NYC's Trees & Sidewalks Program: What You Need to Know

The NYC Trees and Sidewalks Program is a special service provided by the Park's Department. The aim of this program is to assist home owners with sidewalk issues caused by city-owned trees.

Trees often planted in sidewalk strips can have upward root growth that can lift the surrounding concrete slabs. Repairing these damages on an immediate basis is essential to avoid trip-and-fall accidents on the pathway. This program eases the financial burden on property owners by providing repair funds in certain cases.

Learn how to protect your sidewalk from tree root damage effectively.

 

Who is Eligible for the Trees & Sidewalks Program?

This program is available to homeowners whose sidewalks have been damaged by city-owned trees. Typically, it prioritized:

• Single-, two-, and three-family homes
• Locations where trees have significantly damaged the sidewalk
  
  

Application Process

Homeowners must follow a step-by-step process to apply for this program:

1. Submit a Request

File a request with the Parks Department by calling NYC 311 or visiting their website and filling out the application form.

2. Inspection by the Parks Department

A certified inspector from the Parks Department will inspect the sidewalk to determine whether the damage was caused by a city tree. This will decide whether the property owner is eligible for the program or not.

3. Approvals and Repairs

If you are eligible, you will receive funding for the repairs made to your sidewalk. The Parks Department will ensure that the tree roots were not damaged during the process and no harm to the tree has happened. After the repairs, the NYC Department of Transportation performs a final inspection and ensures the modifications are as per city standards.

Techniques Used During Sidewalk Repairs

To ensure no harm has been caused to the sidewalks during the repair process, NYC Parks opts for well-defined repair techniques, including:

Root Pruning

In situations where roots are causing sidewalk lifting, careful pruning is performed to restore the sidewalks without causing any harm to the tree.

Tree Bed Expansion

As trees grow, they require more space on the sidewalk. Through tree bed expansion, damaged sidewalk flags are cut or removed from the area directly surrounding the tree and expand the tree bed.

Ramping

Through this solution, the sidewalk is sloped gradually over the root system using base material. It allows the space for root growth without getting the need for root cutting.

Rebar Enforcement

Reinforcing concrete with rebar or wire mesh can reduce uneven lifting of the slabs and also avoid future cracking.

How is This Program Important?

Damaged sidewalks can lead to tripping hazards and put pedestrians at risk of injury. By addressing these issues, the Trees and Sidewalks program makes the sidewalks safe for everyone.

Moreover, by managing the roots properly, NYC parks ensure tree safety and help the property owners comply with DOT safety guidelines. 

Limitations of the Program

While the NYC Trees and Sidewalks Program is incredibly helpful, it does have some limitations:

Long Waiting Times: Due to numerous projects going on at once, the repair process might take months to start.

Limited Coverage: This program is only available for damages caused by city-owned trees.

Repairing Sidewalk Yourself

You can repair the sidewalk yourself if it’s damaged by a tree root and then file a claim with the NYC Parks Department to receive a fund for the repair cost. However, it is important to contact NYC Parks first to confirm eligibility and follow their proper procedures for efficient and timely repairs.

Conclusion

The NYC Trees and Sidewalks Program is a vital initiative that helps property owners cover expenses of repairs. By reaching out to the department and filing a complaint, you can claim the repair.

While it may take time to process requests, the benefits of safe sidewalks and healthy trees are well worth the effort.