Trees in Alley

[michpc]

Hi all, I wasn't sure if this was the appropriate section to post this in, but since it's a general city question, here goes:

Does anyone know if it's possible to get the city to cut down invasive trees in our alleys? I'm a renter and our place does not have direct access to the alley behind the building through a gate or anything. It's also one of the locked alleys, not one that's open to cars, etc. so we really have no way of getting in. There are a number of invasive volunteer trees, which make things shadier than I'd prefer (which the mosquitos love too!) and also drop leaves all over our porch in the fall. I've been trying to prune the one directly behind us back, but it grows so fast! Any way to deal with this without trying to hop the fence myself and cut it down?? Thanks in advance for any tips/advice!

[Lolly]

Unfortunately for you, according to this...

Philly Streets Department: Transportation-Highways

ALLEYS, DRIVEWAYS & RETAINING WALLS

Your Rights and Obligations
Alleys, driveways and/or retaining walls are private property. They belong to you, the property owner. The City does not own or maintain them. It is the responsibility of owners to maintain them in a safe and sanitary condition.

The owners of all abutting properties, generally, have the right to use the entire length of an alley way or driveway (This is written in your deed.)

All costs for repairs or reconstruction to an alleyway or driveway are shared by those property owners having deed rights and otherwise for the use of alleyways, driveways, and retaining walls. Even if only parts of an alley, driveway or retaining wall need repair, all responsible property owners must share the cost of the repair.