"Any of them in the public right-of-way, I'm having removed," said city Public Works Director Gary Frazee.

Currently there are four dead trees on North Pine Street and one on Fir and St. Helens Streets. Frazee said he will try to have multiple trees removed at one time to save on costs.

There are other trees dead or dying in Sisters -- on private property.

"The city certainly can't go in and remove a tree on somebody else's property," said Frazee.

So far, Frazee said, the city hasn't had to deal with trees on private property that have become a hazard.

However, according to city planner Neil Thompson, the city does have the power under the nuisance ordinance to compel private property owners to remove or mitigate hazardous vegetation.

Frazee acknowledged that several trees have been killed by trenching for the sewer system.