Will the City remove a street tree whose roots are impeding my sewer/water lines?
The City does not remove healthy trees due to conflict with underground service lines. It is a common misconception that tree roots break sewer/water lines when in fact the line is already damaged. Tree roots will only invade lines that have already cracked because of aging/drying joints or earth settling. Tree roots naturally seek out water, and when an old sewer/water line breaks or leaks the tree will actively thrive toward the newly found water and nutrients. Removing the tree will not solve the problem, as it is actually a plumbing issue. It is recommended that the owner contact a plumbing service to repair or replace the service line, at which time any impeding roots will be cleared away.