Landscaping Rules in Mount Vernon, NY (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Mount Vernon, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Mount Vernon requires a written Department of Public Works permit before anyone trims a tree on public property, and separately obligates a tree owner to cut back branches or roots that project over a neighbor's lot, sidewalk, or roadway once notified. Trimming a tree for hire anywhere in the City also requires its own City license.
Mount Vernon Tree Trimming And Overhang Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code §§ 252-3, 252-4A(2)
It is unlawful for any individual, entity, corporation, utility company, telecommunications company, electric company, gas company or organization, without the written permit of the Commissioner of Public Works, to cut, break, injure or misuse any tree or shrub planted or growing in any public property...A written permit from the Department of Public Works is necessary for any person desiring f...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing most trees in Mount Vernon requires a Department of Public Works permit: the owner applies at least 20 business days before the work, pays $50 per tree, and hires a City-licensed contractor. Small trees under 10 inches DBH, true emergencies, and infested trees can be removed without a permit.
Mount Vernon Tree Removal Permit Process
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code § 252-5
An application for a tree removal permit is to be made by the owner. The request for tree removal is to be made to the Department of Public Works and will afford the City advance notice of at least 20 business days to conduct an inspection. The permit fee for each tree to be removed is to be $50. There will be no fee charged where the tree has been determined by the City Tree Surgeon to be dise...
Native Plants
Every plant installed on a project site in Mount Vernon's MX-1 Commercial Corridor District must be drought tolerant, hardy, and native to the area based on USDA plant hardiness zone, under City Code Section 267-19.A(8)(e)(6). Xeriscaping and recycled greywater irrigation are separately encouraged to cut water use and reduce flooding.
MX-1 Native and Drought-Tolerant Planting Rule, Mount Vernon, NY
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code Section 267-19.A(8)(e)(4), (6)
The use of native plants is preferred. Xeriscaping is encouraged to promote water conservation, reduce maintenance requirements, and decrease flooding... ... Use of drought-tolerant and native plantings. All plants to planted, installed and/or located within this MX-1 Zoning District shall be drought tolerant, hardy, native and appropriate for this area based on USDA plant hardiness zone.
Looking for Westchester County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mount Vernon city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Westchester County →