Who is responsible if a street tree in front of my house or business is damaging my sewer line?
The homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sewer line from their property to the connection with the city's sewer main or more generally, from the curb to the house. Contrary to popular belief, tree roots will not damage sewer lines. Only after the sewer line has been cracked due to aging or the earth settling will the newly available water and nutrients attract the tree roots to the sewer line.

In the past, terra-cotta pipes, which are more prone to cracking, were used for sewer lines. Currently, the City of Cumberland installs watertight PVC or cast iron pipes for sewer lines in order to eliminate the problems terra-cotta pipes produced.

To have a street tree evaluated that is causing sewer line damage, please contact the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607. However, please note that the city will not remove a street tree solely because of tree roots in the sewer line - the removal of the tree will not solve the problem. If the tree roots have entered the sewer system at the city’s sewer main, please contact Thomas Welsh at the Sewer Department at 301-759-6645.

Show All Answers

1. What is the definition of a street tree?
2. What is the public right of way?
3. What are the benefits of street trees?
4. Who is responsible for pruning the street trees?
5. If I would like a street tree, what do I do?
6. If a street tree has been planted in front of my house or business, what can I do to help?
7. Who is responsible for sidewalk repair?
8. What if a street tree has damaged the sidewalk in front of my house or business?
9. Who is responsible if a street tree in front of my house or business is damaging my sewer line?
10. I think that the street tree is dying in front of my house or business, what do I do?
11. When a street tree has been removed in front of my house or business, what happens afterwards?