Complications arise if a city owned tree falls on someone's home.

Q: We live in a townhome community in Texas. There is a large tree in the city-owned alley adjacent to our homes. If a storm causes the tree to fall over and damage a townhome, who would be responsible for the damage? Who should we call to get it removed before the next storm season?

A: You didn't mention whether the tree is diseased or otherwise a danger to the townhomes.

If the tree is healthy, then you can't cut it down, especially because it is on city-owned property. You could contact the city to request that they remove it, but don't be surprised if you are not successful. The city will probably not agree to remove a healthy tree.

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