Damaging winds in Greater Cincinnati knocked down trees throughout the region on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
And Cincinnatians aren't out of the woods quite yet. The National Weather Service in Wilmington forecast rain that could accumulate to up to 6 inches on Wednesday. Wind will be less of a threat, but heavy rainfall can loosen soil and create instability for tree roots.
So, what should you do if a tree is down in your yard? Here's who to call.
If a tree is down on private property
The owner is responsible for the tree. Residents can contact a local tree removal service for assistance.
For residents in the city of Cincinnati, the city will collect small debris curbside. Call 311 (or 513-765-1212 from outside the city) or submit a request at bit.ly/CincyTrees.
If the tree is in the right-of-way
Who takes care of a fallen tree
in a right-of-way – such as the strip of land between the street and sidewalk – varies by location. For instance, the City of Cincinnati and Anderson Township will take care of the trees in this area, whereas the City of Hamilton will not.
Contact your local municipality for more information.
If the tree is a park or street tree
Cincinnati Parks Urban Forestry will address it. The best way to contact them is to use the city's customer service center, 311Cincy, via the website or mobile app: 311Cincy - City Customer Service - 311. Residents can also call 311 or 513-765-1212 from outside the city.
The Enquirer reached out to Great Parks, which serves Hamilton County, to ask if Great Parks will take care of public trees that are within Hamilton County but outside city limits.
If electrical lines are involved
The City of Cincinnati advises residents to call police dispatch and contact Duke Energy at 1-800-543-5599 as soon as possible. The dispatch number for the Cincinnati Police Department is 513-765-1212.
Will Rumpke pick up tree debris?
Yes. Rumpke accepts yard waste curbside, but with specific parameters.
Brush and tree branches must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet and bundled. The bundles should not be heavier than 50 pounds. Rumpke asks residents to place no more than four bundles curbside per week.
Some communities have restrictions on when large items are collected. Residents with large amounts of material can contact Rumpke at 1-800-828-8171 to discuss options.
Residents can also bring branches and yard waste to Rumpke's composting operations at at the locations below. This is free of charge for Hamilton County residents.
- Rumpke Landfill in Colerain Township. Open Saturdays-Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Oakdale Elementary School in Green Township. Open Saturdays-Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Bzak Landscaping in Anderson Township. Open Saturdays-Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Have a tree down in your neighborhood? Here's who to call
