Tree roots can certainly contribute to sidewalk failure, but generally do not cause the heaving initially. We do not remove trees solely because of sidewalk failure. You may contact the Department of Public Works at (781) 942-9077 to have the sidewalk inspected. We will work with the Highway Division to repair the sidewalk without compromising the health of the tree.
We do not remove trees for this reason alone. The benefits of shade trees along Town streets‚ shading and cooling your property, regulating the flow of storm water along your street, the aesthetic value‚ far outweigh the work created by fallen leaves.
The Town of Reading has limited resources for tree planting in each fiscal budget. If you wish to have a tree planted, please contact the Forestry Division. We will evaluate your site for suitability and put you on a list for fall planting. If the trees for fall planting are accounted for, you will be placed on the following year's list.
The Forestry Division will evaluate all requests for trimming or removal. We will decide if trimming is adequate. If the tree is deemed hazardous, it may need to be removed. Trees will only be removed if they are dead or determined to be a hazard.
