Columbus, Georgia

MEMO







TO: Isaiah Hugley

Deputy City Manager



FROM: Rachel Buice

Forestry, Landscape, and R.O.W. Division Manager



SUBJECT: Tree Root/Driveway conflicts



DATE: May 31, 2002







It is estimated that we have 55,000 trees on identified City

right-of-way and approximately 5000 trees are encroaching onto private property

and causing damage (damaged driveways).



It would cost approximately $1,090.00 per tree to remove the tree and

stump based on present contracts for tree and stump removal. The total cost to

remove 5000 trees and stumps @ $1,090.00 = $5,450,000.00. We average, over the

last three years, 30 calls per year on tree root encroachment. The average

estimated cost to remove the driveway apron, cut the roots, install a flexible

barrier to re-direct the tree root, and replace the apron is $1,500.00.



The current administrative policy is to inspect each request regarding

tree root encroachment on an individual basis. If the tree roots are damaging

the driveway apron severely (on right-of-way), then the homeowner pays 50% of

the actual cost of labor and materials to repair the driveway apron.



We have received fifteen (15) work order requests so far this year

concerning tree root/driveway problems. Of the fifteen (15) work order

requests, ten (10) have been referred to the Street Division for resolution.

Out of the ten (10), two (2) homeowners followed through with the repairs and

paid 50 % of the cost.