City contract crews continue to remove overhanging or unstable branches, limbs, or trees in the right of way or public spaces following the June 18 storm. More than 45,000 hanging branches in the public rights-of-way, over sidewalks, and in Parks have been identified for removal. Currently, 14,191 have been removed.
The City announced this endeavor in August, and crews anticipate being finished with the clean up at the end of November. The City asks for patience from residents as storm clean up continues.
The removal of the hanging limbs is covered under the Federal declaration from the storm, and there are very specific documentation requirements that must be followed. Over the past couple of months, inspection crews have canvassed Tulsa roadways for tree branches and documented any that are hanging from a tree in the public right of way and are in danger of falling.
Crews are working on a grid system and residents will see branches piled alongside the curb where a follow-up tree debris removal crew will collect the pile within two weeks.
In comparison, the 2007 ice storm produced approximately 3 million cubic yards of debris and took 18 months to clean up. This storm is expected to have approximately one million cubic yards of debris and we are just three months into clean up with the disaster declaration not occurring until one month after the storm.
Residents who spot a hazardous tree limb in the right of way can contact 311 during regular business hours or email Tulsa311@cityoftulsa.org, providing the location and a brief description of the concern. Please note when reporting a tree or limb, it will be added to the list and addressed as crews work in the related grid.
For more information about limb removal and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the City’s website at www.cityoftulsa.org/weather