YardCareDirectory

New York Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

No statewide permit, but New York City has the most complex municipal tree rules in the nation. Upstate cities vary widely.

Issuing authority: NYC Parks Department / local municipality upstate
Permit Fee
$75–$350 depending on jurisdiction
Processing Time
10–30 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in NY
Sugar Maple (state tree)American BeechEastern HemlockWhite Oak
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in New York jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead trees with documentation
  • +Emergency hazard removal
  • +Trees under 3 inches DBH in NYC

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

NYC maintains a significant tree registry. Many upstate cities also have champion tree programs.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

NYC fines for unpermitted street tree damage or removal start at $500 and can reach $10,000. Private tree violations vary by borough rules.

Rules by City in New York

New York City

All street trees are NYC Parks property. Private trees over 3 inches DBH in protected zones require permits. 'Woodsy' protected species in all boroughs have additional rules.

Fee: $100–$500 per treeNYC has a dedicated 311 tree complaint hotline and MillionTreesNYC replacement program.
Buffalo

Street trees are city property. Private trees in development zones require permits.

Fee: $50 feeBuffalo ReTree program encourages replacement.
Rochester

Trees over 6 inches DBH near public ROW require permits. Heritage trees require city council action.

Fee: $40 per treeGenesee River corridor has additional protections.
Tips for New York Homeowners
  1. In New York City, never touch a street tree without NYC Parks authorization. The fines are significant.
  2. Upstate New York is far less regulated — most private property removal outside development projects requires no permit.
  3. New York's Adirondack Park Agency has rules covering all tree clearing on private land within the Adirondack Park boundary.
HOA Consideration: NYC cooperative apartments and condos often have proprietary lease restrictions on tree removal that apply in addition to city permits.
Find tree services in New York that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in New York