| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
The house next door to us has a tree that is seriously lifting up the sidewalk. It is on the street side of the sidewalk and clearly on their property. It is VERY unsafe for anyone to walk on or ride a bike. I'm almost positive that it is the home owner's responsibility to take care of it by contacting the town, but I am not 100% sure. We did not say anything when we moved in last summer as we did not want to come across as the rude new neighbor, but it needs to be taken care of as my kids will be using that sidewalk a lot this summer - Abby can't get her pink princess ATV over it  . FTR, we are in the house since last July and have yet to meet the neighbor. I think it is his mother's house and he lives there - young guy MAYBE in his 20s.
Does anyone have experience with tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? How much of a PITA is it and how fast do they move? Most of all, how much of an expense to my neighbor will it be and will I suddenly find piles of garbage over my fence because my neighbor will hate me?
ETA a pic - note how much the guy cares about his neighbors by the direction his car is facing on a two way street which is on a short double yellow - he does this all the time.
Message edited 4/12/2011 5:23:27 PM.
|
Posted 4/12/11 8:42 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource | Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate |
caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
This is what their website says... maybe you can call the number and get a better answer?
TREE TRIMMING, REMOVAL OR PLANTING
The Highway Department is also responsible for trimming, removing and planting trees in the utility strip (between the sidewalk and the curb). To request the trimming or removal of a tree, or to have a tree planted, call (516) 677-5812.
Even if they remove the tree, it is the homeowners responsibility to fix the side walk. i think TOBAY can make them, but there is no guarantee they will.
HTH!
Message edited 4/12/2011 9:16:10 AM.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:14 AM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
In these cases, most often the tree roots are cut out to flatten the sidewalk and the slab has to get replaced (at the homeowner's expense). I have never heard of it warranting a tree actually being removed, which if it did have to be, only the town would be allowed to do that and make that decision. So I would contact the town and let them assess the tree/root situation. But many towns have ordinances that they cannot make a homeowner fix the sidewalk for x amt of years (such as if they flagged their sidewalk 4 years ago, they may be be legally allowed to hold the homeowner responsible for another 3 years as some areas have a rule of every 7 years the town flags sidewalks). So if that is the case, then it's up to the homeowner and the reality is if they want to risk getting sued if someone gets injured, that's their choice.
So I would call the town and find out the rules about flagging sidewalks. See if they will assess the tree. And if they won't do either, then just be prepared if you mention it to the neighbor, they may not care one bit about your concerns (b/c if they WERE concerned, they would have fixed it on their own already) and expressing such concerns could be a bit of a touchy subject (since there are wackos out there).
Cost - trimming tree roots to replace a sidewalk slab isn't too costly. For ex, a square (slab) of concrete costs about $85 but often times multiple slabs have to be replaced to address the problem you are describing. So even still, max we are talking about is probably around $400.
Just know it's a touchy subject, b/c calling the town could get the neighbor mad but addressing the neighbor could also get the neighbor annoyed.
Message edited 4/12/2011 9:38:16 AM.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:34 AM |
| |
|
Bugaboo
Relax!
Member since 5/05 2133 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
It's the town's responsibility and I have seen TOB removing trees and replanting pretty often in my neighborhood. We have a lot of older trees lining the streets and they've been really good coming around trimming and fixing things. I would just call them and give them the address and they'll come look at it. They respond fairly quickly. As for the sidewalk, it will be your neighbor's responsibility to fix it. I'm pretty sure that they can either have the town fix it for them and the town will bill them, or they can have someone else do it. HTH!
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:37 AM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
NM, misread
Message edited 4/12/2011 9:39:39 AM.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:39 AM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
I'm just truly concerned for the safety of my children. I don't want to wait for one of them to get hurt before something is done abut it. Truth be told I really don't think the owner lives there. Good luck trying to even figure out who they are.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 10:00 AM |
| |
|
Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Also with tree removal...you need a permit now!
I just had my boss deal with this. shes in TOB.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 12:10 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
The tree isn't dead. They probably won't remove it. I would be worried about what would happen to the tree if the roots were removed to level the sidewalk. Its huge. Could fall. Who knows.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 12:20 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 12:39 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Yeah, it doesn't look to be that expensive, it is just a question of getting them to do it. I wonder what the time frame is once they are given the notice. I'll call the town later.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 1:07 PM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Posted by Goldi0218
The tree isn't dead. They probably won't remove it. I would be worried about what would happen to the tree if the roots were removed to level the sidewalk. Its huge. Could fall. Who knows.
