# How to Safely Dispose of Tree Debris After an Ice Storm
After an ice storm, it’s not just the repairs that need to be done. Homeowners and residents must also take care of the debris left behind. It’s important to do it safely, so you don’t cause any more damage or risk injury. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different ways you can safely dispose of the tree debris left behind after an ice storm.
## Cutting Down the Debris
The easiest way to break down a broken tree is with a chainsaw, but safety should always come first. When cutting with a chainsaw, wear a hard hat and eye protection, and never cut anything above your head. Branches, regardless of frozen or not, are extremely heavy once detached from the tree. When cutting down broken limbs, you can either cut them frozen or wait until they thaw to get a better idea of the damage. For older trees, it can be better to cut the branches while they’re frozen to reduce the risk of further stress and damage. When cutting, make sure to only cut the damaged branches and worry about calling an arborist to prune and seal the open cuts later.
## Kickback and Spring Back
When using a chainsaw, the most dangerous part is the kickback – when the chainsaw moves backwards after cutting through something very thick – and the “spring back” effect that branches after a downward force is removed from them. A less dangerous and expensive option is to have a tree pruner. This tool allows you to not use a ladder when cutting and spend under $50. When using a tree pruner, use it like you would a steak knife: move the tool in a smooth back-and-forth motion, letting the weight of the pruner do the work.
## Lifting the Debris
Don’t try to lift something that is too heavy. It’s better to call a friend or professional to help you lift and move the debris. After you’ve cut the limbs, you can put them into your yard’s waste bin or stack them on the curb for pickup if they are cut into five-foot sections. If the branches are between five and 15 feet, call 311 to schedule a curbside pickup.
After an ice storm, it can be difficult to know how to safely dispose of the debris left behind. We hope this blog post has given you a better idea of the different ways you can safely dispose of the tree debris left behind after an ice storm.