This is a common question we receive when discussing the scope of your water main and sewer repair. Property owners tend to be confused as to why some contractors discuss the need for an Arborist and why other contractors fail to mention it. Or even worse, when questioned about it they are told “there is no real need for that, it’s just the city trying to take our money”.
The truth of the matter is that we are required to have a NYC Parks Department Certified Arborist on many of our job sites when repairing or replacing a water main or sewer. In some cases we are aware from inception, due the layout of the sewer repair in accordance to a city tree, we will be required to have an Arborist on site.
In other cases where we are not 100% sure of the location for excavating, the requirement may be required mid job. For example, if we are scheduled to excavate in the middle of the roadway which is 55’ from the nearest city tree, we would not plan on having an Arborist on site. In some cases we may be digging for the sewer repair and become aware that there is a secondary problem with the pipe. We are now required to excavate on the city sidewalk within 25’ of a tree and in this case we are required by the Parks Dept. to have a certified Arborist on site. In this case we would be required to put up tree protection and notify the Arborist.
Tree Protection |
If you have any additional questions regarding the need for a Certified Arborist on your water main or sewer repair it is best to contact the Parks Department direct and discuss any open questions you may have.
