Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
No, however a Tree Work Permit is required before removing, pruning or planting trees within City Rights-of-Way or on other City property. Call the City of Reno Urban Forestry at 775-321-8373 to request an inspection, which is required before we can issue a permit. Keep in mind that we may not issue a permit to remove a tree unless the tree is dead, diseased or poses a public safety hazard.
When do I need to hire a Certified Arborist?
A Certified Arborist is required for the removal, pruning, or planting of trees on City Rights-of-Way or other City property. You may also hire a Certified Nursery Worker or Certified Landscape Technician if you are going to have any tree(s) planted on public property. You are not required to a hire Certified Arborist for work on private property, but we highly recommend that you do. Call the Urban Forestry Office at 775-321-8373 for a list of Certified Arborists who own or work for tree companies in our area.
There is a City tree along the street that has dead limbs, when will it be pruned?
We try to prune neighborhood street and parks trees on a rotational schedule, however it is a challenge for us to keep a schedule given the number of trees we have to maintain and the limited staff we have to accomplish the task. After we inspect the tree(s) in question, we will determine its condition and pruning priority in relation to other trees requiring pruning. If the tree needs immediate attention, we will dispatch our tree crew to the site.
My sidewalk is cracked and being lifted up by tree roots; will the City repair or replace it?
The City does budget to repair and replace sidewalks damaged by tree roots if the damage is caused by a City tree. If the damage is caused by a tree on private property, the property owner is then responsible for the cost of the repair or replacement. Call the Urban Forestry Office at 775-321-8373 to determine if a tree is on either on public or private property.
My neighbor’s tree is growing over my side of the property line; can I prune the branches on my side of the fence?
The best advice is to talk with your neighbor first. It may also be a good idea to contact a Certified Arborist to evaluate the overall condition of the tree and then recommend a course of action. If you prune tree limbs hanging over your property and the tree is damaged or dies, you may be held liable. If your neighbor is not willing to cooperate in any fashion, you should contact your homeowner’s insurance agent for assistance in the matter.
There is a dead tree on my neighbor’s property that I am worried will fall onto my house or in my backyard where my children play. Can the City remove it?
The City does not remove trees on private property but may require property owners to do so if a tree poses a public safety hazard. Call Reno Direct at 775-334-4636 to report the problem.
Does the City sell firewood to the public?
Yes, firewood is available for sale. Our wood yard is open on Wednesday and Thursdays year round from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Customers should be prepared to cut their own rounds, which require a chainsaw and personal protective equipment. Customers must pay in advance by check or cash only and must sign a waiver of liability in order to enter the wood yard. Waivers can be obtained at the Park Maintenance Office at 2055 Idlewild Drive in Idlewild Park. The wood yard is located at 190 Telegraph, which is off of Greg Street just behind the Grand Sierra Resort. The cost for the firewood is $75 per cord.
My elm tree is losing leaves, does it have Dutch elm disease and should it be removed?
It is likely that your elm is infested with elm leaf beetles. Adult elm leaf beetles and worm-like beetle larvae feed on elm leaves which cause leaves to turn brown and prematurely fall from the tree in mid to late summer. Although elm leaf beetles cause a mess, elms seem vigorous enough to put on new sets of leaves each spring. The beetles can be controlled with the foliar sprays or systemic insecticides, although these may negatively impact other beneficial insects such as honeybees. Contact a Licensed Pesticide Applicator for control recommendations and services.
Why is topping bad for my tree?
Topping trees is not an accepted practice for several reasons and is not allowed on City trees. Topping trees creates bigger problems for trees when major limbs are stubbed back. This causes a flush of growth which has very weak attachments, leading to more limb breakage. Most trees will die within a few years because the majority of the leaf canopy has been removed. Without enough leaves, trees cannot manufacture the sugars and carbohydrates needed to sustain growth. You will likely end up having to pay again to have your tree removed. If your tree has major dead limbs or simply has outgrown its space, better to have it removed and replant with a tree that will fit the site. An alternative to topping which can reduce the size of a tree without injuring the tree is called “Drop Crotching”. Certified Arborists are familiar with this method of pruning and can professionally evaluate the condition of your tree in order to suggest the right course of action.
Where can I find information about caring for trees in the Truckee Meadows area?
You can find a host of information about proper tree care in our local area at the Truckee Meadows Community Forestry Coalition website at www.communityforestry.org. You can also call the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension at 775-784-4848, local nurseries, or a Certified Arborist in our area. For a list of Certified Arborists in Nevada visit the International Society of Arboriculture Website. For a list of Approved Street Trees or other information call the Urban Forestry Office at 775-321-8373.
Will the City chip tree limbs from trees growing on my property and/or can I hire the City to chip, prune, or remove my trees?
The City cannot perform any tree work on privately owned trees; that is against the law because it’s considered a gift of public funds. That responsibility is up to individual property owners. The only exception is during an emergency such as a winter storm or major wind/rain event. In those events, City crews may clear the obstruction from the right-of-way regardless of who owns the tree(s). The City may pick up those limbs at that time that are on the street or within public rights-of–way but homeowners are responsible for any other limbs that are hanging over streets.
