How to Write a Tree Removal Request Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample tree removal request letter as a template for your formal request letter.
Last updated on September 14th, 2022
While trees are generally loved for their beauty, shade and contribution to fresh air, there are times when a tree may need to be removed. Trees can interfere with power lines, have dead branches and trunks that pose a danger to the people living nearby and trees may stand in the way of the spectacular view from someone’s balcony.
Whatever the reason given for tree removal, it is not usually legal to cut down someone’s tree without permission. This permission may come from an individual owner of the tree or from the city, town or county that owns the tree. Writing a tree-removal request letter is the first step towards having a tree removed.
If a tree is dangerous to passers-by or children playing in the area because it is touching an electrical line, it needs to be removed quickly. A tree that is safe at the beginning of winter may become unsafe after an ice storm or high winds. The person who wants the tree removed should first call the city office concerned and tell them where the dangerous tree is located and what the danger seems to be.
Whatever the reason given for tree removal, it is not usually legal to cut down someone’s tree without permission. This permission may come from an individual owner of the tree or from the city, town or county that owns the tree. Writing a tree-removal request letter is the first step towards having a tree removed.
If a tree is dangerous to passers-by or children playing in the area because it is touching an electrical line, it needs to be removed quickly. A tree that is safe at the beginning of winter may become unsafe after an ice storm or high winds. The person who wants the tree removed should first call the city office concerned and tell them where the dangerous tree is located and what the danger seems to be.
After Informing By Phone
After informing by phone, the citizen can write a tree-removal request letter giving all the facts again. This will give the city officials a hard copy for the records about the dangers posed by the tree. The sender should keep a copy of the letter.
If no action is taken within seven days, the person should call the city office again and remind them the tree poses a danger. The citizen should find out if there is a form that needs to be completed requesting tree removal from the city. If so, the letter may accompany the form.
After informing by phone, the citizen can write a tree-removal request letter giving all the facts again. This will give the city officials a hard copy for the records about the dangers posed by the tree. The sender should keep a copy of the letter.
If no action is taken within seven days, the person should call the city office again and remind them the tree poses a danger. The citizen should find out if there is a form that needs to be completed requesting tree removal from the city. If so, the letter may accompany the form.
Dangerous Tree
If the owner of the dangerous tree is an individual, the person who is requesting its removal needs to inform the owner first by phone in case he or she has not noticed the danger.
The owner can then take up its removal with the city. If a person would like a tree removed for other reasons than a possible danger, he or she would need to write the owner a tree-removal request letter stating the reasons they want the tree removed.
Some common reasons are:
- The leaves clutter the neighbor’s yard
- The roots damage the neighbor’s driveway
- The tree blocks the otherwise beautiful view
- The tree is too tall according to local ordinances
- The tree is dripping sap on the neighbor’s car
- The tree is ugly, dead and rotting
The person should make sure to spell the neighbor’s name correctly. If they know that species of tree, it should be mentioned. The location of the tree should be clearly described. The person should briefly describe why he or she wants the tree removed.
If there is no good reason to remove the tree, the owner will simply disregard the request. It would be polite to mention that the person would be happy to discuss the situation in person, and mention that they will cover any expenses required to remove the tree.
Below is a sample of a tree-removal request letter to a neighbor. Even if the writer is angry with the neighbor, the letter should have a polite and courteous tone. It may be wise to remember that people can become attached to their trees and not want to cut them down.
It is a formal request and will get the best results if the tone is professional. The writer should send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt request, even if the receiver lives next door. The sender should keep copies of all communication about the removal.
Sample Tree Removal Request Letter
Name of Person Making the Request
Address of Person
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Receiver
Address of Receiver
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Tree removal request
Dear Name of Receiver:
I have just moved into this house three weeks ago and have not yet met you and your family. I made several attempts to find you at home without success. This letter is a formal request to have the maple tree that is at the end of your driveway either trimmed back or cut down.
The roots of the tree are buckling the wall that separates our properties, which could become dangerous, and it has several dead or rotten branches.
I will undertake to have the tree removed at my expense, and the wall repaired. If the tree can be sold for wood, any profit will be handed over to you.
I appreciate your consideration in this matter, and am looking forward to coming to a satisfactory compromise for both of us. I can be reached at Phone Number or Email Address, but I hope to meet you in person soon.
Sincerely,
Sender’s Signature
Sender’s Name Printed
By Andre Bradley
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