How often should you top liquid amber trees?

Question:My tree in front of my house is a least 40 - 50 feet tall. It is owned by the city we live in and in the last 3 weeks we have had 3 large branchs fallen. We are going to start a petition to get them cut, but we need to know some facts like how often they should be cut and how often they should be topped. Any help?

Answers:
If they're next to the power lines, the electric company will have them cut bellow line level. If this is the case.. call your power company and request they be topped or removed. They will contact a tree service contractor and take care of it. If it's not around the power lines, the city will have to take care of it. If the trees on on your property, but are simply within the legal working limits of the city, then you can have the trees removed yourself if you so choose. If that were the case.. I would check into what the tree lumber is worth and get a hold of a logging / lumber company. If the lumber is desirable enough, they may remove for free and give you money on top of it. For example.. a black walnut tree with a 4ft diameter base would bring 4 to 5 grand. I have no idea what liquid amber is worth.. but would be worth checking out.

As far as how low it should be topped.. I don't think the city will be concerned with this unless it interferes with power lines.. or is posing a treat to your house. If you haven't contacted them already, do so. They may be very accommodating without a petition.