Forestry

How can a property owner dispose of wood and brush from a tree which is trimmed or removed from private property?
The Department of Public Services will provide curbside residential collection each residence one time each month, April through October. The following are requirements for City residents only.

1. Brush must be placed on the terrace by 7:00 a.m. Monday during the scheduled collection week only.
2. The City will collect brush from each residence 1 time only during each month, April through October.
3. Tree limbs must be stacked with the large end nearest the curb. Limbs less than 8 feet in length and 8 inches in diameter only will be collected.
4. No stumps, large trunks, stones or dirt will be collected at the curb.
5. Keep branches and brush piles away from all utility poles, telephone pedestals, water shut-off valves and fire hydrants, etc.
6. Do not place items in the street. This causes additional clean-up problems on street surface and in storm sewers and may obstruct visibility, or cause traffic flow problems.
7. Collection is intended for residential scale only and is not for those clearing vacant or overgrown land.
8. City residents only may haul their brush to the compost site on Waterworks Ave. weekdays between the hours of 7am and 3pm.  Proof of residency may be required.
9. Violators subject to prosecution.

Will the City assist the property owner with the cost of tree trimming or tree removals from private property?
No, however, the City Forester will evaluate trees on private property at no cost to the homeowner.

When trees are replanted on the terrace by the City, can the homeowner request a certain species of tree?
Sometimes, but several factors have to be taken into consideration by the forester. Such as soil condition, location of wires, safety for pedestrians and traffic, etc.

Can a property owner plant flowers on the terrace or other City property?
Yes, however, the homeowner must first apply for a Right-Of-Way Permit, and that request be approved by the city.

For more information, please contact Gary Stachowicz - City Forester at (517) 437-6493 or gstachowicz@cityofhillsdale.org