There may be fallen trees as a result of a storm or tree debris left over from yard work on your property. No matter why they are there, it’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t have tree branches on your land. They are unsightly and can cause injury. So it is important to get rid of them quickly and safely. But how to dispose of large tree branches?
To dispose of a big amount of large tree branches, renting a dumpster can be a good option. Besides, there are local yard waste recycling programs or composting options worth considering. Using branches for firewood or turning them into wood chips is also recommended. Finally, there are out-of-the-box options, such as creating an animal habitat, making furniture, or crafting wooden objects from branches.
In this article, we will give you a complete breakdown of all these disposal methods. We will also share some additional tips that can come in pretty handy throughout the disposal process. Keep reading to make your yard a nice-looking place.
How to Dispose of Large Tree Branches: 8 Ways
Figuring out the correct way to dispose of tree branches is a common concern for homeowners dealing with storm cleanup, seasonal trimming, or tree removal. You can make this job easier and make sure you follow the rules in your area by following a few methods. Let’s look at them:
1 – Rent a Dumpster
You should think about renting a dumpster if you have a lot of branches that have fallen or been pruned and need a flexible way to dispose of them. The typical rental period for a dumpster is one week, in contrast to the one-time service of a junk hauling company. With this extra time, you can go to the yard waste drop-off center as many times as you need to.
Depending on the size and duration of your dumpster rental, the price can vary from $290 to $480. Remember that many HOAs (homeowners associations) have regulations on dumpster placement. So, before you rent a dumpster, make sure it is acceptable to your neighborhood’s HOA.
2 – Look for Local Yard Waste Recycling Program
If you do not know how to get rid of tree branches, looking for a local program that recycles yard waste can be a strong option. Many villages, towns, HOAs, and other local groups offer composting or recycling programs for yard waste. Besides, nearby transfer stations might let you get rid of the downed trees, logs, or branches.
The majority of townships also schedule annual pickups of yard waste, typically in the spring and fall. Find out what recycling and trash programs are available around your residence. Then, figure out how to get the yard waste to where it needs to go or schedule a pickup.
3 – Composting
A super sustainable way to get rid of tree branches is to compost them. With this method, the branches can decompose naturally, transforming them into compost that is rich in nutrients and perfect for your garden. To hasten the composting process, you might have to chop the branches coarsely.
The decomposition might still take some time to complete. While this is going on, you can hide the stack by planting shrubs around it. Avoid placing the wood too close to any structure. That’s because this could invite pests like ants, termites, or poisonous snakes inside.
4 – Store the Branches for Firewood
Another easy way to dispose of the branches from trees you have chopped down is to use them as firewood. But not every tree is suitable for that purpose. Poplar, for instance, is tough to split, and burning it before it is completely dry makes it smell really bad. Hence, prior to cutting wood for firewood, make sure you have done your homework.
It might take a lot of effort to split even low-quality wood using a power splitter. The difficulty of splitting wood increases if it is damp and pliable after being cut. Not only that but depending on the tree species, you will have to cut the pieces to fireplace length.
But if you are game for an adventure, this technique can be a terrific way to put that tree log to good use.
5 – Turn Into Mulch/Wood Chips
Making wood chips from your chopped trees might be the best choice if your trees are not too big or if you have already contracted with a tree service to come to your site. Once the trees have been cut down, you can dispose of the brush by taking it to a local brush chipping company.
However, any old branch or stump will not work to make mulch or wood chips, just like you can not use all the wood from a cut tree as firewood. You should budget extra money to chip wood that is bigger than 24 to 27 inches in diameter.
Large land-clearing jobs typically employ towable chippers, which can chip entire 4-foot trees and cost $500 per hour or more.
6 – Build an Animal Habitat
It is not always necessary to be obvious when disposing of tree branches. Sometimes, you can get a bit creative with tree branches and find even more ways to dispose of them, too!
For example, an animal habitat can be constructed using the branches of a tree. You can help birds and small animals by leaving little piles of habitat. However, you should exercise caution if you decide to do this and not leave your pile too close to your house. You do not want to let anyone in unexpectedly.
7 – Create Furniture
If you are inventive and the branches are strong enough, you can use them to make furniture. Use the tree branches in conjunction with other materials to create some truly remarkable items!
It may be possible to utilize straight branches and stumps as legs for chairs, tables, and stair railings, based on the kind and quality of the wood. As a bonus, this project will help you remember the trees that used to be on your property while also giving you unique furniture. It is a win-win situation.
8 – Create Wooden Objects
You can make wooden decorations out of smaller branches if you do not have any bigger ones. You can use the branches to make coasters, ornaments, or picture frames. You can probably put some of your trash to good use, even if you can not use it all.
Additional Tips on the Disposal of Tree Branches
The above methods will be sufficient to dispose of any large tree branches safely and efficiently. However, there are some more tips that can make the entire process more fluent. Take a look at these:
- Figure out how many and what size branches you will need to remove before you begin. You can use this information to choose the disposal method that is most efficient.
- If you have pruning shears or a saw on hand, the job will get easier and will be done quicker.
- To avoid injuries, always wear protective gear and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Before you toss the branches in the trash, think about what you can use them for.
FAQs
Q. Is It Possible to Recycle Tree Branches?
Ans: The answer is yes; you can make something useful out of prunings and tree branches. Trees pose no immediate threat to ecosystems because they are biodegradable. An eco-friendly alternative to cutting down trees is to recycle their branches.
Q. Can I Burn Tree Branches in My Backyard?
Ans: This is subject to the rules and regulations of your area. Open burning is forbidden in many places because of the danger of wildfires and air pollution.
Q. Can Tree Branches Go in the Compost Bin?
Ans: Yes, but they might take a long time to decompose unless they are crushed into smaller pieces.
Conclusion
We just discussed that as a homeowner, you can use different methods to dispose of tree branches. A dumpster for fallen branches is one option that provides flexibility for a week or more. This option carries variable pricing and may require HOA approval.
Another option is to take advantage of the yard waste disposal services or pickups that many communities provide. To get nutrient-rich soil, you can also make compost from branches, but it takes time. Besides, branches can be used for crafts as well.
However, any of these methods will require planning, proper tools, protective gear, and reuse before disposal. If all these seem like too much, you are more than welcome to get our professional help for the job. We at Dynasty Tree Experts are prepared to tackle any branch disposal job head-on in Minnetonka. Get rid of those unsightly things that are detracting from the beauty of your yard. Contact us today to get our service.