Denver reminding residents to safely clear snow from tree branches

DENVER (KDVR) — With heavy snow already this week and the potential for more on the way, Denver wants to remind residents to safely and properly take care of the snow piled up on tree branches.

"It is officially snow season in Denver," said Stephanie Figueroa with Denver's Parks and Recreation department.

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Nearly everywhere you look around town, tree branches are weighed down, some even to the ground. And if they fall, it isn't always just into your yard or the street.

So how can you help prevent this? First, Figueroa says to try grabbing a branch.

"Give the tree a nice little handshake," said Figueroa. "Like, you know, not too firm, don't shake the tree, don't try to knock it down."

If it feels steady and if it hasn't crossed onto any power lines, a broom can do the trick to clear any snow from branches. Denver Parks and Rec said do not try to climb a tree, just get what you can from the ground.

"If it seems like the tree's going to fall over or do some even more damage if you try to, you know, clean it up, then don't do it yourself. That's what you can call us for," said Figueroa.

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If the tree is on your property or in the public right of way next to your property, you'll need to call a private arborist. It's the Parks and Recreation forestry team's job to remove any fallen trees or branches on public property, and Figueroa said you can report those by calling 311, which tracks calls on a map.

"It goes straight there and the forestry team knows where they've got to go and pick up a tree and move it out of the way," she says.

The city also says if snow is heavy enough on branches, it will be the same on power lines. So if you see one down, they ask you to steer clear and call Xcel Energy to take care of it.