City of Rochester Shares Tree Cleanup Guidance Following Overnight Storms
Following severe storms that moved through the area overnight, the City of Rochester is responding to downed trees and branches impacting public streets, sidewalks and other public areas. Residents may also be dealing with tree damage and debris on their property.
The City is sharing the following information to help residents understand how storm-related tree damage is handled and when City crews will respond.
When the City Responds
City crews respond to tree-related issues that impact public safety or access, including:
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Public trees blocking a street
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Public trees blocking a sidewalk or trail
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Tree limbs or other vegetation contacting power lines; Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) leads the response in these situations
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Public trees in parks blocking emergency access or reserved spaces
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Private trees that have fallen into the public right-of-way and are obstructing travel
Crews will prioritize restoring safe access to streets, sidewalks and other public areas. When a private tree falls into the public right-of-way, City crews may clear the portion necessary to restore access and move debris aside. The property owner remains responsible for final removal and cleanup of debris from the private tree.
When the Property Owner is Responsible
Property owners are responsible for:
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Tree debris located on private property, whether it came from a public or private tree
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Private tree debris that is not blocking a street, sidewalk or other public infrastructure
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Removal and disposal of private tree debris remaining after City crews have cleared the public right-of-way
The City does not collect or haul tree debris from private property.
What Residents Should Do
Residents with storm-related tree damage should:
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Contact their insurance company if their property has been damaged.
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Hire a licensed tree care professional for tree removal or other work on private property.
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Visit the City’s Storm Damage Dashboard webpage for additional information and guidance.
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Call 311 (507-328-2311) with questions or to report storm-related concerns.
Residents should stay away from downed or damaged power lines and should not attempt to remove trees or branches that are touching or near electrical lines.
If storm damage involves a public tree and has resulted in property damage, residents should call 507-328-2515 to complete an accident or incident report.
Connect with City Services
Whether you have a question, need to report a concern or aren’t sure which department to contact, 311 connects you with the right team quickly and efficiently.