Karen Asher: City of Merced owns the trees, but the roots are homeowners’ problem

I had an interesting encounter with our local city tree department and now I am wondering if any other residents have had a similar encounter.

The roots of the city’s tree’s have invaded my sewer line, crushed the pipe and caused a major sewage backup. I called the City of Merced Tree Division and was told the roots were not their responsibility. They passed a city ordinance in 2014 that states the city no longer is responsible for the roots of their trees.

This is appalling. How can the city separate the root from the tree? They are connected. Yet the city has informed me that I am responsible for damage done by the roots. To have the tree removed and keept it from doing any further damage to my sewer line, I must pay $500 and submit a request to the city.

Has anyone else had any trouble with their roots on the city’s trees? Where must I go to remove the root problem ?

This story was originally published May 25, 2016 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Karen Asher: City of Merced owns the trees, but the roots are homeowners’ problem."