Whether you are cleaning up after a storm or planning to take down a tree, it helps to know how Johnson City handles brush and what the city expects from property owners. Here are the key rules, pulled from the City of Johnson City's own pages, and when to call a pro at (423) 819-6618.
How Johnson City brush pickup works
According to the city's brush, leaf and grass collection page, the Johnson City Street Department collects brush throughout the year, though the schedule may change during leaf collection. The city defines brush as tree trimmings, shrubbery (with no roots), and limbs from a homeowner's routine maintenance.
How to set brush out
- Cut pieces to 10-foot lengths or less and pile them straight.
- Place piles behind or on the curb.
- Do not place piles on center medians or islands, next to fences, guy wires, or poles, or under trees.
- Do not mix brush with leaves, grass, dirt, rocks, or lumber. Mixed piles will not be collected until they are separated.
Questions about your pickup schedule go to the Street Department at 423-975-2700.
Hiring a tree service? Debris is their job
The city's rules state that anyone hired to trim or remove trees is required to remove the resulting brush from the property, and failure to do so may result in a court citation. Curbside pickup is for homeowner yard work, not contractor debris. Before you hire anyone, confirm that cleanup and haul-away are included in the price. Our tree removal cost guide covers what else to ask.
Your responsibility for dead or dangerous trees
Johnson City's code enforcement guidelines say owners and occupiers of property must remove dead, diseased, or dangerous trees, and broken or decayed limbs, that are a menace to public safety. If you have a dead tree near a sidewalk, street, or neighbor's property, don't wait for it to come down in the next storm.
Questions about the city's tree ordinance or trees in the public right-of-way can go to the City Forester at 423-975-2681. Street trees on public property fall under the city's tree ordinance, so check before trimming or removing one.
Have a dead, leaning, or storm-damaged tree? Call (423) 819-6618 for a free estimate. Removal, cleanup, and haul-away, so nothing ends up at your curb.
Call (423) 819-6618After a storm
If a tree or large limb is on your house, car, or a power line, stay clear and call for help. Report downed lines to your utility first. For trees on structures, see our 24/7 emergency tree service page or call (423) 819-6618.
Frequently asked questions
Does Johnson City pick up brush?
Yes. The Johnson City Street Department collects brush throughout the year, though the schedule may change during leaf collection. Call the Street Department at 423-975-2700 for details.
How should I pile brush for pickup in Johnson City?
Keep pieces to 10-foot lengths or less, pile them straight, and place them behind or on the curb. Do not put piles on medians, next to fences, guy wires, or poles, or under trees, and do not mix brush with leaves, grass, dirt, rocks, or lumber.
Will the city pick up brush from a tree company?
The city's rules say anyone hired to trim or remove trees is required to remove the resulting brush from the property, and failure to do so may result in a court citation. Make sure your tree service hauls it away.
Am I required to remove a dead tree on my property?
Johnson City's code says owners and occupiers must remove dead, diseased, or dangerous trees and broken or decayed limbs that are a menace to public safety. Questions about the tree ordinance go to the City Forester at 423-975-2681.