Lufkin brush, burn and tree rules

Lufkin publishes clear rules for getting rid of limbs and for burning yard waste. For permits to cut a tree, it's a different story; here is what we found and where the gaps are.

Brush and limb pickup

• Size: brush and limbs no larger than 24 inches in diameter and no longer than six feet, tied in bundles of 40 pounds or less. Anything bigger is collected by work order, case by case.
• How: place a work order with Solid Waste Services online; call 936-633-0281 if the form gives you trouble. Allow up to ten business days.
• How much: unlimited small pickups (a load that fits in a truck bed); one free large pickup a year, then $55 each.
• Where: as close to the road as is safe, but several feet from trees, vehicles, utility poles and mailboxes. Don't mix limbs with other items like appliances.
• Contractors: tree services and building contractors are responsible for removing their own debris, and can rent a container from Solid Waste.
• Penalty: violating the Solid Waste Ordinance is a misdemeanor with fines of up to $2,000 per offense, per day.

Burning inside the city limits

• Only plant material from the property: fallen limbs, pine straw, leaves and cut grass. No trash, plastic, tires or lumber.
• Attended until it's out, with a hose or other way to put it out at hand.
• At least 50 feet from any structure, fences included. Put it out if smoke reaches a neighbor's building.
• Not when the wind is below 6 mph or above 23 mph. Start no earlier than an hour after sunrise; be fully out an hour before sunset.
• Never during a burn ban. Land clearing requires a permit.

Permits to remove a tree

Lufkin's Code of Ordinances is published on eCode360, but we couldn't find a tree-removal permit, a protected-tree list or rules for trees in the street right-of-way in a form we could cite. Before taking down a large tree, a street tree or one near a sidewalk, ask the City of Lufkin. Outside the city limits, ask that city or Angelina County.

State rules that apply everywhere

• 811: powered digging that disturbs soil 16 inches or deeper needs 811 notice at least 48 hours ahead, excluding weekends and holidays. See stump grinding.
• Pesticides: spraying or injecting trees for hire needs a Texas Department of Agriculture license.
• Lines: Oncor trims between its poles; owners handle the service line. See power line trees.