What if I don't like or want the tree in front of my home or business?
The city has spent thousands of dollars each year planting trees. Street trees are an important part of the environment we live in. As such, the City will only remove trees in our right-of-way that are dead or diseased and may create a hazard. Although the tree is in front of one home, as a public tree it belongs to all residents. While there may be some exceptions, "don't want to rake leaves anymore", "tree has ants" and "I don't like trees" are not acceptable reasons for a tree removal.
If the tree is in the path of property improvements (driveway, new water or sewer line) a permit for removal may be granted by the City Forester. Such a permit will require the applicant to remove the tree and stump at their expense. The applicant will also be required to replant, by caliper size, a new tree or trees in areas around the removed tree also at their own expense. The permit will identify the correct species, size and location for planting. Before the permit will be given all necessary building permits must be issued by the Building Department and/or any other City or State Agency that has jurisdiction over the project.