This unfortunately is standard practice when trees abutt a sidewalk. Always concerned me too but this is what is done anywhere and everywhere trees are squeezed in b/w a patch of grass and the sidewalk with not much room to expand.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 1:28 PM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 1:29 PM |
| |
|
Kmarie36
LIF Adult
Member since 9/10 1449 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
We are TOB & two years ago right after closing I contacted the town to have our front tree removed. The entire front walkway was lifted from the roots, and extremely dangerous. I know our neighbor had told the previous owner to call, but she was against having them take the tree down. I was more worried about someone getting hurt. We had to wait 7 months for them to take it down (you are put on a list). The town hires out a company to take the tree down, then the town comes and fixes the sidewalk. HTH
|
| Posted 4/12/11 2:42 PM |
| |
|
Kmarie36
LIF Adult
Member since 9/10 1449 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Goldi0218
The tree isn't dead. They probably won't remove it. I would be worried about what would happen to the tree if the roots were removed to level the sidewalk. Its huge. Could fall. Who knows.
This unfortunately is standard practice when trees abutt a sidewalk. Always concerned me too but this is what is done anywhere and everywhere trees are squeezed in b/w a patch of grass and the sidewalk with not much room to expand.
Our tree was not dead. They gave us no problem at all. Asked if we wanted another tree replaced, and I said no. I believe it was $150 a slab, I would need to double check w/ DH
|
| Posted 4/12/11 2:45 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
Posted by Kmarie36
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Goldi0218
The tree isn't dead. They probably won't remove it. I would be worried about what would happen to the tree if the roots were removed to level the sidewalk. Its huge. Could fall. Who knows.
This unfortunately is standard practice when trees abutt a sidewalk. Always concerned me too but this is what is done anywhere and everywhere trees are squeezed in b/w a patch of grass and the sidewalk with not much room to expand.
Our tree was not dead. They gave us no problem at all. Asked if we wanted another tree replaced, and I said no. I believe it was $150 a slab, I would need to double check w/ DH
Unfortunately, it is not our house or it would have been taken care of already. The tree looks like it COULD be on our property, but it is not according to the lots and property lines. The rest of the house is not kept well (at least on the outside) so it is no surprise that the tree would be left "as is" until someone speaks to them or tries to sue. The previous owners had young children so who knows what may have already been started on their part. I sincerely doubt this will happen in a decent period of time. Ill take a picture of it when I get home - it is pretty bad.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 2:55 PM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay?
The owner needs to apply for a permit. It's $75 per tree (was last year). An inspector from the township comes. Tells you if he is OK or not to agree to the tree removal. They DO NOT want trees down for "convenience". But the fee "can" be waived if they plant a similar tree. Shade tree for another shade tree.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 5:00 PM |
| |
|
maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
I'm in Old Bethpage and there are so many sidewalks like that, some much worse. everyone walks in the street. I personally wouldn't call the town bc a bad neighbor can make your life miserable. Esp if they have to shell out money because you called the town on them.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 8:19 PM |
| |
|
maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.
I think you are right, you can't walk down the sidewalks where I live, noone fixes them. there must be a reason why they are all left as is.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 8:22 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.[/QUOT]
I live in the town of oyster bay. I had a tree that was lifting 3 squares of sidewalk. The town came and cut down the tree replaced the three squares effected by the tree as well as 4 others. We were responsible to pay for the 7 squares and they also planted a new tree.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 8:56 PM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by architectnycity
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.[/QUOT]
I live in the town of oyster bay. I had a tree that was lifting 3 squares of sidewalk. The town came and cut down the tree replaced the three squares effected by the tree as well as 4 others. We were responsible to pay for the 7 squares and they also planted a new tree.
Really? We were told WE had to pay for it. The township is NOT paying to redo the sidewalk.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:07 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by smdl
Posted by architectnycity
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.[/QUOT]
I live in the town of oyster bay. I had a tree that was lifting 3 squares of sidewalk. The town came and cut down the tree replaced the three squares effected by the tree as well as 4 others. We were responsible to pay for the 7 squares and they also planted a new tree.
Really? We were told WE had to pay for it. The township is NOT paying to redo the sidewalk.
Town takes care of trees - homeowners take care of sidewalks. They can have the town do it at their expense or they can hire a private company to do it for them.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:09 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by maybesoon
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.
I think you are right, you can't walk down the sidewalks where I live, noone fixes them. there must be a reason why they are all left as is.
