Committee hears complaints about commercial tree cutters leaving limbs for city pickup; staff asked to explore registration or permit

Members of the Public Works Committee raised ongoing concerns Feb. 25 about commercial tree-cutting companies that cut trees on private property and leave the limbs at the curb for city pickup, even when the company was paid to haul them away.

Staff said the department will pick up residential limbs under existing rules if they are piled properly at the curb, but multiple incidents—often outside of storm events—have left city crews to collect commercially cut material. Committee members said the practice appears to be increasing, that some cutters claim a resident cut the debris themselves, and that enforcement is difficult. The mayor and several aldermen expressed interest in giving staff a tool with more “teeth,” such as a mandatory registration or a small de minimis permit fee for tree-cutting firms so the city can follow up when limbs are left at the curb.

Staff noted business licensing exists but that some communities require specific tree-cutter permits; the committee discussed a modest permit fee (examples of $25–$50 were mentioned in concept) and possible court enforcement for repeat offenders. Committee members asked staff to research statutory authority, enforcement options and a low-cost administrative approach and to return with recommendations.