Tree Protection in Mount Vernon, NY (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Mount Vernon, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Mount Vernon designates a "heritage tree" as one with unique, irreplaceable value for its age, rarity, size, or historic significance, and folds that designation into the code's "significant tree" category. A heritage tree cannot be cut down without a Department of Public Works removal permit, and Architectural Review Board or Planning Board approval if a construction application is pending.
Mount Vernon Heritage Tree Removal Protections
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code § 252-2
HERITAGE TREE: An individual tree with unique value, which is considered irreplaceable. The major criteria for this designation are age, rarity and size, as well as aesthetic, botanical, ecological, cultural and historic value. ... SIGNIFICANT TREE: ... A tree that is protected under this chapter when it either: ... D. ... Is a heritage tree, as defined under the definition of 'heritage tree' i...
Protected Tree Species
Mount Vernon's tree code automatically classifies any state-listed endangered or threatened tree as a "significant tree," which cannot be removed without a Department of Public Works permit and, if a construction project is involved, sign-off from the Architectural Review Board or Planning Board. The protection tracks New York's protected native species list and the Westchester County list of endangered plants.
Mount Vernon Shields State-Listed Trees
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code § 252-2
ENDANGERED OR THREATENED TREE: A tree listed as endangered or threatened on the New York protected native species list, 6 NYCRR 193.3, and/or the Westchester County list of endangered plants. ... SIGNIFICANT TREE: ... A tree that is protected under this chapter when it either: A. Has reached maturity, defined as, measuring 10 inches in diameter (31 inches circumference) or greater, at breast he...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree anywhere on Mount Vernon public property, including the curbside parkway strip, requires a written permit from the Commissioner of Public Works under City Code Section 252-3.A. Abutting property owners and occupants must also keep the planting strip along their full curb frontage maintained under Section 252-3.E(4).
Street Tree Planting Permit Rules, Mount Vernon NY
Some RestrictionsCity of Mount Vernon Code Section 252-3.A, 252-3.E(4)
Permit required. ... It is unlawful for any individual, entity, corporation, utility company, telecommunications company, electric company, gas company or organization to pot or plant any tree upon any part of any public property or City park without first obtaining from the Commissioner of Public Works a written permit to do so, and without complying in all respects with the conditions set for...
Looking for Westchester County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mount Vernon city rules.
Tree Protection in Westchester County →