Kalispell says branches should be disposed of properly

The City of Kalispell is asking residents not to pile brush or branches from private trees in the boulevards or streets.

“Completion of fall leaf collection and winter snow plowing operations cannot occur if branches are continually being added to the streets,” said the statement released Thursday.

The statement goes on to remind residents that disposing of tree debris from private property is residents’ responsibility.

Only branch bundles smaller than 4 feet long and 1.5 feet in diameter will be collected by city crews.

There are still many branches down from wind and early season winter storms that hit the valley earlier this month. The storms downed trees and interfered with power lines, with as many as 10,000 homes losing electricity during the storm, according to Flathead Electric Co-op.

The statement says that residents can call the city forestry department with questions or concerns about trees that are on public property.

Residents with questions about where to dispose of branches can check the Flathead County’s Solid Waste Department website at https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/waste