Bronx homeowner says trees creating safety issue on her property

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Strong roots are a good foundation for any tree, but they can also be dangerous. In a News 12 exclusive, a Bronx homeowner says they are damaging her property. Hilda Rosario has lived at 3431 Bruckner Blvd. for more than two decades, with both her family and tenants. It also includes her mother who is currently 96. She says over time, the sidewalk and walkway leading up to her home has cracked from roots connected to a tree in front of her home. NYC-311 requests show similar reports of sidewalk conditions, damaged trees and overgrown tree branches on nearby blocks like Parkview and Roberts avenues. Rosario is worried that someone could trip and fall while walking down this street. She says even though she owns the home, representatives from the 311 call line told her she can’t cut down the tree because it’s technically city property. The Parks Department told News 12 it would look into these specific locations. The agency inspects trees for risks based on three categories: likelihood of tree failure, likelihood of impact and consequences of impact. New York City also has a Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program where free repairs are made for qualifying broken sidewalks severely damaged by curbside tree roots in front of one-, two-, and three-family homes only. Rosario is currently awaiting inspection and says she hopes no one gets hurt in the meantime. "