Check that the city has calculated recompense accurately, reflecting all the trees that will be lost or impacted. Recompense calculations are in the Tree Protection Ordinance, Sec. 158-34 and Sec. 158-103.

Check carefully for accuracy (location and number of trees, species, size, etc.). Although the Field Arborist who posts the yellow sign is supposed to verify that all the trees are measured and marked correctly, we have found that site plans often have trees reported as smaller than they actually are, or trees are missing from the site plan altogether.  Boundary trees (trees on the adjacent property with roots that cross over the property line) are the trees most likely to be missing from the site plan.

Recompense is not required for trees that are considered dead, dying, or hazardous [DDH].  No appeal can be made on a tree that has been ruled as DDH by a city arborist, even if an independent arborist says the tree is healthy.  However, if the DDH ruling has been given based only on a site or tree plan submitted by the applicant who wants to remove the tree(s), you should request a follow-up onsite inspection by the City Arborist. The DDH no-appeal clause in the Tree Ordinance prevents citizens from having the right of appeal and is one of the most commonly exploited loopholes in the Tree Protection Ordinance.