After Irma, Columbus suspends policy charging homeowners for private tree removal

After Tropical Storm Irma toppled multiple trees on private land, the Columbus Consolidated Government has decided to suspend regulations requiring homeowners to pay the city a fee to haul away a tree that fell on their own property.

This “tree for fee” policy normally charges $50 per load plus landfill fees. The moratorium will last 30 days, until Oct. 13, said Director of Public Works Pat Biegler.

That fee suspension is for homeowners only, she said. Private contractors such as tree services are expected to haul off the debris they generate, not pile it at the curb for the city to collect.

The city regularly clears debris from storm-damaged trees on public property, but private property owners normally are responsible for their own cleanup costs.

Residents clearing downed trees and limbs are to cut them into sections no more than 4 feet long for collection. Biegler advises homeowners to avoid piling that debris around mailboxes, water meters or other stationary objects on the right of way, lest the grab-all trucks the city uses damage them.

This story was originally published September 12, 2017 at 5:12 PM with the headline "After Irma, Columbus suspends policy charging homeowners for private tree removal."