieces of brush can use the regular weekly Solid Waste & Recycling yard waste collection service to have them picked up. Crews will pick up bundles of brush and small branches that are less than three inches in diameter and less than three feet long.

Here’s how to get them ready for pickup:

  • Bundle brush and small branches securely with twine or rope. Do not use wire.
  • Each bundle must be less than 3 feet long.
  • Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.
  • Make sure to have the bundles of yard waste at your alley or curb line, next to the garbage cart, by 6 a.m. on your garbage day.

The guidelines for preparing yard waste for regular collection can be found on the City of Minneapolis’ website.

MPRB Curbside Collection of Large Tree Debris: June 16-27
Residents who have storm damage tree debris larger than can be collected during regular weekly Solid Waste & Recycling services can request to have tree debris picked up by the Park Board from June 16 through June 27. Residents must contact Park Board Forestry or Minneapolis 311 to request pick up of tree debris. Due the isolated nature of the damage, the Park Board is not doing a citywide, street-by-street sweep to pick up storm-related tree debris.

  • Minneapolis 311
    • 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Park Board forestry crews will collect tree debris that can be brought to the boulevard June 16-27 for properties affected by the storm. This service is only for Minneapolis property owners clearing their property of storm damaged limbs or trees, and it is only for tree debris – not other debris. Here is how Minneapolis residents should prepare downed trees and branches for collection by the Park Board:

  • Move larger limbs, branches, and trunks to the boulevard in front of your house. Park Board crews will pick up and dispose of these items at no charge. This service does not include pick up and disposal of extracted stumps with intact root systems or tree debris.  This service is not intended for contractors doing work for property owners or for regular tree pruning.  It is only for storm damage tree debris, not construction or other materials. Due to the size of Park Board equipment, storm tree debris will be ONLY collected from boulevards (not alleys).
  • Property owners adjacent to tree debris placed on the boulevard are asked not to park vehicles near the debris, to help crews in the removal process. “No parking” signs may be posted and enforced to facilitate pick up of tree debris.

Contact

Dawn Sommers
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
612-230-6407

Casper Hill
City of Minneapolis
612-673-2342