I think money is a big reason why people don't fix them. If the sidewalk issue was on my property, it would be dealt with and over - I could not and would not risk the safety of my family. The tree is literally less than 3 feet from our property. I am sure it would be cheaper to pay for a slab or two than to go to court if anyone should trip and get hurt - whether my kids or any other neighbor.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:15 PM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by Goldi0218
Posted by maybesoon
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.
I think you are right, you can't walk down the sidewalks where I live, noone fixes them. there must be a reason why they are all left as is.
I think money is a big reason why people don't fix them. If the sidewalk issue was on my property, it would be dealt with and over - I could not and would not risk the safety of my family. The tree is literally less than 3 feet from our property. I am sure it would be cheaper to pay for a slab or two than to go to court if anyone should trip and get hurt - whether my kids or any other neighbor.
I think the real reason is people get lax since tree roots can lift sidewalks within 2 or 3 years after they are repaired. We had this issue in my old home after we had just fixed the sidewalks. In addition to what it costs (which isn't that large of an amount) it is just too frequent to be redoing concrete every 2 or 3 years. You won't find many people who will do this as soon as the sidewalk lifts. Sometimes when it's fairly mild you will see people smear concrete in the gap to create a "ramp" instead of having that edge stick up. That's a temporary fix they try to do.
So odds are people leave them for a long time b/c no one is going to replace concrete every 2 years. So they let it go until it either gets flagged by the town to be repaired or until it gets bad enough that they feel it should be fixed. And they take a daily gamble that no one gets hurt.
However the tree pic you posted, that is clearly many many many years in the making so it's time to be done now.
Message edited 4/12/2011 9:50:47 PM.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:44 PM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Our sidewalks are raised. Except it raised evenly as only 1 side lifted. Not the edge.
We "fixed" them. So there is a 8-9 inch incline as you walk on my front sidewalk. My sidewalk is perfect.
I don't think you are required to change the sidewalk per se but it had to be that you don't trip with uneven /holes pavement.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:50 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Tree removal in the Town of Oyster Bay? (edited with pic)
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Goldi0218
Posted by maybesoon
Posted by Goobster
Posted by architectnycity
The town will remove the tree if it is creating a tripping hazard. The homeowners will have to pay for the slabs effected by the roots and any other tripping hazard slabs on their property. It's not that expensive.
This will likely not happen. There would be no trees in any neighborhoods with sidewalks if they removed every tree that lifted the sidewalk throughout it's lifetime.
I think you are right, you can't walk down the sidewalks where I live, noone fixes them. there must be a reason why they are all left as is.
I think money is a big reason why people don't fix them. If the sidewalk issue was on my property, it would be dealt with and over - I could not and would not risk the safety of my family. The tree is literally less than 3 feet from our property. I am sure it would be cheaper to pay for a slab or two than to go to court if anyone should trip and get hurt - whether my kids or any other neighbor.
I think the real reason is people get lax since tree roots can lift sidewalks within 2 or 3 years after they are repaired. We had this issue in my old home after we had just fixed the sidewalks. In addition to what it costs (which isn't that large of an amount) it is just too frequent to be redoing concrete every 2 or 3 years. You won't find many people who will do this as soon as the sidewalk lifts. Sometimes when it's fairly mild you will see people smear concrete in the gap to create a "ramp" instead of having that edge stick up. That's a temporary fix they try to do.
So odds are people leave them for a long time b/c no one is going to replace concrete every 2 years. So they let it go until it either gets flagged by the town to be repaired or until it gets bad enough that they feel it should be fixed. And they take a daily gamble that no one gets hurt.
However the tree pic you posted, that is clearly many many many years in the making so it's time to be done now.
Its a HUGE tree and according to our landscaper who was at our home this evening, the odds are that it was planted around the time the homes were built with little if any thought as to how they would grow or make sidewalks look years later.
The person I see going in and out of the home most frequently appears to be in his late 20s or early 30s and again, I do not think he owns the house. His roof and siding are dilapidated. The property is not maintained. The backyard is a mess. The last thing that I can see him doing is repairing the sidewalk out of the kindness of his heart. If it is to be repaired at all, the Town would have to be a part of the process somehow.
When we sold my parents' home last year (Town of North Hempstead), we had the same issue before it was sold. Before closing, WE incurred the expense of having the sidewalk repaired. If nobody makes waves, why would you fix it? We could go the nice route and watch NOTHING happen except Abby skin her knee a few times OR we can move things along, call the town and get it done in a timely fashion. Mind you if the town is involved, "timely" may just mean 7 months. But 7 months is a lot better than a year or longer.
|
| Posted 4/12/11 9:58 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
