Storm Damaged Trees Policy

To:                   Alderman
                        City Clerk
                        Department of Public Works
                        General Distribution 

RE:                   July 7, 2008, Storm Damaged Trees 

ISSUED:          Office of the Mayor
                       July 8, 2008

_________________________________________

As required by adopted City policy, the Mayor, based upon recommendation from the Public Works Department, shall determine if the City will collect and dispose storm damage from trees on private lands.  The Public Works Department has advised the Mayor that the storm did not generate damage that affects a majority of the City and that the volume of damage does not appear to exceed the capabilities of private owners and private tree services to perform disposal.  In general, tree damage was limited.  As such, in accordance with the adopted policy, the Mayor has decided that the Public Works Department will not collect debris from damaged trees located on private lands due to the storm of July 7, 2008.   

The City will remove and dispose of damage from trees located along (typically within 15 feet of) roadways or on public lands (i.e. parks).  Individuals wishing to report damaged street trees may call 425-2592 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

Franklin residents wishing to drop off brush and tree debris may do so at the Franklin Public Works Facility at 7979 West Ryan Road, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Additionally, brush and tree debris may be dropped off at the Waste Management Metro Landfill at 12200 West South County Line Road, Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to Noon.   There is no charge for either drop off service, but proof of Franklin residency is required. 

The complete policy pertaining to the collection and disposal of damaged trees and brush is below.


CITY POLICY 

COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF STORM DAMAGED TREES

It is not uncommon in the City of Franklin for storms to cause damage to trees both on public and private lands.

Trees located along (typically within 15 feet of) roadways or on public lands (i.e. parks) shall be the responsibility of the Department of Public Works (DPW) to remove and dispose. 

Trees on private lands shall be disposed by private owners, unless the following conditions exist: 

  1. The damage affects a majority of the City.  Significant damage occurs in a majority of subdivisions on a number of lots.  Isolated locations with severe damage may warrant special consideration.
     
  2. If damage appears to exceed the capabilities of private owners and private tree services, the DPW will perform collection and disposal City-wide. 

Property owners must bring branches with butt ends to edge of road within seven (7) days of the storm.  Large branches (logs) eight (8) inches in diameter or larger must not exceed five (5) feet in length. 

A decision shall be made by the Mayor (or Council President in Mayor's absence) based on recommendation of Director of Public Works (or Superintendent in Director's absence).

The decision will be made known within 24 hours to: 

  • All Aldermen
  • City Staff
  • City Web Page