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Why Did You Leave A Bump In Front Of My Driveway?

Why Can't You Cut The Dead Limbs Out Of My Tree?

I Don't Like The Tree In Front Of My House, Will You Cut It Down?

What Is The Order Of Salting And Plowing Streets?

Why Can't You Repair The Sink Hole In My Yard?

The Grass Won't Grow In The Dirt You Put Behind Our New Curb!

Why Did You Leave A Bump In Front Of My Driveway?
After asphalt curb work on a street, a 1.5" high edge is often left in front of driveways. This is to keep water from ponding at the driveway entrance.  This edge will not damage car suspension.

Why Can't You Cut The Dead Limbs Out Of My Tree?
The city is not responsible for private trees and does not have a forestry department. The Street Division only has the resources to remove dead trees on the public rights-of-way. We do not have the resources to prune, spray, or maintain all of the trees on city rights-of-way. If a particular limb on a public tree presents a danger to the public, the Street Division will remove it.

I Don't Like The Tree In Front Of My House. Will You Cut It Down?
The City of Kirkwood will only remove hazardous dead trees from the public right-of-way.  Under no circumstances will crews remove live, healthy trees.  If the health of a tree is in doubt, a waiting period is suggested to see if the health of the tree improves.  If a determination is made that a tree is dying and will not recover, it is then put on the removal list. Residents may call the Street Division at 314-984-6948 for the Street Division to investigate a hazardous tree or limb on public right-of-way.

Residents may request to remove live public trees in front of their property at their cost. Requests for review should be made to the Urban Forestry Commission through the City Clerk's Office. The Urban Forestry Commission will review the request and make a recommendation (often with conditions, such as a new tree being planted by the resident) to the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director may then authorize the property owner to remove the public tree at their cost with conditions such as a new tree planting.

What Is The Order Of Salting And Plowing Streets?
The goal of the Street Department in a winter emergency is to provide safe, passable conditions on city streets in the most effective, expeditious manner.  Streets are cleared according to the following priorities:
1.  Main streets and hills.
2.  Streets adjacent to hospitals.
3.  Streets adjacent to schools.
4.  Secondary streets.
5.  Side streets and subdivisions.
It would do little good to salt or plow neighborhood streets first.  Even if you could get out of your neighborhood, you would be unable to drive on the main streets until they were cleared.  If you have a medical emergency, contact the City of Kirkwood Emergency Services at 9-1-1.

Why Can't You Repair The Sink Hole In My Yard?
Sinkholes are usually caused by cracked or broken sewer pipes.  If you notify the Street Division that you have a sinkhole on your private property, they will investigate and report their findings to the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).  MSD will check the hole to determine if it is a private sewer lateral or a public main. Unfortunately, it often takes up to six months from the time the city reports a sinkhole to MSD until they check the hole for sewer problems.  If the hole is filled when MSD gets there, it cannot be checked and the sinking process will continue.  If the hole is on a public right-of-way, the Street Division will barricade the hole until MSD can evaluate it. If the sinkhole is caused by a broken private sewer lateral, it is the property owner's responsibility to repair their sewer. The repair may qualify under the Sewer Lateral Insurance Program. If  you have a sinkhole on your private property, the direct phone number to MSD is 314-768-6260.

The Grass Won't Grow In The Dirt You Put Behind Our New Curb!
When the Street Division installs a new or repairs an old curb, the area behind the curb is filled with top soil.  Seed is applied and, on occasions when erosion may be a problem, straw is applied.  It is then the property owner's responsibility to water the seed.  If the seed fails to grow even if it is watered properly, the Street Department will re-seed the area.