Because root damage is one of the most common causes of sidewalk defects, any repair job near a street tree needs Parks sign-off to make sure the work doesn't cut or seriously injure the roots — cutting or shaving roots of a city tree is strictly prohibited. Parks also offers free root-and-sidewalk consultations for owners planning work near a tree well before they file for a construction permit. Skipping this step risks stop-work orders or fines separate from any DOT sidewalk violation already on the property.
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