Madison Reporter

May 22, 2024

Updates on storm cleanup operations in Madison have been released, detailing efforts to address road blockages, resident brush collection, drop-off site changes, and the availability of free mulch in select parks.

**Road Blockage Updates and Completion Expectation**

Approximately 150 streets in Madison were either partially or completely blocked due to the recent storm. There have been seven reports of trees falling onto homes. As of now, around 400 unique damage reports requiring an Urban Forestry response have been logged. This number is expected to rise as more reports are sorted and triaged.

Residents are encouraged to report public tree damage using the Tree Concern report-a-problem form at www.cityofmadison.com/ReportAProblem. Urban Forestry crews began clearing blockages at 9:00 PM on May 21, 2024. The primary goal is to clear blocked roads and remove any public trees that have fallen on homes by 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

However, trees entangled in power lines complicate this effort. These situations require collaboration with Madison Gas and Electric for safe handling.

**Resident Brush Collection**

The Streets Division aims to provide every Madison resident with a brush collection opportunity before Friday, June 14, 2024. Additional set-out dates for storm clean-up will be published soon on the Streets Division’s brush collection website. An announcement will follow once these dates are available.

**Temporary Rule Changes for Drop-off Sites**

In response to the storm:

- On Wednesday, May 29, drop-off sites at Sycamore Avenue (4602) and South Point Road (402) will be open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

- Residents can make multiple trips for brush disposal until June 1, 2024. This applies only to brush material such as branches and tree limbs between 18 inches and eight feet in length.

Proof of residency or taxpayer status is required at drop-off sites. Size restrictions and other rules remain applicable.

**Free Mulch Availability**

Starting Friday, May 24 at noon, free wood mulch will be available for residents at Elver Park, Demetral Park, Warner Park, and Garner Park. Supplies are limited and restocking depends on staffing and mulch availability. The mulch is intended solely for Madison residents; landscapers or businesses should not use this resource.

Details regarding precise locations of free mulch will be posted on www.cityofmadison.com/Mulch when available.

**Additional Updates**

These extraordinary responses will not impact core Streets Division services such as regular street sweeping or trash and recycling collection. Further updates about ongoing work by Streets and Urban Forestry crews will be published as clean-up progresses.