Ottawa knows severe weather. The 2018 tornadoes, the 2022 derecho, ice storms, and every summer's wind and thunderstorms have taught homeowners here that a single storm can turn a tidy yard into a debris field. Once the weather passes and everyone's safe, the cleanup begins — and it's usually bigger than it looks. This guide covers how to clear storm debris in Ottawa safely, what to tackle first, and how to get large volumes of wreckage hauled away.

Safety First — Before You Touch Anything

Storm cleanup causes injuries every year. Before you start clearing:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Treat every fallen line as live. Keep well back and report it to Hydro Ottawa or your utility immediately.
  • Watch for hanging branches. "Widow-makers" — partly broken limbs still up in a tree — can fall without warning. Don't work underneath them.
  • Check structural safety. If a tree hit the house or the roof is compromised, have it assessed before going inside or on top.
  • Be careful with chainsaws. Chainsaw injuries spike after storms. If a tree is large, under tension, or near power lines, hire a professional arborist.
  • Wear proper gear. Gloves, eye protection, sturdy boots, and long sleeves.
  • Beware of standing water. It can hide hazards and may be electrically charged near downed lines.

If in any doubt about safety, wait for professionals. No cleanup is worth an injury.

Document Everything for Insurance

Before you clear a single branch, photograph and video the damage thoroughly — the fallen tree on the fence, the shingles in the yard, the water in the basement. Most home insurance policies cover storm damage, and your claim will go far more smoothly with clear before-cleanup evidence. Make a written list of damaged property as you go, and keep receipts for any cleanup and repair costs. Check your policy or call your insurer before disposing of damaged items, in case they need to inspect them first.

What Storm Cleanup Usually Involves

  • Fallen trees and large limbs — often the biggest and heaviest debris.
  • Branches and brush — huge volume, deceptively bulky.
  • Damaged fencing — sections blown down or crushed by trees.
  • Roof debris — shingles, flashing, and soffit torn off by wind.
  • Damaged sheds, gazebos, and patio structures.
  • Broken outdoor furniture, planters, and decor.
  • Flooded basement contents — water-damaged furniture, boxes, drywall, and flooring.
  • Torn-off siding and eavestrough.

Work in a Sensible Order

  1. Clear safety hazards first — anything blocking exits, driveways, or walkways (once you've confirmed no power lines are involved).
  2. Tackle the big stuff — fallen trees and large limbs. Cut them into manageable lengths as you go.
  3. Gather the brush and branches — the high-volume, lightweight debris.
  4. Handle structural debris — fence sections, roof material, shed wreckage.
  5. Deal with water-damaged contents — if the basement flooded, get soaked items out quickly to limit mould.
  6. Do a final sweep — nails, screws, glass, and small debris across the lawn and driveway.

Fallen Trees and Branches

Tree debris is the heaviest and most awkward part of storm cleanup. A mature tree that comes down produces an enormous volume of wood once it's cut up. Some tips:

  • Leave the dangerous cuts to arborists. Trees under tension, tangled in lines, or leaning on structures are professional jobs.
  • Cut branches to length so they pack tightly into a bin rather than bridging across it.
  • Separate clean wood if you want it chipped or milled — some homeowners keep firewood-sized logs.
  • Plan for the volume. A single large tree can fill a big bin on its own.

As a company owned by Base Landscaping Inc., we handle yard and tree debris routinely — branches, brush, and cut logs are exactly the kind of load our bins are built for.

Which Bin for Storm Debris?

Storm cleanup volumes vary enormously, so bin size depends on the damage:

  • A downed fence, some branches, and yard debris — an 8-yard bin ($240 for a 1-day rental) often covers it.
  • A fallen tree plus fencing and structural debris — a 15-yard bin ($260 for 3 days) gives you room to work.
  • Major damage — large trees, multiple structures, a flooded basement's worth of contents — the 30-yard bin ($350) handles high-volume cleanups in one haul.

Not sure? Our bin size guide helps, or just call and describe the damage — we'll recommend a size.

When You Need It Cleared Fast

After a major storm you often can't wait, and you may not be in a position to do the heavy lifting yourself. Our junk removal crew can come in and clear storm debris for you — hauling away fallen limbs, broken fencing, roof material, and flood-damaged contents in one visit. When a tree is across your driveway and you need to get to work Monday, that's the fastest route back to normal.

Flooded Basement Cleanup

If the storm brought water into the basement, act quickly — mould can start within a day or two. Get water-damaged items out fast:

  • Soaked furniture, mattresses, and upholstery (usually unsalvageable once waterlogged).
  • Wet cardboard boxes and their contents.
  • Damaged drywall and flooring, which often has to come out to dry the structure.
  • Ruined carpet and underlay.

Our basement cleanout guidance applies here too, with added urgency. A bin on-site lets you pull wet materials out immediately, and for significant flooding you may need a restoration specialist to dry and treat the space afterward.

What Needs Special Routing

Most storm debris — wood, brush, fencing, shingles, water-damaged furniture — goes straight in a bin. But watch for items that need separate handling: propane tanks from a damaged BBQ, fuel from a generator or mower, paint and chemicals from a flooded shed, and any electronics or appliances damaged by water. Our prohibited items guide covers where those go.

How Base Bins Helps After a Storm

  • Fast bin delivery — same-day and next-day across Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, Stittsville, and Barrhaven.
  • Right-sized bins for anything from a downed fence to a fallen tree and a flooded basement.
  • Full junk removal when you need a crew to clear it for you.
  • Yard and tree debris expertise — we're owned by a landscaping company.
  • High-volume capacity — 30-yard bins for major damage.
  • Fully insured — $2M liability, WSIB compliant, licensed hauler.

Bottom Line

After a storm, safety comes first, insurance documentation comes second, and then it's a matter of working through the debris in a sensible order — hazards, big wood, brush, structural debris, and water-damaged contents. Match the bin to the damage, leave the dangerous tree work to arborists, and don't hesitate to bring in a crew when the volume is more than you can handle.

Call (613) 518-1508 or request a quote. Tell us what the storm left behind and we'll get a bin to you fast — or send a crew to clear it.

Related reads: What size dumpster do I need? · Basement cleanout guide · Deck, shed & fence demolition

Disclaimer: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice.