It’s important that everyone approach the cleanup in a cautious, methodical way.
For those with larger properties, it will be a project that takes weeks, if not months to complete.
The Thurston County area is fortunate to have numerous professional tree service and landscape companies capable of helping those who can’t do the cleanup alone.
Currently, many of those firms are swamped with work, so patience is necessary. Remember a messy yard isn’t the end of the world.
It’s better to let the small branches lie on the ground until the snow melts and the rain-soaked ground stabilizes. Otherwise, hasty cleanup can lead to an even muddier mess.
Every homeowner and business should prioritize the work on their property, starting with the emergency projects that protect and restore private property, access and other health and safety measures.
Be careful out there. Hundreds of broken branches are still hanging in trees, posing a safety threat.
If you can’t clear the loose-hanging debris alone, stay clear of the area until you can arrange for help.
Some South Sound residents are dusting off chain saws that haven’t been used in years. Again, be careful and make sure they are in working order.
If not, get them tuned up or repaired. Let the cleanup wait until you have safe equipment or help.
In rural areas where outdoor burning is still allowed, there will be a rush to pile up and burn the wood debris.
But remember: the wood is wet and green and won’t burn cleanly this winter.
Officials from the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency are urging folks to show some restraint. Burning the wet, green wood will result in excessive smoke and air pollution that includes tiny, toxic smoke particles that can cause health problems, especially for people who have lung and heart problems, people with diabetes and asthma, children and older adults. Let’s not allow the storm debris cleanup to add to the air pollution burden in South Sound
Chipping or composting the small brush is a better option than burning it. Brush piles also make great habitat for birds and other wildlife. But if you choose to burn it, wait until it dries out.
The same can be said for the larger wood debris suitable for use in wood stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces. The wood that came crashing to the ground last week won’t be ready for indoor burning for at last nine months.
Residents can also take advantage of a number of wood debris drop-off sites in Thursaton County. For site locations and more information on alternatives to burning storm debris, visit orcaa.org.
