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Austin Energy currently trims limbs on fast growing trees to keep them 15’ from power lines, and limbs on slow growing trees to 10’ from power lines. These clearances are intended to keep the trees away from power lines for 7 years. However, if you have trees on your property that are within 10′ of a power line and don’t think it’s safe to wait until your trees’ next trimming cycle, file a Tree Trimming Request form to let Austin Energy know your trees need service now. Don’t try to trim them yourself and don’t hire someone to trim them for you.
You can fill out the request form online at https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1661182-Z4LePmavF1. If you prefer, you can telephone Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 and make the request. If you’re renting, you’ll need to ask your landlord to file the request.
If you see sparks or a limb pulling down a power line from either pole or house, whether it’s on your property or not, that’s an emergency. Report it to 911.
If you see trees needing to be trimmed located within 10’ of a power line (not an emergency and not on your property), report the location to 311.
Thank you to NSCNA Director Ayesha Badar for telling me about requesting out-of-cycle tree trimming via a Tree Trimming Request form. To learn more about Austin Energy’s tree related policies and procedures, go to https://austinenergy.com/residential/residential-services/tree-trimming. You’ll find a link to the Tree Trimming Request Form in the upper right corner of that page too.
Sharon Justice, Chair, NSCNA Media Committee
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This information is from the City of Austin’s Winter Weather Morning Status Update, Feb. 6, and it describes how to get your limbs ready for pick up. You can read the entire update at this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/city-austin-winter-weather-morning-status-update-feb-6
“Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) crews are resuming regular curbside trash, recycling, and composting service starting Monday, Feb. 6. Residents should set their carts out on their regular collection day. Typically, ARR will collect the contents of your green cart and up to 15 extra items placed beside the cart but item limits will be temporarily waived for storm debris collection.
Additionally, ARR crews and personnel from three external contractors are expediting the collection of storm debris materials. Because the damage is widespread throughout the City, storm debris collections will take some time.
Request a collection of downed tree limbs due to the storm by contacting Austin 3-1-1 via its mobile app, online request form or calling 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). Please have the limbs at the curb ready for collection at no charge to the customer. Debris should be cut and assembled using the following guidelines:
- Branches and limbs should be between 5 and 15 feet in length. Branches and limbs longer than 15 feet should be cut down.
- Tree trunks thicker than 8 inches in diameter should be cut down to 3 feet long or less.
- Stack loosely along the curb in one row, not more than 15 feet across and no higher than 4 feet, with cut ends facing the street.
- Please don’t block the sidewalk or extend into the street.*
- To prevent damage to your property, keep items 5 feet away from your trash cart, mailbox, fences or walls, water meter, telephone connection box and parked cars. Do not place any items under low-hanging tree limbs or power lines.
The public is encouraged to follow the guidelines as closely as possible. Our crews are working to get Austin back to normal as quickly as possible. Here’s how you can help us speed up the process and keep our workers safe:
- Follow set-out guidelines as closely as you can. We realize there may be space limitations, but large storm debris is collected with a crane. The guidelines make it possible for us to collect the material with that equipment.
- Clear unnecessary items out of the roadways. Please remove things like basketball hoops and parked cars out of the roadway when possible to allow our trucks to pass through and collect the debris at the curb.
- Slow down to get around. As always, we’re asking Austin drivers to yield when approaching City vehicles and to be alert to potential field employees working on the street. Please drive slowly when going around these vehicles and always remember to, ‘slow down to get around’ to keep our workers safe.
Austin Water will accept brush for drop-off at its Hornsby Bend Biosolids Treatment Plant on 2210 S FM 973 during regular business hours, Monday–Saturday. The material will be composted and made into Dillo Dirt. Learn more at: austintexas.gov/brushdropoff.
Residents with physical limitations or financial needs requiring help cleaning up winter storm debris can request volunteer assistance through the Austin Disaster Relief Network.”
*If someone can explain to me how to stack a 10 or 15’ limb with cut ends to the curb without blocking either the sidewalk or the road, please email me at mediachair@nscna.org.
Sharon Justice, Chair, NSCNA Media Committee
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Breaking news from Tomas Rodriguez, chair of NSCNA’s Traffic Committee: on Thursday the center area of Rockwood that was dug for the waterline will be patched/paved. Expect sections of Rockwood to be closed during this repaving.
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Agenda includes election of officers and directors for 2023 and a presentation by the Shoal Creek Conservancy staff about our efforts to establish a park at Shoal Creek and Steck
All NSCNA meetings are open to the public. You do not need to be a member to come and participate.
Pillow E.S. is located at 3025 Crosscreek. Please enter through Pillow’s front door; the library is the first room to your left.
Please note: you must have paid your 2023 NSCNA dues to be eligible to vote in the election. Dues are $15/household. If you aren’t a member, you can join via cash or check at the meeting. Or, you can join online at any time via PayPal at www.nscna.org/join; online payments are $16/household which includes a PayPal processing fee.
Hope to see you there!
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