Hazardous branch on a city tree in our yard

Hello, all, There is a large mulberry in our front yard that is city-owned (they told me last year). It lost more branches during Irene, but unfortunately one pretty big one is broken but remains attached about 20 feet above the sidewalk. I’ve reported it to the city several times, but they are obviously stretched thin and I know there are many branches like this. I tried taping off the sidewalk but people just kept taking it down. Now I have a “hazard” sign up. I know this is the city’s responsibility, and if it didn’t come down in the NorEaster it must be well attached, but still I would feel terrible if someone got hurt. Does anyone have any advice?

nf85

in Sidewalks 12 years and 5 months ago

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nf85 | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Thanks very much, everyone. I’ve left a few messages for Mr. Pywell and have called Brad Lander’s office and e-mailed a few other community types trying to get this handled. I also had an arborist come who agrees it needs to be handled ASAP–but Parks says they have to inspect before they’ll issue a permit, even for an emergency. Gah.

redoxalis | 12 years and 5 months ago

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I had a similar problem a couple of years ago.  My tree was also in my frontyard and a “landmarked” city tree.  It was a beautiful 230 year old elm.  After about a year of trying to get the city to take care of it, large branches began to fall crushing cars and endagering pedestrians.  After 3 episodes of branches falling and 7 cars damaged, I finally got the phone number of Jonathan Pywell, Deputy Directory of Forrestry Brooklyn.  I handed out his number to all my neighbors and he got 21 phone calls.  He finally contacted me and the Parks Department took care of the problem.  Mr. Pywell’s number is 718-965-7731\.  Be prepared for them to cut the tree down.

shahnandersen

in Sidewalks 12 years and 5 months ago

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If you are willing to pay for it, talk to a tree service company. They should know if it is possible to get permission from the Parks Department to have the work done at your expense.

mab | 12 years and 5 months ago

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Try calling your local police precinct (the main number which can easily be looked up, NOT 911).  Explain the situation and ask if they could put up a few of their blue police barricades to prevent people from walking under the tree.  If someone gets hurt, you do know that they will sue you and not the city, regardless of its being a city-owned tree.  No one needs that kind of headache.

nf85 | 12 years and 5 months ago

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sorry–Irene meaning Sandy!