Tree obstructing storefront signage, what are my options? Austin, TX
I’m opening a retail store in Austin this fall.  Superb center in a busy part of town.  The only catch is the developer planted a tree almost right in front of the store and it will obstruct half of the storefront sign.  The tree is mature and the landlord has checked with the city and says removal is not an option.  They offered to prune and raise the canopy which will help some but it’s still an eyesore.  Can I go to the city and apply for a permit to have it removed if I offer to pay for the plating of another tree somewhere else that makes sense?  What are my chances here?  Has anyone dealt with this from the landlord or tenant side and can offer any advice?  Thanks!
[{"id": "imgbm25", "text": "Prune above signage is the best option", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgjd2x", "text": "City of Austin LOVES their trees. You're wasting time trying to get it removed. Maybe removal would work in DFW or Houston. Take the offer for trimming.", "replies": [{"id": "imh2bar", "text": "No way. We have had huge fights with Plano on tree removal. They measured caliper diameter and it was a no go. \n\nSimilar retail on frontage\u2014this was ROW though", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "imkrpty", "text": "Don\u2019t fuck with the tree, but also hit up the driveway.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgl1um", "text": "woodpeckers, beetles, caterpillars", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgncj0", "text": "I whole saled a house in Austin to a well connected investor. He wanted to add on and even he couldn\u2019t get approval to remove the tree, ended up building around it. \n\nSee if you can\u2019t put your sign on the front of the tree. So the leaves frame it. Especially if your colors are contrasting with the green leaves. It\u2019ll look badass", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgr5yg", "text": "https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-bakery-faces-4-460-fine-for-topping-trees-17073575.php", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgucvc", "text": "Research the Heritage Tree Ordinance. Most trees over 19\u201d in diameter are protected and cannot be removed.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgz3eh", "text": "Go to Home Depot get yourself a tree trimmer and just keep pruning  it yourself if you have to.", "replies": [{"id": "imgzam2", "text": "Yeah for real, what can they do?  I\u2019m trimming the tree free of charge\u2026win win.", "replies": [{"id": "imgzsm5", "text": "Do it at night. They will never know. Check for cameras first \ud83d\ude09", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imgzw3p", "text": "Find out the actual fine on that tree/size and decide if that is a reasonable business cost. Apparently AirBnB party houses are cutting down trees in Austin because the fine is only $1000 and that's chump change for a frequent rental. Then assuage your guilt by planting multiple trees elsewhere. Or not. Depends on how seriously you think it impacts your business. Developers cut deals with the city all the time to trade out trees in the way for new trees elsewhere. Timing is the only difference with your situation.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imha3nb", "text": "Poison the tree!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imhf4pz", "text": "Didn\u2019t you notice this before signing the lease?", "replies": [{"id": "imifgx4", "text": "Yes, not a deal breaker in the slightest.  Location two doors down from up and coming national high end grocer.  If anything it\u2019s annoying but we can do our best to prune to limit obstruction.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imi426l", "text": "I think you can turn the problem into an opportunity. Create advertisements that your company is nature lover. Use the tree as a symbol or even a company logo. Make the news that the tree is under the protection of your company. Good luck", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "imjyevl", "text": "Is the tree on private land or in the public ROW?\n\nHave you checked the signage clause in your lease? The LL may have to provide you with another option if the tree is in the way.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]