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, 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. 

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