FAQs • Gilroy, CA • CivicEngage

What can I do to about tree roots in my sewer or water line?: Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. Property owners are responsible for the water and sewer lines from the curb to the house. If your problem with tree roots is in this area, you will need to contact a plumber to help you with the work. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding". You can also flush Copper Sulfate down the toilet 2 to 3 times per year to prevent roots from growing into sewer lines. Copper Sulfate is an inexpensive chemical that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Urban Forestry will not remove a tree solely because of roots in lines.

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Damage to Sidewalks, Curbs, Gutters, Underground Utilities

1. The street tree in front of my house has damaged the sidewalk. Who should I call?: The property owner is responsible for repair of damaged sidewalks. The city’s engineering department manages a 50/50 reimbursement program. The city will reimburse the property owner for 50% of the cost of replacing sidewalks, subject to available funding. Contact the Engineering Department at 846-0223 to request information on the 50/50 program. At the time of the repair, you can have roots pruned and/or install root barriers to minimize future damage. If the tree meets the requirements for tree removal, you may request to remove the tree and plant a new tree.

2. It’s the city’s street tree that caused the damage, why doesn’t the city repair the sidewalk or pay the full amount of the repair cost?: The California Streets and Highway code specifies that the adjacent property owners are responsible for maintenance and repair of sidewalks, curbs, gutters within the public Right of Way. The city recognizes the burden that this places on the property owner and developed the 50/50 program to help offset some of those costs.

3. What can I do to about tree roots in my sewer or water line?: Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. Property owners are responsible for the water and sewer lines from the curb to the house. If your problem with tree roots is in this area, you will need to contact a plumber to help you with the work. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding". You can also flush Copper Sulfate down the toilet 2 to 3 times per year to prevent roots from growing into sewer lines. Copper Sulfate is an inexpensive chemical that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Urban Forestry will not remove a tree solely because of roots in lines.

4. Tree roots have pushed up the sidewalk. Will you cut down the tree?: Urban Forestry will not remove a tree solely because of sidewalk failure. Please contact Engineering Department for information on the city’s 50/50 reimbursement program for sidewalk repair.