Hazard tree condemnation process

We inspect and condemn dead, hazard, and downfallen trees. We do this to prevent injury or property damage.

When the City receives a report of a hazard tree:

1. An inspector inspects the tree.
2. The inspector determines if the tree should be condemned.
3. If it is condemned, the inspector marks the tree with yellow paint (branches are not marked). Then the property owner receives an Order to Correct letter in the mail.

Property owner responsibility

Property owners are responsible for removing the tree by the deadline in the Order to Correct letter.

If you do not remove it by the deadline:

1. The City’s contractor will remove it.
2. You will receive a bill.
3. If you do not pay the amount due by the due date, it will be added to your property taxes. This is called a special assessment.

Apply to the Condemned Tree Assistance Program

This is an option for low-income residents.

• This is an income-qualified program.
• For accepted applicants, we cover the full cost of removal.

See condemned tree assistance

Hire a certified arborist to remove the tree

• This is likely less expensive than using a City contractor. This is because you can get multiple bids from different contractors.

See the City's list for licensed contractors

A City contractor will remove the tree

• This is likely the most expensive option.
• The property owner will receive a bill.
• If you don't pay the bill, it will be assessed to your property taxes with interest.
• You can choose to pay the assessment over 5 to 10 years with interest.

Payment options

The fee with interest is assessed to your property taxes. Full payment, including interest, is required when the property is either:

• Sold
• No longer Homestead status
• The hardship ends

If your tree removal is assessed, you have the following payment options:

• You can pay it off over a 5-year period
• You can pay if off over a 10-year period

Deferral

You can defer the payment if you are a Homestead property owner that is:

• Aged 65 or older
• Retired due to a permanent and total disability
• On active duty on a military reservist

Notify us

Tell us with what you want to do:

• • Submit an online form
  • Call 311

See special assessments for more information