How to Remove Tree Debris After a Storm in Wake County, NC

When storms hit Wake County, whether it’s a hurricane or a routine thunderstorm, homeowners often find themselves dealing with fallen branches, limbs, and other tree debris littered across their yards.

Beyond looking messy, tree debris left in your yard can create safety issues, attract pests, and damage your lawn and landscaping. Removing tree debris after storms quickly can help protect your property and allow you to get back to your daily routine.

For Wake County residents, there are several ways to handle storm debris, from city waste services to professional removal. This article covers debris removal options across the county, including Raleigh, Durham, and Cary.

Key Takeaways

• Storm debris in Wake County might be removed through city curbside pickup services, though if these occur, they may have long wait times.
• Local drop-off sites accept tree debris but require your own transportation and physical labor to move branches and logs.
• Regular yard waste bins work for smaller debris, but clearing storm damage this way could take weeks or months.
• Insurance policies may cover professional debris removal, especially if fallen trees or branches have damaged your property.
• Professional tree services offer the fastest solution by bringing proper equipment and expertise to clear debris safely in about a day.

Wake County Debris Removal

After a storm hits Wake County, the cleanup process can feel like a big task. Your options for debris removal will depend on how severe the storm was. The county and its major cities – Raleigh, Durham, and Cary – offer several ways to manage storm debris.

1. Check For Special Curbside Pickups After Major Storms

In Wake County, cities like Raleigh, Cary, and Durham sometimes arrange special curbside debris pickups after major weather events like hurricanes that cause widespread damage.

These services help homeowners deal with large branches and trees that won’t fit in regular yard waste bins. And they’re available to everyone without needing to pay additional fees. However, these special pickups aren’t always available, particularly after smaller storms.

• After big storms with widespread damage, cities may schedule specific debris collections for larger branches, fallen trees, and piles of debris. Residents need to place debris at the curb according to city guidelines.
• While helpful, these pickups often take time, and you might wait days or weeks for debris removal, especially when debris lines nearly every street in the county.

2. Take Storm Debris to City Drop-off Sites

If you prefer not to wait for curbside pickup, or if the city isn’t offering free curbside pickups, the responsibility is on property owners to manage their debris.

If you have a lot, you can take tree debris to local drop-off locations. These sites let homeowners bring their debris to a designated facility for disposal.

Some important things to keep in mind with city drop-off sites are:

• This option requires you to have a truck or trailer, and loading and moving large branches or logs takes significant physical effort. Also, some sites may restrict the use of rented trucks like U-Hauls.
• Using drop-off sites works well for large amounts of debris if you have the right equipment and time to haul it yourself.
• Certain cities or counties may have limits on what types and sizes of debris they accept.
• Most drop-offs require a disposal fee, so be prepared.

3. Use Yard Waste Bins

When dealing with smaller branches, leaves, and twigs, your regular city yard waste bin might be enough. Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and nearby towns include yard waste bins with their normal waste collection, giving residents a simple way to dispose of smaller debris.

While these bins are great for small debris, they do have size limits. Large branches may need to be cut into smaller pieces to fit. You might also need to wait several weeks, or even months, for multiple pickups to clear everything after a storm.

4. Call Raleigh Tree Service for Quick and Easy Debris Removal

For the fastest and most reliable tree debris removal, professional help often makes the most sense. Raleigh Tree Service specializes in storm debris cleanup and can handle everything from small branches to large, fallen trees. Our expertly trained team has the right equipment to make the process quick and safe.

Wake County residents choose to work with Raleigh Tree Service for several reasons, including:

• Unlike city services, Raleigh Tree Service can schedule cleanup promptly, usually clearing individual yards in less than a day.
• Our professional crews use proper tools and equipment to remove large branches and trees safely, without risking damage to your property.
• We haul away all debris, so you won’t have piles sitting in your yard for weeks.
• If the storm left damaged branches in trees or severely damaged any trees, we can handle tree trimming or removal while cleaning your property.

For fast yard cleanup, call us at 919-889-5783. We’ll take care of it quickly so you don’t have to lift a finger.

5. Check with Your Insurance

It may be worth checking your homeowner’s insurance provider. Some policies cover debris removal costs, especially when storms cause significant property damage, and you plan to file a claim anyway.

Key Points to Remember:

• Coverage for Tree Damage: Many insurance policies cover debris removal if a tree falls on your house or causes other covered damage. Consult your policy or agent to understand your specific coverage.
• Potential for Cleanup Reimbursement: Even if the debris hasn’t damaged your home, some policies might reimburse you for professional cleanup costs. Review your policy carefully.
• Insurance Company’s Role in Cleanup: If debris removal is covered, your insurance company may want to schedule the pickup themselves using their preferred service providers.

You’ll have to evaluate how much debris you have on your property and decide if it’s worth going through the claims process, or if it makes more sense to handle it on your own.

Why Quick Debris Removal Matters

After a big storm, it’s important to take care of tree debris as quickly as possible. Here’s why:

• Safety: Debris piles can create tripping hazards and attract rodents. Large branches in your yard can also put children, pets, and vehicles at risk. They can also create liability concerns if people like delivery drivers or service providers need to enter your property.
• Prevent More Damage: Storm debris, especially broken, hanging branches, might cause more damage if ignored. A weakened branch could fall onto your house or car.
• Protect Your Yard: Debris piles can kill grass and plants underneath them. Quick removal helps keep your lawn and landscaping healthy.

Why Hiring Professionals Makes Sense

Cleaning up after a storm can be daunting. Here’s why hiring a professional tree service like Raleigh Tree Service can make your life easier:

• Knowledge: Professional tree services know how to assess storm damage and remove debris safely. They can safely remove damaged or fallen trees and heavy branches that might be dangerous for homeowners to move.
• Right Equipment: Professionals bring all the necessary tools like chainsaws, stump grinders, and hauling equipment to clean up efficiently and safely.
• Save Time: Professional services can clear your yard much faster than doing it yourself, especially with large amounts of debris. This can save you days or weeks of effort.
• Convenience: With Raleigh Tree Service, you won’t need to bundle branches, find transportation, or wait for city pickups. We handle everything, ensuring your yard is left spotless.

When you hire Raleigh Tree Service, you can get back to normal quickly without the physical strain of cleanup. Instead of giving up your precious weekends to do it yourself, let our team take care of it.

Quick and Professional Storm Debris Removal

Handling storm debris in Wake County takes time and effort. While local cities offer yard waste bins, possible curbside pickups, and drop-off sites, all these services require substantial effort on your part.

For complete removal and cleanup without having to do any of it yourself, professional help from Raleigh Tree Service is the ideal solution. Call us at 919-889-5783 to get your storm debris cleared away now.