Put safety ahead of cleanup
After a strong storm, walk your yard slowly before you start picking things up. Stay well away from any downed or sagging power lines and report them to the utility right away. Look for hanging limbs that could still fall, and keep children and pets inside until you know the area is safe. Large trees resting on a house, car, or line are a job for a utility or a licensed tree service, not a DIY cleanup.
Document damage before you move anything
If the storm damaged your roof, fence, deck, or car, take photos and videos before clearing debris. Insurance companies often want to see the damage as it was. A quick record of where limbs landed and what they hit can make a claim much easier to explain later.
Sort debris into simple piles
Separate small branches and brush, larger limbs and logs, leaves, and non-yard debris such as broken fence boards, patio furniture, or damaged outdoor items. Sorting makes it easier to see which material can go out with regular yard waste and which needs a separate haul. Keep treated lumber, metal, and other non-organic debris apart from plant material.
Know what regular yard waste collection can handle
Arlington County runs yard waste and brush collection for many households, but there are usually limits on bundle size, branch length, and how much can be set out at once. Check the county's current guidance before stacking debris at the curb. After big storms, regular collection can also take longer than usual, so large piles may sit for a while.
Clean up storm drains and gutters
Leaves and twigs can clog gutters, downspouts, and the storm drain near your curb, which can cause water to back up during the next rain. Once the yard is safe, clear gutters, check that downspouts drain away from the foundation, and rake debris away from street drains where it is safe to do so.
When to call for a haul-away
If the debris pile is larger than what curbside collection takes, includes broken fencing or deck boards, or you simply need the yard cleared before guests or a home sale, professional haul-away can save several weekends of work. Cut-down limbs, bagged leaves, brush piles, and storm-damaged outdoor items can typically be loaded and removed in one visit.
Storm and yard debris removal in Arlington
Haul Hunters LLC removes branches, brush, bagged leaves, and storm-damaged fencing and outdoor items for homeowners across Arlington, including Lyon Village and Shirlington. Share photos of the debris, how far it sits from the street, and any access limits like gates or slopes when you request a quote.
Need yard debris removal in Arlington?
Contact Haul Hunters LLC to discuss the items you need removed and request a quote.
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