City’s Claim for Tree Damage Dismissed

Sidewalk contractor injured City trees during sidewalk reconstruction. A property owner hired Tri-Rail Construction, Inc., to repair the sidewalk adjacent to the owner’s property. During the course of the sidewalk repair work Tri-Rail injured City-owned trees. The City sued Tri-Rail for money damages for the injury to the City trees.


De Blasio Administration Ends Homeowner Violations for Damage Caused by City Trees

The City will stop issuing violations to homeowners for damage caused by street trees. On September 10, 2019, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the City will stop issuing violations to homeowners for damage caused by city street trees. Over the next three years, the Department of Transportation and Parks Department plans to boost sidewalk repairs under the Trees and Sidewalks program to address approximately 5,500 priority sites throughout the City.


City Council Introduces Bill to Shorten Street Resurfacing Timelines

The proposed change would require the Department of Transportation to ensure that all street resurfacing work is completed within two weeks of the start of the work, and to provide the community with notice and updates if additional time is needed for underlying work. On February 2, 2023, Council Member Justin L. Brannan introduced Introduction No. 905 of 2023 in the New York City Council. The bill aims to ensure that all street resurfacing work … <Read More>


City not liable for tree root injury

Man tripped on a sidewalk that was raised because of growing tree roots. On March 5, 2017, Konstantinos Gallis tripped and fell on a raised part of a sidewalk adjacent to 23-21 33rd Road, Queens. Tree roots had raised the sidewalk and allegedly caused the trip.


City not liable for injury by tree root

Man tripped on a sidewalk that was raised because of growing tree roots. On March 5, 2017, Konstantinos Gallis tripped and fell on a raised part of a sidewalk adjacent to 23-21 33 Road, Queens. Tree roots had raised the sidewalk and allegedly caused the trip.