Street tree roots breaking sidewalk and into basement

A giant, beautiful tree in the front of our house is unfortunately breaking the sidewalk, causing water to pool on the sidewalk, and large amounts to enter into the front of our basement. We tried calling 311 a year ago, but received a form letter from the city saying that the tree was healthy. Any suggestions about what to do besides calling 311 again? Many thanks! Catherine

greencat

in Masonry 13 years and 8 months ago

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dobalerts | 13 years and 8 months ago

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The city wants trees and couldn’t care less about your sidewalk or water damage, more broken sidewalks means more violations = $$$$$

rugbyroadii | 13 years and 8 months ago

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You can not cut the tree down.  The city will fix the parts of the sidewalk that broken by the tree roots but you are responsible for the rest of the sidewalk.  That said it will probably take years for the city to get to your sidewalk.  We paid to have the sidewalk fixed but had to call the parks department and arrange for them to cut the tree roots properly.  It all worked out well only costing us $8.00 a square foot.  As far as the water coming into your basement…it is your problem to pay for and deal with.

Arkady | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I’d ask for Parks Dept. or Sanit when you phone 311\.  Neighbors of mine had the same problem & were told they couldn’t fix it themselves, that the city had to do it.