Quick answer: Denver residents can take branches for free to the Cherry Creek Recycling and Compost Drop-off at 7400 Cherry Creek South Drive, or set out tied bundles on their large item pickup day. Both have the same size limit: branches no more than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Anything bigger needs private disposal or a tree service.
Cleaning up is the owner’s job in Denver, so it helps to know where the debris can go. Rules and hours change, so check the city’s page before you load the car. If you would rather not haul it, see storm damage tree cleanup in Denver.
What are the options for getting rid of branches?
| Option | Limits |
|---|---|
| Cherry Creek Recycling and Compost Drop-off | Denver residents only. Branches up to 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Free |
| Large item pickup | Up to 10 tied bundles. Branches up to 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter, bundles up to 50 pounds |
| Tree service haul-away | No size limits. Chipped and removed for you |
| Landfill or private hauler | For large limbs, logs and stumps |
What are the rules at the Cherry Creek drop-off?
The city’s Cherry Creek Recycling and Compost Drop-off page lists them:
- Address: 7400 Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80231, near S. Quebec St.
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4:30 PM. Saturday, 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 3 PM. Closed Sundays, Mondays and city holidays.
- Who can use it: Denver residents only, with proof of residency. Two visits per resident per day.
- Vehicles: Ordinary residential vehicles. No commercial vehicles, box trucks or trailers.
- Branches: No more than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. No dirt or sod.
How does large item pickup work for branches?
Denver collects a limited number of branches with its large item pickup service. The city’s guidance after past storms has been: cut branches to 4 feet or less, no thicker than 4 inches, tie them in bundles of no more than 50 pounds, and set out up to 10 bundles on your pickup day. Loose piles are not collected.
How do you bundle branches?
- Cut everything to 4 feet or shorter.
- Set aside anything thicker than 4 inches. It will not be taken.
- Stack the branches with the cut ends together.
- Tie each bundle in two places with twine.
- Keep each bundle light enough for one person to lift.
What will the city not take?
- Branches over 4 inches thick or over 4 feet long
- Logs and trunk sections
- Stumps, dirt and sod
- Loads from contractors or commercial vehicles
That covers most of what a mature tree drops in a heavy snow. For those, a crew with a chipper is the practical route. Before you cut up a damaged tree, check whether it can be saved, and see how to protect trees from heavy snow before the next storm. Who has to arrange it is explained in who is responsible for fallen branches in Denver?
What should you not do with branches?
Do not pile them on the parkway, in the alley or in other public areas. The city asks residents not to move branches there. Burning them is not an option either, because open wood burning is prohibited in Denver without a permit.
Tree branch disposal FAQs
Is the Cherry Creek drop-off free?
Yes. It is free for Denver residents with proof of residency. It is not open to commercial users.
How big can branches be for Denver pickup or drop-off?
No more than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. For large item pickup they must also be tied in bundles of no more than 50 pounds.
What do I do with branches that are too big?
Cut them down if you can do it safely, or have a tree service chip and haul them. Large limbs, logs and stumps are the owner’s responsibility to dispose of privately.
