If you have lived in North Central Florida long enough, you know this time of year can be rough weather-wise as summer showers and storms can cause havoc.
The City of Gainesville will haul away some debris for free.
From April 21st to May 1st alone, the city picked up nearly 700 tons of debris left from a series of thunderstorms.
That's nearly double the amount collected in 2009.
The city's waste contractor emerald waste services picked up the branches and the expense for the increase in trash but they won't every time.
Before they pick up anything, homeowners must cut branches down to no more than five feet in length and place them on the curb.
If several storms roll through and leave a heavier than normal amount of debris behind, the contractor might not be required to pick up everything-cost free.
One reason the city was able to pick up debris free of charge during this two week period, was because the Solid Waste Division won't pick up debris in someone's yard and they won't pick up branches removed by a tree surgeon or landscaper.
For more tips on managing branches on your property, visit http://www.cityofgainesville.org and click on the Public Works tab under government.