Tree-Root Sidewalk Repair in NYC

Street-tree roots lift and split flags from underneath. The repair has to solve the sidewalk without killing the tree, which is why it needs a Parks tree work permit as well as a DOT permit.

Fixing the walk without killing the tree

• The damaged flags removed with the root system left intact where possible
• Growing space opened up so the same roots do not lift the new slab
• Tree pit rebuilt where the pit itself has failed
• Parks tree work permit and DOT sidewalk permit both filed
• Work presented to Parks for sign-off where their permit requires it

Check whether you owe anything at all

Before you price this, find out whether you should be paying at all. At one-, two- and three-family homes the City no longer issues violations for damage caused only by a City tree, and the Trees and Sidewalks Program may repair it for free. Where you do pay, root work and pit rebuilding add labour a plain repair does not have.

Two permits, one careful excavation

1. Check the tree, and check the programme. We look at whose tree it is and whether your property is the type the free programme covers. That conversation is free.
2. Parks permit as well as DOT. Tree work near a City tree needs its own permit from Parks. It runs 90 days.
3. Roots managed, not cut out. Removing the roots that hold a tree up gets you a dead tree and the same problem in two years.
4. Pit rebuilt and slab poured. The growing space is opened up so the new concrete is not lifted by the same roots.

Tree damage: who pays and when

What else roots tend to damage

• Sidewalk Repair Per square foot · Permit included · 1–3 days on site
• DOT Violation Removal 75-day clock · Dismissal inspection filed · Comes off the record
• Curbs & Edging Concrete curb · Reset or replace · Curb line to code
• Sidewalk Replacement Full flag removal · DOT thickness · Sub-base re-graded