Laserfiche WebLink
HASTINGS TREE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY <br />Revised 9/22/03 <br />The City Tree Risk Inspection & Management Policy is intended to preserve the <br />environmental, aesthetic, and economic value that trees give to the City of Hastings <br />while also providing reasonable safety on the streets, sidewalks and public properties. <br />The City uses inspections, maintenance, and corrective actions to accomplish these <br />goals. <br />At periodic intervals a survey of public trees in the City is made to look for diseases that <br />pose a threat as well as for trees that are of risk to the public. If a tree requires removal, <br />the city makes arrangements for its removal or the property owner is notified that it is <br />their responsibility. Trees suspected of being diseased or posing a hazard to the public <br />can be reported to the City Forester for inspection. <br />REQUIREMENTS FOR TREES TO BE COVERED UNDER THIS POLICY <br />Trees must... <br />1. Be located on City property; or <br />2. Be located within public rights-of-ways; <br />3. Be greater than 8 inches diameter at 4 feet above ground; <br />4. Have a potentially high risk of failure and could harm the public. <br />Tree inspections will be done by the city using certified tree inspectors, trained in <br />evaluating tree risks. Documentation of any tree risk inspection will be filled out and kept <br />on file by the City Forester, to include records of inspection, maintenance, corrective <br />measures, and any follow-up that is done. <br />The City is responsible for 100% of tree maintenance or removal on public property. On <br />City streets, the property owner is responsible for trimming, cutting, and otherwise <br />maintaining any tree according to City Ordinance No. 155, SEC. 6.06, SUBD. 4. <br />High-risk trees on public rights-of-ways are reported to property owners and they are <br />given an option to have the City contract for the removal. If the City has a contractor <br />remove the tree, then the City will pay 40% of that cost. <br />If you have any questions about this process, or need further information, please contact <br />the Hastings Parks Department at 480-6178. <br />