The Village of Western Springs announced on March 16 that its Public Works Division will collect fallen branches from parkways on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, following recent storms with high winds.
This collection is important for residents affected by storm damage, as it provides a way to clear debris from public areas. The service will make only one pass through each street in the following order: Old Town North, Field Park, Ridge Acres, Old Town South, Commonwealth Avenue, Forest Hills, Fairview Estates, Springdale, Ridgewood, Ogden Avenue, Wolf Road, Gilbert Avenue, 47th Street, and Willow Springs Road.
The Village said branch collection is offered only after severe storm events and when an announcement is posted on the Village website and Facebook page. Residents are instructed to place all branches behind the curb no later than 48 hours after the storm. Only branches resulting from storm damage will be collected; cut logs or branches not caused by the storm will not be picked up. If branches are not out in time for collection, residents must arrange disposal through the LRS yard waste program or with a local landscaper.
When placing branches at the curb for post-storm collection by the Village: “Branches must be stacked and neatly placed adjacent to the curb so as not to impact the sidewalk, fire hydrants or other public infrastructure. Do not place them in the street. Do not tie branches with string or bundle them for storm pick up. (Please note: this differs from the rules for LRS branch collection). Do not cut branches into smaller sections. Branches shorter than 18” long or ½” in diameter will not be collected and should be placed in a lawn bag. Do not place any other landscaping material such as root balls, stumps, limber, debris, rocks, grass or any other plant material in the parkway.” The Village thanked residents for their cooperation.
Western Springs engages resident volunteers on boards and commissions to address community issues and provide recommendations according to the official website. The village offices are located at 740 Hillgrove Avenue according to the official website. Western Springs operates under a council-manager government system that separates policy-making from administration while delivering public services through professional staff supporting advisory boards according to the official website. In this system, a village manager supervises personnel and carries out policies set by elected volunteer officials including a village president and board of trustees according to the official website.
The upcoming branch collection reflects how Western Springs coordinates municipal services while involving community members in decision-making processes according to the official website.
