Tree Risk Assessment in Cleveland, OH

Urban Forestry permits are required for pruning, removal, planting, root pruning and stump grinding of trees on city-managed land, which includes most tree-lawn trees. Excavation near a city tree's trunk may also need a permit. Residents may not plant on the tree lawn themselves; a contractor plants with the City Forester's approval.

Norway and silver maple: dominant older street and yard trees; surface roots and breakage Ash: emerald ash borer losses; dead ash still common London planetree: large, tough street tree

Tree-lawn trees are usually city-managed; Urban Forestry handles pruning, risk removals and planting.

Heavy snow, especially east of downtown, bends and breaks limbs; early storms on leafed trees do the most damage.

Strong winds off Lake Erie hit lakeshore neighborhoods hardest.

Narrow lots with driveways down one side give limited access; wood often comes out by hand to the street. Overhead lines run along streets and backyards, so many removals need line clearance coordination.