Yeah, if you do it right you might get a big reduction and the tree removed.

For starters, be realistic. Is it a big tree or small tree? How much does it obscure the sign?. . .If it is a tiny slip of a tree then you might as well pay the ticket and save your time and the court's. However, if the tree really obscures the sign, you absolutely have something to work with and probably could get the ticket/charge dismissed. Best bet is to have a friend drive along the route you took while you videotape the area as you approach the tree/sign. Show this in court so that the judge has a really good idea of what a driver actually sees upon approach. If the sign is obscured and you take the time and effort to demonstrate this, you have a chance. If you can't videotape the sign. The next best thing is to provide a photograph. Also, show the court you are sincerely concerned about this tree blocking the sign by sending a letter to your local highway administration notifying them of the tree and the sign it is blocking (after you tape or photograph it of course). Bring the letter to court to demonstrate sincerity. As always, if you have a clean driving record make sure you mention it. Dress nice and be articulate rather than angry (which most people are and openly so in traffic court). You have ground to have the ticket dismissed. Good luck :)

I only have one question. do you live in this neighborhood and how many times a month do you enter this particular area and did you know the sign was there, irregardless of the tree? only you know the answer.

Ok...Here is the deal. I beat this ticket by doing a Trial by Written Declaration. My First step was to gather Evidence and submit for a Trial by Written Declaration. My Next step was to Contact the Police in that area and report the problem. Third Step I contacted the officer to see if he would be willing to Dismiss the ticket. Final results: The Police issued a Halt on any tickets until the tree could be trimmed back and the officer agreed to dismiss the ticket.

The simple method would be to take a picture of the sign behind the tree as you would see it on approach from a car. Take it to a hearing and fight the ticket. In all liklihood, it will be dismissed.