If the sidewalk in front of your home is damaged due to tree roots, you may qualify for free repair through the Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program.

An official inspection of the damage will determine if a sidewalk damaged by curbside trees qualifies for a free repair. Only 1-, 2-, and 3-family residential property owners are eligible.

If an inspector finds your sidewalk does not qualify for the program, you must repair the sidewalk through an independent contractor.

Requests will be inspected and ranked by how badly the root damage appears. High ranking sites will be repaired before less severely damaged sites. After the inspection is completed, homeowners will be notified of the results.

Repairs generally involve:

• Removing damaged concrete
• Expanding the tree's growing space
• Installing concrete in the surrounding sections of sidewalk to provide space for future root growth

The Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program is not available to owners of the following:

• Commercial properties
• Co-ops
• Condos
• Residential properties with four or more units

If you fit into any of the above categories, you must repair the sidewalk through an independent contractor. 

Repairing your sidewalk through an independent contractor is often the quickest solution if you:

• Are a homeowner with time-sensitive needs for sidewalk repair, or
• You own a non-Tax Class 1 property that is not eligible for the Trees & Sidewalks Program.

Follow these steps to repair a sidewalk yourself:

1. Hire a licensed contractor who can repair the sidewalk and make preliminary arrangements for them to perform the work. 
2. Apply for the necessary permits, including:
   • Tree Work Permit from the Parks Department 
   • Sidewalk Construction Permit from the Department of Transportation 
   • Any other required permits from other City agencies
3. Parks Department will review your application for a Tree Work Permit and inspect the tree(s) damaging the sidewalk.
4. Parks will issue a Tree Work Permit along with guidelines for how to repair the sidewalk without damaging the tree(s). This permit will be valid for 90 days.

Once repairs are complete, Parks will inspect the tree and the repair, and issue sign-off if the repairs meet all permit conditions and preserve the health of the tree(s).

Learn more about independent sidewalk repairs.

The City will no longer issue violations or impose liens on 1-, 2-, and 3-family properties that have sidewalk damage caused only by City trees.

By the end of 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will review existing notices of violation to determine which were caused only by City street trees and cancel the lien for any that meet the criteria.

If you are a property owner who is selling or refinancing your home, the City will expedite this re-evaluation. You must provide proof that the property is in contract to be sold or refinanced.

You can request a removal online or by mail.

You must include:

• Your name
• Property address
• Description of whether you are selling or refinancing your property

Online

Request to remove a lien due to City tree damage.