With increased number of home projects and lawn clean-up, Public Works has received an especially increased number of brush pickup requests. Due to COVID-19 related delays and equipment maintenance, Public Works is experiencing slower pickup times.

Public works will be working large amounts of time to ensure they are able to get around to everyone. In the meantime, please expect pickup delays.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions, contact Public Works at (540) 261-1444.

Please be sure to review the brush policy below to avoid any additional delays.

BRUSH POLICY

City Code Section 28-59 has specific bundle size requirements for brush to be picked up by the Department of Public Works, as part of its regular collection activities.  Below are our policies for routine brush pickup:

• Bundles of brush or branches must be no more than five feet long and no more than 1 ½ feet in diameter.
• No branches or trunks larger than six inches in diameter or heavier than 100 pounds
• Contractors who generate brush or tree limbs are responsible for disposing

Larger quantities or heavier items can be removed by appointment with Public Works (261-1444) at the cost of $100 per hour with a minimum charge of $50.   City staff will notify property owners if brush left for routine collection exceeds policy and will require special pickup.  Staff can also advise on other options available.

City Code references:

Section 24-35   Collection of Trash, etc. No bulk trash, refuse, tree limbs, shrubbery, leaves and other similar matter shall be collected without additional charge unless such matter can be and is placed in a suitable container. (Code 1967, 24-11)

Section 24-36   Collection of Limbs and Cuttings Limbs and cuttings shall be cut in five (5) foot lengths and tied in bundles not exceeding one and one-half (1 1/2) feet in diameter and placed by the garbage container on regular collection days. (Code 1967, 24-12)

No tree trunks, branches, limbs or shrubbery larger than six (6) inches in diameter and/or longer than ten (10) feet or heavier than one hundred (100) pounds shall be collected by the City.  Tree and shrubbery limbs must have protruding branches trimmed and must be neatly stacked and placed in an orderly manner near the curb or along the alleyway.  Stacks may not block the alley.  Branches, limbs, and shrubbery trimmings should be stacked or tied to prevent scattering by the wind.  Thorny vegetation shall be placed in small separate neat piles or in containers.

Residents who bring in contractors to remove a tree or trees, must have the contractor remove that debris at their cost.  It is recommended that such cost is included in any contract a resident makes with an outside contractor or handyman.  Removal of these trees is not included in city services. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.