I Received a City Notice to Remove My Tree. What Should I Do?
A Homeowner Asked:
“I received a notice from the city saying I need to remove a tree on my property. What should I do next?”
Team Lemon's Answer
Start by carefully reviewing the notice. It should identify the tree in question, explain why action is being required, and provide instructions or a deadline for addressing the issue.
Don’t ignore the notice or wait until the deadline is approaching to begin looking for a tree removal company. Large or complicated removals may require additional planning, equipment, utility coordination, or access considerations, so giving yourself time to schedule the work can make the process much easier.
If anything in the notice is unclear, contact the city or department that issued it before assuming what is required.
Why Would a City Require a Tree to Be Removed?
The reason should be stated in your particular notice, and requirements can vary depending on the municipality and situation.
A tree may be flagged because of concerns such as:
- Dead or severely declining condition
- Broken or hazardous branches
- Structural instability
- Interference with public areas
- Obstruction of a sidewalk, street, or right-of-way
- Storm damage
- Disease concerns
- A potential hazard to people or property
The important thing is not to guess why your tree was cited. Use the notice you received as your guide and contact the issuing department if you need clarification.
What Should I Look For in the Notice?
Before calling a tree service, review the notice for:
✓ The specific tree or trees being referenced
✓ The reason removal or corrective action is required
✓ The deadline for completing the work
✓ Any instructions provided by the city
✓ Contact information for questions
✓ Whether documentation or follow-up is required after the work
✓ Any information regarding permits or additional requirements
Keep the notice handy when scheduling an estimate. The information it contains can help the tree company understand exactly what needs to be addressed.
🍋 Team Lemon Tip
Don’t Wait Until the Week Before the Deadline
A city deadline can make tree removal feel urgent, but waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary stress.
Tree removal schedules can be affected by weather, the size and location of the tree, equipment needs, access to the property, and the complexity of the removal.
Getting an estimate early gives you time to understand the scope of the work, ask questions, schedule the removal, and address any additional requirements included in your notice.
What Should I Tell the Tree Removal Company?
When requesting an estimate, let the company know that you’ve received a city notice.
Helpful information can include:
- Which tree has been identified
- Why the notice says it needs to be removed
- The deadline provided
- Where the tree is located on your property
- Whether it is near your home, street, sidewalk, fence, or utility lines
- Whether the city provided any special instructions
If possible, having a copy of the notice available during the estimate can help make sure everyone understands what the city is requiring.
When Should I Schedule Tree Removal?
Once you’ve confirmed that removal is required, it’s generally better to begin the process sooner rather than later.
Schedule a Tree Removal Estimate If…
The Notice Includes a Deadline
Give yourself enough time to obtain an estimate, schedule the work, and complete the removal before the date provided.
The Tree Is Dead or Severely Declining
A dead or significantly compromised tree may continue deteriorating while you wait.
The Tree Is Near a Home or Public Area
Trees near homes, streets, sidewalks, neighboring properties, or other frequently used areas may require additional planning.
The Tree Has Structural Damage
Large cracks, broken limbs, storm damage, or other structural concerns may affect how the tree needs to be removed.
You're Not Sure What the Notice Requires
Contact the issuing city department for clarification before scheduling work that may not satisfy the requirements.
You're Concerned About the Removal
Large trees and trees located near structures can make removal look intimidating. A professional can explain how the work can be performed safely and what equipment may be needed.
Receiving a city notice doesn’t mean you need to panic, but it does mean you have a specific issue and timeline that shouldn’t be ignored.
A professional tree removal estimate can help you understand the scope of the work and make a plan for completing the removal within the required timeframe.
Related Tree Care Resources
Tree Removal Cost Guide for Overland Park, KS
How to Protect Your Trees During Harsh Kansas City Winter Weather
Pruning 101: Giving Your Trees a Fresh Cut for Fall
How Happy Lemon Can Help
If you’ve received a city notice requiring tree removal, Happy Lemon Tree Service can evaluate the tree, explain what will be involved in removing it, and provide an estimate for the work.
Be sure to share the notice and any deadline or instructions you’ve received so our team can understand the situation before the work is scheduled.
Related Services
Received a Notice About a Tree on Your Property?
Let Team Lemon Take a Look.
If the city has told you a tree needs to be removed, Happy Lemon Tree Service can evaluate the tree and help you understand what will be involved in getting the work completed.
Request a Free Estimate