Further questions on tree destroying sidewalk, damaging retaining wall..

I asked this question before, but I need a little more information. Thank you for your patience. So I have a large tree literally lifting up the sidewalk in front of my house, and I believe causing damage so water is now entering the basement at an increasing rate from the retaining wall (against which I presume said tree is pushing into..). So our house is a 4 family, (which we live in)so the DOE program will not pay to fix the sidewalk, and do whatever they would do to the tree so it doesn’t damage property. Eeks.  If any one has any ideas of other ways to get the city to pay for this (DOT?) please let me know. Also, So what type of contractor would help with this? A tree company, a mason? Any recommendations?  I’m very frightened of the cost — does it sound like huge amounts of money? Many thanks, Cat

greencat

in Masonry 13 years and 7 months ago

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5freedmans | 13 years and 5 months ago

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I had a very similar situation, but the tree breaking the sidewalk was behind the gate in a too-small in-ground container. Always knew the tree was on our property but wanted to save the tree and kept patching it for years until it became too much of a hazard and was actually cracking stoop. Still it was a “grey zone” because the city wants to maintain street side trees even if not on city property. What you have to do is call 311 or the Brooklyn Forestry department directly (718-965-7747) and explain situation. (Or there is an online form: http://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/request) They will send someone to assess the tree and the damage occurring. (I made sure I was around so I could talk to the guy.) In our case the damage was severe and obvious and they allowed tree removal with permit. The tree was just removed for us last week and a contractor is fixing the sidewalk and dealing with the crazy damage the tree trunk and roots caused. They all seem to be doing a good job with it so let me know if you want references. Yes it is costing us a lot of money, but it will probably cost less if you deal with sooner rather than later. Good luck!

condoguy | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I can’t help you as an individual but I work for an organization that can speak to DPR about your issue and many other similar ones. Would you be willing to contact me so I can learn more about this? I can be reached at marc@brooklynshade.org

greencat | 13 years and 7 months ago

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It is not on our property, it is a city tree on the sidewalk. Regardless, because our house is a 4 family we are being told that we are responsible for any tree damage.

Bklnite | 13 years and 7 months ago

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From nyc.gov … http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/faqs/sidewalkfaqs.shtml#tree