Tree-Root Sidewalk Damage

Street trees in New York City belong to the City and are protected by NYC Parks. That matters for sidewalk repairs, because damaging or cutting a street tree's roots without Parks approval is not allowed. A contractor who promises to simply cut the roots out is putting you at risk.

When roots have lifted your sidewalk, we assess the damage, explain what can be repaired without harming the tree, and plan the work around the tree pit. Where work near the roots needs Parks involvement, we tell you before the job starts. NYC Parks also runs a program for some tree-related sidewalk damage on residential properties, and it is worth checking whether your property qualifies.

The repair itself is built to the same specification as any other sidewalk: failed flags removed, base prepared and new concrete poured with proper slope and joints.

Recent work

What’s included

• Assessment of the damage and the tree pit
• Plain explanation of what can be repaired without harming the tree
• Repair or replacement of the lifted flags
• Work planned within NYC Parks rules
• Cleanup

Where we do this work

All five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island.

Frequently asked questions