Storm Debris Cleanup in The Woodlands: What to Do After a Storm

Safety First

Before you start cleaning up, look around carefully:

• Stay away from downed power lines. Assume any line is live, and call the electric company.
• If a tree is on your house or leaning on a structure, don't try to move it yourself. Call a tree service to make it safe.
• Watch for hanging limbs overhead. Broken branches can fall without warning.
• Take photos of all the damage before anything is moved if you're filing an insurance claim.

Who Handles What in The Woodlands?

Storm cleanup responsibility depends on where the debris is:

• Blocked roads: If fallen trees and debris are blocking a roadway, that's the county's responsibility. Both Montgomery County and Harris County operate within The Woodlands Township, so contact the county your home is in.
• Township property: The Township's parks department handles storm debris and fallen trees on Township property, like parks and pathways.
• Trees from Township reserves onto your property: If a tree falls from a Township reserve onto private property, report it to the Township through its 311 portal, by email at 311@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or by calling the Resident Care Center at 281-210-3800.
• Your yard: Debris on your own property is generally yours to clean up.

What the Curbside Service Will and Won't Take

Waste Management handles regular trash and yard waste pickup in The Woodlands, but storm debris has limits. Branches can't be scheduled for bulky trash pickup. Construction debris can't be either. If you're tearing out damaged roofing, fencing, or siding, those can't go out as bulky trash or be set next to your carts.

That means big piles of limbs and storm-damaged fencing usually need another option. Check the Township's website after a storm for any special pickup instructions.

After a Declared Disaster

When the county issues a disaster declaration, different debris removal plans can kick in, and the county may run separate debris collection. These programs can take weeks to reach every street, and you'll still need to get everything out to the right-of-way and follow the county's sorting rules. Sign up for Township alerts so you get notified when a disaster is declared and what the debris plan is.

How to Sort Storm Debris

If you're putting debris out for a county or Township program, they'll usually want it sorted into separate piles, such as:

• Vegetation: limbs, branches, and leaves
• Construction debris: fencing, roofing, siding, and drywall
• Appliances and white goods
• Hazardous materials: paint, chemicals, and fuel
• Electronics

Keep piles out of the street, away from storm drains, and clear of mailboxes, fire hydrants, and power lines.

Getting Your Yard Back Faster

If you don't want to wait for a county program or deal with sorting and dragging everything to the curb, a junk removal crew can haul it all in one visit. We pick up limbs, branches, broken fencing, damaged patio furniture, and soaked carpet and furniture from inside the house.

See yard waste and storm debris removal, construction debris removal, and carpet and flooring removal.

Dealing With Water Damage

If water got into the house, move fast. Wet carpet, pad, drywall, and furniture can start growing mold within a day or two. Take photos for insurance, then get the wet materials out so the house can start drying. Our carpet and flooring removal service handles soaked carpet and pad.

Getting Ready Before the Next Storm

• Have dead limbs and weak trees trimmed by a tree service before storm season.
• Clear out old junk from the yard that could become flying debris.
• Secure or store patio furniture when a storm is coming.
• Take photos of your home and yard before storm season, for insurance.
• Sign up for Township and county emergency alerts.

Storm Debris FAQs