Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/BestofRedditorUpdates/comments/1ve2ecy/what_do_i_need_to_do_to_save_my_tree/

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The original was posted on /r/bestofredditorupdates by /u/JoySubtraction on 2026-08-03 03:45:16+00:00.

I am not The OOP, OOP is u/wontondonton

Originally posted to r/treelaw

Original post posted 2025-09-28

I need any and all advice everybody can offer to try to save my tree!

Little backstory: I am turning 33 years old this year but way back when I was in elementary school, I was given this tree as a tiny sapling on Earth Day and rode the school bus home with it. My parents planted it in our back yard and we’ve maintained it, kept it healthy and watched it grow all these years. It also stands as a memorial for my dog who passed away a few years ago.

Now the dilemma: The city has made a proposed plan to put in a sidewalk that runs between my parent’s backyard and the street, in the city easement. This is understandable and is their land to decide what they want to do with. However, they have proposed that in order to have room to work, they will have to cut my tree down, even though my tree is literally our property within our property boundaries (the fence is on their property boundary line), not city property or on city easement. My tree, along with other bushes and shrubs of ours, and many other neighbors’ trees that are within their property boundaries too, are all proposed to be removed for this project for the sole purpose of “needing room to work”.

I really want to fight hard to save my tree. Am I SOL? What can I do? Who or what organizations can I call? I’m already planning on attending the meetings for this proposed project but don’t know how to save my tree. Help.

Picture of the tree

UPDATE: Seeking advice to save my tree from being cut down posted 2026-06-12

Some of you may remember my post back in fall of last year. I was seeking advice on how best to go about saving a tree I planted as a child in my parent’s back yard from being cut down by my city because they claimed they needed “room to work” to add a sidewalk in the city easement. This subreddit’s response was overwhelming. I cannot thank you all enough for the helpfulness, support and incredible advice. One of you even used your expertise to draft an amazing letter we were able to give to the city planners. I know many of you wanted an update— so I’m here to give a very happy one. After a LOT of perseverance (letter writing, attending meetings, speaking with city officials, plans to take the story to news stations and purchase banners for the fence line to get people talking) we recently learned we got the official plans for the sidewalk changed!!!! The sidewalk will be on the other side of the street (those particular neighbors actually wanted it on their side) and my parent’s back yard and my tree will remain untouched. Thank you all so much and cheers to another 30 years of being able to enjoy the little sapling I brought home on the school bus. 🌲

Nice! Wish we would see the letter as a template though.