Can you clear a road or driveway blocked by a fallen tree?

Whose road is it

The answer starts with who owns the pavement. City streets, county roads and state highways are looked after by those agencies, and they are the ones to notify about a tree across a public lane. A private road, a shared lane, an HOA street or your own driveway is usually the owners' responsibility. In Carson City, Public Works handles street maintenance, and in Reno the City's Urban Forestry handles trees in City rights-of-way, with a Tree Work Permit and a Certified Arborist required for that work.

What we do

Clearing roads and driveways is on our storm and emergency list, along with removing trees from houses, a safety assessment and collecting storm debris. We also own plows, pushers and front-end loaders for snow. Tell the office the size of the tree, what it blocks, whether it touches a house or fence, and whether a line is involved. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day at 775.232.8243.

What we do not promise

We do not promise an arrival time after a storm; see priority after a storm. If a line is on or near the tree, stay away and call NV Energy first, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.

Help us plan the job

A photo from a safe distance helps, and so does knowing how to reach the tree. The office will ask. Read what to have ready when you call, and see emergency tree service. If the tree is on a neighbor's side or an HOA street, check HOA tree rules first.

A snow note

If the blockage comes with snow, our snow and ice removal service, with plows, pushers and loaders, uses the same equipment list, and snow service is available 24 hours in snow season. Say so when you call. See snow and ice removal.