Getting the dead wood out in Lower Merion

Spring might have sprung, but winter's wood is still in our yards. Lower Merion Township has announced a schedule for removing storm debris, beginning Monday. Here's the 411 from the township:

Storm Debris Removal to Begin March 24th, Will Last 3 Weeks

Lower Merion Township will be making a special bulk pick-up of tree and branch debris left in the wake of this winter's harsh ice and snow storms, in accordance with the schedule below. The pick-ups will start March 24th and run through April 9th.

All debris MUST be placed for collection by Monday on the week scheduled for collection.

Limbs and branches may be up to 10 feet long and up to 15 inches in diameter, and are not required to be bundled. However, they must be brought to the curb (or to immediately next to the sidewalk) by the homeowner, and not block the sidewalk. There is also a STRICT TIME LIMIT to this service, which is for residential properties only.

Tree debris will be collected according to the following schedule, based on residents' normal refuse days:

The operation will cover all residential properties with frontage on Township, State and private roads.

Debris should be placed at curbside on the first day of this collection schedule - collection crews cannot know in advance what day they will be on a given block. (All trash and recycling will be collected on normally scheduled days.)

Once the debris collection dates expire for a specific block, any yard debris must then be taken to the Koegel Public Works Complex in Penn Valley (1300 N. Woodbine Avenue) either by the homeowner or a contractor. Dumping fees will be waived provided the homeowner accompanies the contractor to the Complex.

FAQ:

Q: What do I do if I have wood larger than 15 inches in diameter?

A: You or a hired contractor must remove the wood.

Q: What if I live on a State Road within the Township?

A: The Public Works Department will be removing debris from all State, Township and private roads during this operation.

Q: What happens if I don't have my debris or wood curbside by the established schedule?

A: Although Public Works will be collecting debris for several weeks, once we have done so on your street according to the above schedule, you will need to make other arrangements to have your debris removed.

Q: If I have rear-yard or alleyway refuse and recycling pickup, will my storm debris be picked up the same way?

A: No. This special collection for storm debris is strictly for limbs and branches placed curbside.

Q: Will this special collection affect my normal trash and recycling schedule?

A: No.