FAQs • Geneva, NY • CivicEngage

Whose responsibility is it to repair/replace my sidewalk if a City tree’s roots damaged it?: Repair or replacing sidewalks is the homeowner's responsibility regardless of the cause of the problems.

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Boards & Commissions - Shadetree Committee

1. Is the tree in front of my house a City tree?: City trees are planted within the City right-of-way. The right-of-way is determined by a measurement from the centerline of the roadway. Each particular street has a right-of-way distance. If you wish to confirm if a tree is within the City right-of-way, call the Engineering Department at 315-789-3101, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

2. Can I have someone look at a tree within in the City right of way because I think it is dead since it has not produced any leaves yet?: The City of Geneva contracts with a Certified Arborist who looks at tree requests within the City right-of-way on a monthly basis. The arborist will report his findings back to the City and, if you wish, the findings can be reported to you.

3. How do I request tree work within the City right-of-way from Geneva’s Department of Public Works?: Please call the City of Geneva Engineering Department Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, at 315-789-3101.

4. Can I have someone look at a tree in the City right-of-way because it is losing a lot of limbs and I want it removed?: Yes, if the tree is in the City right-of-way. Please call the City of Engineering Department Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 315-789-3101 to arrange to have the City's certified arborist look at the tree.

For 2012 to 2013, the City is planting the following trees (size):

6. Can I request a tree to be planted in the City right-of-way?: Yes, you may request a tree to be planted in the City right-of-way by calling the Engineering Department Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Your request will be placed on a waiting list and you will be notified when a tree becomes available.

7. Can I have a tree within the City right of way removed because the tree is too close to the wires and/or the house?: Trees within the City right-of-way are removed based on the condition they are in and the risk they pose to people and property. The City's certified arborist determines the condition of a tree and recommends needed work based on his findings. The City does not necessarily remove a tree for reasons such as too close to wires and or home, roots getting in sewer, roots are lifting the sidewalk.

8. Whose responsibility is it to repair/replace my sidewalk if a City tree’s roots damaged it?: Repair or replacing sidewalks is the homeowner's responsibility regardless of the cause of the problems.