Understanding What the City Can and Cannot Do When Trees Fall
When storms or high winds cause trees to fall, it can be stressful and confusing to know who is responsible for cleanup. The City of Gary wants to ensure residents have clear guidance on what to expect and when the city can assist.
1. Who Is Responsible for Tree Removal?
✔ The City is responsible for:
Trees located in the public right-of-way (including parkways and city-owned easements).
Clearing public streets, alleys, and sidewalks blocked by fallen trees.
Managing hazardous limbs that threaten public safety or public access.
✔️ Property owners are responsible for:
Tree removal and trimming on private property.
Cleanup of branches, limbs, and debris that fall within your yard.
Hiring licensed tree-removal contractors when needed.
2. Scenario A: If the Tree is in the Right-of-Way
(This applies to trees blocking a public street, alley, sidewalk, or falling from the "parkway"—the strip of grass between the sidewalk and curb.)
The City of Gary General Services Department is responsible for removing these trees. Residents should not attempt to remove large city trees themselves.
Who to Call (Business Hours):
General Services Department: (219) 882-8445
Gary 311 Constituent Services: (219) 881-1311
Who to Call (After Hours / Emergency):
If the tree is completely blocking a road or posing an immediate danger to safety after 5:00 PM or on weekends, call the Lake County Non-Emergency Line at (219) 660-0000.
Dial 911 only if it is a life-threatening emergency.
If Power Lines are Involved:
Do not touch the tree.
Call NIPSCO immediately at 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).
Note: The city must often wait for NIPSCO to clear the lines before they can safely cut the wood.
3. Scenario B: If the Tree is on Private Property
(This applies to trees falling in your yard, on your house, or across your driveway from your own lawn.)
The homeowner is generally responsible for removal. The City of Gary will not enter private property to cut down or remove fallen trees, with rare emergency exceptions.
City Assistance on Private Property (Emergency Exceptions Only)
While removal is the owner's responsibility, the city may provide limited assistance only if:
A fallen tree blocks access to your home or driveway.
A tree prevents you from safely entering or exiting your home or vehicle.
The situation presents an immediate danger to residents.
Emergency crews require access to your property.
In these cases, General Services may clear enough of the tree to restore safe access. Full removal of the remaining tree remains the resident’s responsibility.
Disposal of Debris (Curbside Pickup Rules)
Small Branches: Republic Services (the trash hauler) will pick up branches only if they are tied in bundles.
Bundle Rules: Must be less than 4 feet long, less than 2 inches in diameter, and light enough for one person to lift.
Logs & Stumps: The city does not pick up large logs, tree trunks, or stumps at the curb. You must haul these to the Gary General Services Department (900 Madison St) or pay your private contractor to haul them away.
Yard Waste Season: Unlimited weekly yard waste removal generally runs from March 1 through December 15. Waste must be bagged in lawn bags and must not contain tree limbs.
4. Online Reporting (311 Web App)
You can report right-of-way trees (or missed yard waste pickups) digitally without calling.
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