Are you cleaning up your yard and dealing with broken tree branches from the recent spring snowstorm? 

Resources for Highlands Ranch residents

Metro District temporary tree limb drop-off: The Metro District has opened a temporary, free tree limb drop-off in the dirt parking lot south of Highlands Ranch Stadium at Redstone Park, 3270 Redstone Park Circle. (Click to view map.) This site will be open from Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 17.

The drop-off is open to residents only — no contractors.

Pruned branches and trimmings less than 12 inches in diameter and woody plant materials will be accepted at the drop-off during regular park hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The following items will not be accepted: finished lumber, non-woody material, grass clippings, sod and root balls.

Please note: This is a temporary drop-off site in response to the May 5-6 snowstorm.

Douglas County slash-mulch site: The Douglas County slash-mulch site has moved to a new location at 5675 Delva Way in Sedalia (next to Core Electric and Sedalia Landfill). The site offers Saturday-only hours through May 23, with expanded hours expected near the end of the month. Residents can dispose of tree limbs, trees and green yard waste. Visit Douglas County's website to learn more.

HRCA Clear the Clutter: The Highlands Ranch Community Association has a one-day community event scheduled on Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to noon to help residents responsibly dispose of unwanted items and materials in a convenient, centralized location. Highlands Ranch residents can drop-off tree limbs for chipping in addition to other recycling and waste disposal options at ThunderRidge High School, 1991 W Wildcat Reserve Pkwy. Visit HRCA's website to learn more.

Homeowner safety tips 

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, homeowners should exercise restraint and patience when addressing damaged trees. Six rules they suggest include:

• Don't do it all yourself -- consult with a professional arborist if high climbing or overhead chainsaw work is needed
• Take safety precautions, especially around utility lines
• Remove any broken branches still attached to the tree
• Repair torn bark by smoothing the edges where bark has been torn away
• Resist the urge to overprune, as many trees can heal quickly and grow new foliage
• Don't top your trees

Learn more storm recovery tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and learn how to assess the type of damage your tree has sustained. 

Report a concern 

Metro District staff is assessing storm damage and clearing broken tree branches from our parks, parkways and other properties. We appreciate your patience during this clean up process.

For questions, please call 303-791-2710 or email info@highlandsranch.org.