Removal of Large Trees and Limbs Continues in Providence

Providence Residents: Stack Smaller Tree Debris at Curb Sept 3-5 for Pickup Next Week.

The City of Providence is continuing its cleanup in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene and will continue to remove fallen trees, limbs and branches as quickly as possible.

Trees and large limbs that were pushed to the side of the road immediately after the storm to clear roadways are being removed on a daily basis, and that work will continue in the coming days. Crews are targeting the hardest-hit locations in the city and those roads with access issues first.

Residents are asked to be patient, as Irene caused extensive tree damage across the entire city. Residents who are concerned the city is unaware of a fallen tree or large limb can report its location to the Office of Neighborhood Service, at 421-CITY (2489).

Property owners should not attempt to move large trees, and should take all other precautions to avoid injury during cleanup. Downed or damaged trees entangled with utility wires can be deadly and should not be touched. They should be reported to the Fire Department at 274-3344.

While trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, the city is giving property owners the opportunity to put out tree debris from yards for pickup the week of September 6. Residents are also asked to please help the city in the cleanup effort by collecting branches, smaller limbs and other tree debris from the streets, gutters and sidewalks in front of their homes.

This weekend, September 3- 5, residents should neatly stack storm-related tree debris at the curb, in a separate pile from normal garbage, recyclables, and yard waste. It is not necessary to cut and bundle branches and small tree debris.

Please do not put debris back in the roadway and make every effort to keep sidewalks safe and passable.

Pickup of tree debris that is stacked on the sidewalk will occur along with regular garbage/recyclables collection throughout the city next week. Because of Labor Day on Monday pickup of storm-related tree debris will occur next week on a holiday schedule, with daily pickup occurring one day later than usual, beginning on Tuesday and ending on Saturday, September 10.

Yard waste (grass and leaves) pickup will still occur next week, and as always yard waste must be put in designated waste bags and containers for pickup.

Property owners who hire a contractor for tree removal should make sure the contractor is a licensed, bonded professional to avoid injury and damage to property. Contractors hired by property owners are responsible for their own debris removal, and should not leave tree debris at the curb.

Renters with fallen trees or other storm debris that has not been cleared from private property are encouraged to contact their landlord and request that immediate action be taken. Renters whose landlord will not remove storm-related debris from their property should call the Office of Neighborhood Services at 421-CITY (2489) to request an inspection.