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Resident raises hazardous-tree concern; council advises arborist inspection and outlines enforcement options
Summary
A resident urged the council to address a neighbour's tree whose raised root ball and canopy encroach on his property; the council advised an arborist assessment, reviewed homeowner vs. town responsibilities for utilities, and described notice and enforcement steps if the tree is declared hazardous.
During public comment, David Mazza (2007 Edgewood Drive) told the council a neighbor’s tree has a raised root ball and roots that intrude into his yard; he said the root ball is lifting and he fears the tree could uproot and damage his house and buried utilities.
Mazza said he had called utility-marking services, arranged for an arborist consultation (delayed), and attempted to discuss the issue with his neighbor without a resolution. “That tree is hazardous to my property,” he said, describing buckling driveways and concern about sewer and gas laterals.
Council members responded that an independent arborist opinion is the appropriate next step. Town attorney Mr. Austin noted that, under town ordinance, a tree declared hazardous can trigger town enforcement steps that may include notice and, if not remedied, contractor removal and billing to the property owner. Staff clarified that private sewer laterals from a house to the tap are the homeowner’s responsibility while the sewer main in the street is the town’s responsibility; if sewer flow slows or piping is infiltrated by roots, residents may need a camera inspection and private-side repair.
Council said it will accept the arborist report and proceed according to the town code if the tree is found to be hazardous; staff offered to provide contact information for local arborists and to track the case. No enforcement action was taken at the meeting.
Next steps: Resident to obtain arborist report and provide it to town staff; staff will review the report and notify the resident and council of recommended enforcement steps if the tree meets the ordinance definition of hazardous.
