Has anyone ever had a city cut down your trees?

Question

I have several homes in "low income" areas of my city. I have purposely planted many fruit trees on them. Peaches, cherries, plums, apples, etc. My idea was that I needed trees anyway and my families would benefit from free fresh fruit for their children.

One rental property had this wonderful 10 year old peach tree on it. The city came in and cut it down! Without notice! They are complaining that I planted it in the city zone of my yard, near the city planted tree. That is true, I was thinking of the shade it would provide later (like NOW).

I am really upset, but do not know who to complain to. I know I cna't get the tree back. But, there is so much about affordable housing that I am really frustrated. I am trying to provide affordable housing in homes for families that provide for their needs. Fenced in front yards, trees and bushes (I even have citrus hedges in some) make my houses more "homey" then most. IMO anyway.

Answer 1

I had a similar circumstance happen at my own home where the city came and butchered my 40 ft willow tree because a few branches we're touching a power line. They have every right to do whatever they want but most of the time will try to make you happy at the same time. The trees were pretty much ruined so I requested they come and remove the entire tree and replace the ones they already cut down so I could plant 2 more in a new location further back from the line. They approved it and even cut up the trunk of the trees and let me keep them for fire wood.

Answer 2

I understand your frustration and appreciate what you're trying to do, but if local ordinances restrict where you can plant trees, you'll have to abide by them.

Your best bet would be to register your dissatisfaction with your city counsellor. Fighting with the trolls at City Hall probably won't get you anything but your elected representatives are much more likely to listen. If you can start a grass-roots movement within the community to change what you percive to be an unnecessary or absurd law you may well get some action on changing things.

Answer 3

the best thing to do is get in contacxt with the councilman in of your district in ur city. Get familiar with them and get them interested in being more active with improving the city. I think what you are doing is not only adminrable but a contribution as well. Its a shame the city doesnt see the positiveness you have contributed. The best thing would be to 1. have an official surveyance of your land. Fence in the property and plant away. File the surveyance with your city council so they have it ON RECORD! 2. Talk toyour councilman, express your concerns and see if they can work with you to improve the situation. Writing a letter to your district attorney is also a great way to get the community involved!

Answer 4

Go to the city councilman/woman in the area your property is located in. You may have to call city hall to get the right person. Provide the address of the house(s) you are concerned about, and get the names of all the councilpersons and representatives of these areas.
Also, your city should have a city planner. This person normally works with corporations, companies wanting to build and invest within the city, parks and planning, and neighborhood communities also. Find out whom the city planner is, and don't push things. With the approach and intention you did have in planting these trees, he/she may be able to assist you, and get some kind of allowance or ordinance passed for your properties, allowing these trees. You could write a letter of introduction to the city planner, explain your purpose, and ask for intervention, so your trees aren't removed. He can then scan for any future planned removals, and intervene. You can then meet the city planner in person, and you have a friend, and he has the type of landlord he wants in his city.
(Don't get upset with the city planner, they are very busy people. They handle multi=million dollar businesses with one telephone, and the local playground update with the next call. Any upset person, they will not consider. They are normally college graduates with degrees in urban planning.)

Answer 5

The city can do what it wants. It's called "eminent domain". You can fight, but you'll lose.

Answer 6

if you put it on city property theres nothing you can do about it