(Tuesday, September 3, 2008)  With hurricane season proving to be active and several named storms currently in the Atlantic basin, the City of West Palm Beach is reminding residents that once a storm has been named, homeowners should NOT cut back trees, bushes or shrubs.  Placing yard waste and vegetative debris at the curb as a storm approaches can lead to clogged storm drains and potentially serious flooding issues.

“Our crews do their best to pick up yard waste, but people should not be placing large piles of debris on the street as storms approach,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel.  “Once a storm is named, there should not be any major cutting back of trees, plants or shrubs.”

For information about hurricanes and how debris can block water from running off into storm drains, you can listen to a podcast with Director of Public Works John Alford by going to “CityCast”.

At the start of each hurricane season, the City offers an “Amnesty” period.  During this period, the City picks up all vegetative debris free of charge, which encourages residents to cut back trees and shrubs before hurricane season begins.