Trees are an essential part of our environment, and they provide numerous benefits, including providing shade, oxygen, and habitat for wildlife. However, trees require maintenance, which means pruning and trimming, and this often results in tree branches that need proper disposal. In this article, we will discuss the importance of proper tree branches disposal and provide tips on how to dispose of them correctly.
Importance of Proper Disposal
Proper tree branch disposal is essential for several reasons. First, it promotes a clean and healthy environment by preventing debris from accumulating in yards, roadways, and landfills. Second, it reduces the risk of fire hazards, especially during dry seasons. Finally, it ensures the safety of residents and pedestrians by removing any hazardous materials that may cause injury.
How to Dispose of Tree Branches?
Recycle
If you have leftover tree limbs, you can recycle them. Cut branches to less than 10 feet in length and pile them neatly in your yard. Greenwood Village residents can contact the North End of the Rose Garden at 303-708-6100 or email to arrange for a pickup.
Landscape Bin
You can put bundled branches and yard waste in your landscape bin. Please note that large pieces, downed trees, and limbs should not be placed in the bin.
DIY
If you’re feeling handy, you can use scrap wood or tree trimmings to create a DIY project for your garden.
Give it away
If you have branches that are still in good condition, you can give them away to your neighbors or friends who may want to use them for their landscaping projects.
Recycling Facilities
You can take your tree trimmings to your local recycling facility. Check with your town or city to see if they offer this service.
Roadway Pickup
In Greenwood Village, the city provides a roadway pickup of tree branches and lawn trimmings twice a year, in May and September. Cut branches to less than 10 feet in length and place them on the side of the road by 8 a.m. on the designated day. The pickup will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can find the exact dates on the city’s website.
Proper tree branch disposal doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these tips, you can dispose of your tree branches safely and responsibly, while keeping your yard and community clean and healthy.
Schedule for Greenwood Village Roadway Pickup
- May 23, 2022: North of Orchard Road
- May 24, 2022: South of Orchard Road
- September 19, 2022: North of Orchard Road
- September 20, 2022: South of Orchard Road
Roadway pickups occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the designated day. Please have your branches and yard waste on the side of the road by 8 a.m. on the day of pickup.
Benefits of Proper Tree Branches Disposal
Proper tree branch disposal has several benefits. For instance, it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling the organic waste. It also promotes sustainability by producing compost, which can improve soil quality and promote plant growth. Additionally, proper disposal helps to conserve natural resources by reducing the need for landfill space.
Factors to Consider When Disposing of Tree Branches
The Size of the Tree Branches
When disposing of tree branches, it is essential to consider their size. Most municipalities have specific guidelines for the size of tree branches that they can collect, and residents must adhere to these guidelines. For example, in Denver, residents can drop off tree limbs up to 10 inches in diameter, while in Aurora, residents can drop off tree branches and other yard waste that are less than 4 feet long.
Residents should also note the difference between a tree limb and a tree branch. A limb is a larger part of a tree, usually more than 3 inches in diameter, while a branch is smaller than a limb.
Days for Disposal
Depending on the municipality, there may be specific days for tree limb disposal. For instance, in Lowry Park, residents can dispose of their tree limbs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sundays, the collection site is closed.
Recyclable
Tree limbs and other yard waste are recyclable. Therefore, it is important to dispose of them properly. Residents can call public works or the local recycling center to inquire about the recycling process in their area.
Pile of Tree Limbs
When transporting tree limbs to the disposal site, it is advisable to pile them neatly. This helps to make the collection process more manageable and efficient.
Proper disposal of tree limbs is essential for promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Adherence to the guidelines set by each municipality can go a long way in achieving these objectives.
The Quantity of Tree Branches
The quantity of tree branches also matters. Most municipalities have limits on the number of branches and other yard waste that residents can leave at the curb for pick-up. In Denver, residents can leave up to 10 bundles of branches per week, while in Littleton, residents can drop off up to 2 cubic yards of yard waste per visit.
Environmental Impacts
It is also essential to consider the environmental impacts of improper tree branch disposal. When yard waste, including tree branches, is disposed of in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Proper disposal methods, such as composting and recycling, can help to reduce these emissions.
Legal Requirements
Finally, it is essential to consider any legal requirements for tree branch disposal. For instance, some municipalities require residents to bundle their branches and other yard waste with twine before placing them at the curb for pick-up.
Tips for proper tree branches disposal
Plan Ahead
One of the easiest ways to ensure proper tree branch disposal is to plan. If you know you will be trimming or pruning your trees, designate an area in your yard where you can store the branches until the pick-up day. You can choose any day between Monday and Saturday to do this.
Safety Precautions
When disposing of tree branches, safety should be a top priority. Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves to protect yourself from cuts, scratches, and insect bites. Additionally, use caution when handling larger branches or limbs, and never attempt to dispose of broken tree branches that are too heavy to lift.
It is important to note that if you plan to dispose of tree branches on a Sunday, you will need to check with your local waste management company to ensure that they provide this service on that day.
Sorting and Separating Branches
Before disposing of tree branches, it is essential to sort and separate them according to size and type. For instance, branches that are less than 10 feet in length can be bundled and placed at the curb for pick-up. Larger branches may need to be cut into smaller pieces or taken to a drop-off site.
Always Consult with Local Government and Waste Management Professionals
Residents should always consult with their local government and waste management professionals to determine the best disposal options for tree branches and other yard waste. Some municipalities offer curbside pick-up services, while others require residents to haul away their debris.
How to Dispose of Leaves and Branches
Using a Local Curbside Pickup Service
One of the easiest ways to dispose of leaves and branches is to use a local curbside pickup service. Many municipalities offer this service, and residents can simply bundle their branches and place them at the curb on designated pick-up days.
Hauling Leaves and Branches Away
If your municipality does not offer curbside pickup services, you may need to haul away your leaves and branches yourself. Renting a dumpster or hiring a hauling service can make this process more manageable.
Trying Other Disposal Techniques
Residents can also dispose of tree branches by chipping them into mulch, using them as firewood, or giving them away to neighbors who may need them for landscaping projects.
Top Ways to Remove Fallen or Trimmed Tree Debris
After a recent snowstorm, fallen trees and broken tree branches can create a mess in yards and roadways. Here are some easy ways to remove fallen or trimmed tree debris:
- Bundle branches and trimmings and place them at the curb for pick-up on designated days.
- Take branches and other yard debris to a drop-off site.
- Rent a chipper to turn branches into mulch.
- Use larger branches as firewood.
Warnings
- Residents should never burn yard waste like leaves and branches on their lawns, as this can cause air pollution and be hazardous to their health.
- Additionally, residents should never dispose of yard waste in landfills, as this is harmful to the environment.
FAQ
How do you dispose of tree branches UK?
Residents in the UK can dispose of tree branches by taking them to a local recycling facility, composting them, or placing them at the curb for pick-up on designated days.
How do you dispose of leaves in NYC?
Residents in NYC can dispose of leaves by placing them in designated yard waste bins, composting them, or taking them to a local drop-off site.
How do I dispose of garden waste in Ireland?
Residents in Ireland can dispose of garden waste by using a local curbside pick-up service, taking it to a local recycling facility, or composting it.
How do you get rid of a large pile of branches?
Residents can get rid of a large pile of branches by renting a chipper to turn them into mulch, hiring a hauling service to remove them, or taking them to a local drop-off site.
Conclusion
Proper tree branch disposal is essential for a clean and healthy environment. By following the tips outlined in this article, residents can dispose of tree branches and other yard waste safely and responsibly.