FAQs

If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer lines, contact the wastewater operator, Veolia, at 401-433-6363. They will conduct an assessment to determine the cause of the issue and next steps to address the problem.

The city will prune the roots and repair the sidewalk if upon assessment it is determined that the tree in fact caused the damage. As a policy, the City does not cut down healthy trees unless it poses a threat to public health and safety. You can fill out a ‘request for service’ form on the city website or you can call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756.

Trees contribute to the community in many ways including enhancing economic activity for local businesses. As a policy, the City does not cut down healthy trees unless it poses a threat to public health and safety. However, you may discuss the pruning of city trees in front of your business through a request for service. You can fill out a ‘request for service’ form on the city website or you can call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756.

If the tree is located on private property and not in the public right-of-way, the issue must be resolved between the individual private parties. The city does not get involved in disputes between neighbors.

In general, most tree pruning is done by utility companies rather than the city. Unfortunately, many street trees were planted long ago without recognizing their mature size and height. While pruning may be unattractive, branches that interfere with public utilities must be removed to ensure proper customer service and public safety. The City of East Providence is working to ensure that new street trees are carefully selected so that they are the right size for power lines and other utilities. 

New trees can be planted by private parties in the public right-of-way only with permission from the city. The Parks Division needs to review and approve any new tree plantings in the public right-of-way to ensure the right tree is planted in the right place and there are no conflicts with overhead wires or underground utilities. Call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756 for more information and to obtain a permit application.

The City of East Providence is working to plant more trees because of their positive effects on human health and the environment. To request new street trees to be planted by the city in the public right-of-way, fill out a ‘request for service’ for tree planting or call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756. In addition, the city is also offering a new Setback Planting Program to plant trees on private property, free of charge to eligible East Providence homeowners. Through this program, shade trees are planted in the front yard, where they have more room to grow, while still providing public benefits. See the City Trees webpage for more information on the Setback Planting Program.

Answer: The City of East Providence values healthy trees and recognizes the benefits they provide to citizens and the environment. Thus, the city will not permit the removal of trees for nuisance reasons such as dropped leaves. If the Tree Warden determines that a city tree must be removed for public safety, it will be replaced with a young tree. For more information, you can fill a ‘request for service’ form through the city website or call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756. 

 The City of East Providence values healthy trees and recognizes the benefits they provide to citizens and the environment. Thus, the city will not permit the removal of trees for nuisance reasons such as dropped leaves. If the Tree Warden determines that a city tree must be removed for public safety, it will be replaced with a young tree. For more information, you can fill out a ‘request for service’ form through the city website or call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756. 

A right-of-way is an easement for the purpose of utilities, maintenance actions, and pedestrian travel. This right-of-way generally extends 6 to 8 feet beyond the street curb, but this distance can vary depending on the property. City street trees are defined as trees located within the established right-of-way. Pruning or removal of any city tree requires permission from the city and an approved permit prior to any action for tree management. A permit must be approved before any work is done by the homeowner or a private tree company. Fines will be assessed if city trees are damaged or removed without prior permission. The City may require the replacement of a removed tree, at the property owner’s own expense, as a condition of removal.

To request pruning of street trees in front of your home or business, please submit a request for service. Either fill out a ‘request for service’ form through the city website or call the Parks Division at 401-435-7756. 

The Parks Division is responsible for the planting, care and maintenance of trees in parks, playgrounds, conservation areas and streets.