After a monsoon storm in Phoenix, start with safety, then sort what the city will take from what you need to haul yourself. The City of Phoenix asks residents to cut branches to 4 feet or less and 12 inches or less in diameter, and bulk trash pickup runs by appointment. Debris on private property is generally the owner's job to clear, so a big cleanup often means renting a trailer or calling a crew.
Monsoon season basics
Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 to September 30. The National Weather Service set those fixed dates in 2008, replacing an older method based on dew points, as reported by KJZZ's Fronteras Desk and the University of Arizona CLIMAS program.
Monsoon storms bring sudden wind gusts, dust and heavy rain. The usual damage around a Valley home includes:
- Snapped limbs and whole trees, especially shallow-rooted or top-heavy trees
- Palm fronds and seed pods scattered across yards and streets
- Damaged fences, shade structures and patio furniture
- Mud, gravel and leaf piles washed against walls and gates
Safety first: downed power lines, leaning trees
Before anyone picks up a branch, check for hazards.
- Stay far away from downed power lines and anything touching them, including branches, fences and puddles. Report them to your utility right away.
- Do not work under a tree that is leaning, split or hung up in another tree. Call a licensed tree service.
- Watch for wasps, bees and scorpions disturbed by fallen limbs.
- Work early in the day. Post-storm humidity and heat make heavy lifting dangerous.
- Use a chainsaw only if you are trained, and wear eye, ear and leg protection.
Who's responsible: street vs private property
According to ABC15, Phoenix's Streets Department has said that debris on private property that is not blocking the public right-of-way is the resident's responsibility. In plain terms, the city handles trees and debris in the street, but a limb that fell in your backyard is yours to clear.
If a tree from your yard falls into the street or onto a neighbor's property, contact the city and your insurance company to sort out next steps.
City of Phoenix options for storm debris
Phoenix has several ways to get rid of storm debris. The city outlines them in its news release on service options for monsoon storm debris.
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Trash container | Cut branches small, bag them and put them in your regular trash container |
| Green Organics bin | Subscribers can put unbagged branches and leaves in the green organics container |
| Bulk trash | By appointment only; set items out no more than one week before your date |
| Transfer stations | Phoenix residential customers get one free load of up to 1 ton per calendar month with a city services bill and ID |
Book your bulk appointment as soon as you know how much debris you have. See our Phoenix bulk trash guide for the full appointment rules, and confirm current details on the city's page. Details on the Phoenix transfer stations and other drop-off sites are in our guide to where to dump trash in Phoenix.
Other cities have their own programs. Peoria, for example, has offered free storm-debris bulk cleanup in affected areas after past storms, as KTAR reported. Check our Peoria bulk trash page and your city's site for what is offered this season.
Branch size limits and how to cut and stack
The City of Phoenix asks that branches be cut to 4 feet or less in length and 12 inches or less in diameter. Anything bigger, like a whole trunk, usually needs to be cut down or hauled away separately.
- Cut limbs into pieces no longer than 4 feet.
- Set aside any trunk or limb thicker than 12 inches for separate hauling.
- Bundle smaller branches or bag them if they are going in the trash container.
- Stack bulk piles neatly, away from mailboxes, meters, cars and overhead lines.
- Keep yard debris separate from household junk, since some programs only take one or the other.
Palm fronds: why they're a problem and where they go
Palm fronds are one of the most common monsoon messes in Phoenix, and they need special handling. The city does not include palm fronds on its Certified Green Organics approved list, and it names them among the materials that contaminate green organics loads. Do not put them in the green bin.
The reason is practical. Palm fronds are tough and fibrous, and Waste Dive has reported that they tangle in shredding equipment. Instead, check the city's trash and bulk trash rules for how to set fronds out, or take them to a transfer station yourself. Watch the sharp spines on some palm species when you handle them.
Big cleanup? Rent a dump trailer or call a crew
When a storm drops a whole tree or leaves your yard buried, the trash bin and a single bulk appointment may not be enough. You have two practical options.
- Rent a dump trailer and load it at your own pace. This works well if you have helpers and a chainsaw, and same-day pickup is available. When it is full, take it to a transfer station or landfill.
- Hire a crew. Our yard waste removal service loads and hauls branches, fronds and storm debris for you. See junk removal in Phoenix for local service details.
For either option, call or request a free quote for current pricing.
Before next season: trimming and prep
The best storm cleanup is the one you avoid. Before June 15, walk your yard and plan ahead.
- Have a certified arborist look at large or leaning trees.
- Thin dense canopies so wind can pass through.
- Trim dead palm fronds and seed pods before storm season.
- Remove dead limbs hanging over the house, pool, driveway or power lines.
- Secure or store patio furniture, umbrellas and trampolines.
- Clear gutters, scuppers and drainage paths so rain can move away from the house.
Frequently asked questions
When is monsoon season in Phoenix?
Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 to September 30. The National Weather Service adopted those fixed dates in 2008.
Can I put palm fronds in the Phoenix green organics bin?
No. Palm fronds are not on the city's Certified Green Organics approved list and are named as a contaminant. Check the city's trash and bulk trash rules for fronds, or take them to a transfer station.
How big can branches be for Phoenix pickup?
The city asks that branches be cut to 4 feet or less in length and 12 inches or less in diameter. Confirm current rules on the city's bulk trash page before setting anything out.
Will the city clean up a tree that fell in my yard?
Generally no. ABC15 reported that Phoenix's Streets Department considers debris on private property that is not blocking the right-of-way to be the resident's responsibility.