x
Breaking News
More () »

Austin launches pilot program to remove hazardous trees

A new service aims to help low-income families remove downed trees from their neighborhoods.

AUSTIN — AUSTIN -- After heavy storms hit, trees in older neighborhoods are ready to snap.

At Austin Community College, large trees were knocked down. Other trees scattered Central Texas yards.

Sid Mourning Tree Service said their fallen trees go to a recycling facility where it is turned into firewood or mulch.

Austin city officials said none of their collected trees go to landfills.

"The vast majority of it ends up out at the Austin Water Utilities Hornsby Bend facility," said Emily King, City of Austin Urban Forester, "and is turned into mulch."

The city said it collects trees fallen only on roads or city parks. On private property, they advise homeowners to get a qualified arborist.

But there is an exception for low-income residents.

The city's partnering with non-profit "TreeFolks" on a pilot program.

"That program funds tree removal for dead and dying trees," said Tree Folks Executive Director Thais Perkins. "That pose a risk to the homes of low-income Austinites."

The Remove and Replace program removes hazardous trees at no charge. They have already helped someone who feared a tree was going to fall on her bedroom.

"And sure enough we got out there with a private tree care company and there was a huge crack," said Perkins. "It was about to fall. So they got that taken care of and we'll come back in the fall with a new, young, healthy tree."

The city said the program is funded through the Urban Forest Grant.

"It's a way that the city is able to promote and make possible more grassroots initiatives to support community forestry throughout Austin," said King.

If you would like to apply for the Remove and Replace program, click here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out