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City of Gem Lake Tree Policy Definitions The Right of Way/Boulevard is 60 feet and defined as follows; 30 feet from the center of the City Street Road to the property owners property. Trees within this space or branches that overhang this space are the responsibility of the City. Reasons for Tree Maintenance Branches are pruned throughout the tree to remove unhealthy, broken, or rubbing limbs to improve the overall health and symmetry of the tree. This trimming program is also necessary to provide safe sight lines and allow sufficient overhead clearance for delivery trucks, city vehicles, and maintenance equipment. Ultimately, the results of pruning are to keep the trees healthy and less susceptible to wind damage and disease. The city does not prune branches that are from a tree that is growing in the Right of Way/Boulevard and the branch is over private property. When Maintenance Takes Place Pruning typically take place from October 1st thorough March 31st. This is the most appropriate time of the year to trim trees to prevent infection through pruning wounds. During the remainder of the year trimming is limited to the removal of nuisance, broken or dead limbs and hazardous trees for public safety. Tree Removal The City will remove boulevard trees that are dead or dying, have a disease or infestation, pose a threat to public safety due to structural hazards or for work to install, expand or repair streets or utilities. Once a tree is removed from the boulevard the city will contract for removal of the stump and the re-seeding of any turf disturbed in the process. Removal and re-seeding is done at no charge to the property owner. In the event of a bad storm and a tree or branch(es), are a safety hazard or interfere with snow plowing or maintenance work, the city will contract for removal. Passed by the City Council September 18, 2018