City Tree and Wind Storm Damage (Updated!)

In case the wind takes a toll on the trees and properties around you . . .

In the unfortunate circumstance that a storm damages the trees on your property, knowing who call may help speed up the clean up process.

Important numbers to have:
Parks Forestry Section: Mon – Fri, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 266-4816
If the damage occurs after work hours, evenings, weekends – call Police Dispatch, 266-4275 or 911 for an emergency.

When to call the Parks Forestry Section or a private tree care specialist or arborist.
• Street Tree Damage – a street tree is a tree between the sidewalk and the street. If these trees are damaged, please call 266-4816 during work hours or Police Dispatch after work hours. This is the responsibility of the City Forestry Section.
• Private Tree that falls on to public spaces such as sidewalk or street – call for Parks Forestry Section. The workers will clean up only that which is in the public space (street or sidewalk). You may need to hire a private contractor to clean up the rest of the damage/tree on your own property.
• Private Tree on own Property that is damaged and fall on private property – You will need to call a private contractor.
• Trees on power lines – Please call Madison Gas & Electric, 252-7111 or 911.

Brush clean up:
The Forestry Section will pick up only the brush that was created from the clean up work on the street trees. For private brush pick up, contact the Street Division for their brush pick up schedule.

Also, this from the Streets Division:

From: Schumacher, Al
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:44 AM
To: Mayor; ALL ALDERS
Cc: Harmon, Ray; Strauch-Nelson, Rachel; Eddy, Marla; Briski, Kevin; Kelley, Chris; Dreckmann, George
Subject: Wind Related Brush Damage

Hi,
As you probably can guess, Forestry is responding to emergency calls related to the current high winds. The Streets Division has received a couple of calls regarding tree damage. We expect that the number of calls will increase if the high winds continue through the evening as forecast.

As you know, our curbside brush collection is over for the year as we are in full leaf collection mode working 10 hour days on that facet. Should the storm cause enough tree damage to require staff being diverted from leaves back to brush, leaf collection will suffer.

At this time we are compiling a list of addresses that have reported tree damage that is not Forestry related. It is our intention to develop a storm cleanup plan later this week after the winds subside. We will send field staff out to evaluate the situation in our neighborhoods, consult with forestry, and review the number of calls from our customers in determining our response plan.

We have several alternatives available to us including responding to calls with the few brush crews we have currently assigned, pulling some crews from leaf collection to handle brush, leaving the brush curbside and collect it after the leaf collection season is over in December and finally using overtime if necessary.

We will keep you informed as the situation develops and let you know how we intend to proceed.

Please contact me if you have any questions of if you are aware of a situation that needs our response.

Al Schumacher
Street Superintendent