Sidewalks on our residential streets can be damaged by tree roots uplifting them. Certain species of trees have caused more severe offsets than others and often require heavy root pruning in order to properly repair the sidewalks. Current practice is for these trees to be first evaluated by a certified arborist prior to sidewalk removal and during tree and root pruning.

This root pruning, in conjunction with the City’s sidewalk repair programs have long term impacts on the health of these trees.

City certified arborists therefore have developed the following approach to preserve our mature trees from the possibility of decreased life span and increased vulnerabiloity to disease associated with heavy root pruning:

• When heavy root pruning is required, the sidewalk width adjacent to the tree will be reduced to forty-two inches (the minimum requirement to maintain compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act).
• If a reduction in sidewalk width is not possible and the existing public rights-of-way extend beyond the back of the sidewalk, install the replacement sidewalk within this area.
• If neither of the above options is possible, meet with the adjoining property owner and determine if they would grant the City the required easements to meander the sidewalk around the tree.

The purpose of these new policies is to preserve our urban forest and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

If you have any questions about root pruning or the sidewalk repair program, please contact my office at: 562 570-6932.