Tree Replacement Requirements: Albany vs Colonie
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Albany, NY and Colonie, NY?
Albany and Colonie have similar restriction levels.
Albany, NY
Albany County
City of Albany Code Ch. 337 requires replacement trees when street trees or trees on public land are removed. Typical 1:1 replacement with 2-inch caliper minimum. Town of Bethlehem requires replanting in subdivisions. NYSDEC requires restoration plans for wetland buffer removals under ECL §24-0701.
View full Albany rules →Colonie, NY
Albany County
Tree replacement in the Town of Colonie is imposed through Planning Board conditions on subdivision and site-plan approvals under Chapter 177 (Trees) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use), rather than through a standalone tree-replacement ordinance. The Planning Board may require replacement plantings, designate species (drawn from native or proven non-invasive lists), specify caliper and survivability terms, and condition Certificate of Occupancy on installation. The Conservation Advisory Council recommends replacement species during plan review. Right-of-way replacements are coordinated with the Department of Public Works.
View full Colonie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albany | Colonie |
|---|---|---|
| Albany Ratio | 1:1 typical (Ch. 337) | - |
| Minimum Caliper | 2 inches | - |
| Species | Native, Zone 5b/6a | - |
| Maintenance Period | 2 years typical | - |
| Fee-in-Lieu | Albany Tree Fund | - |
| Imposing Authority | - | Town of Colonie Planning Board |
| Typical Ratio (Capital Region) | - | 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 by DBH |
| Replacement Caliper | - | Typically 2 to 2.5 inches |
| Survivability | - | 1 to 2 year landscape bond |
| Species List | - | Native / non-invasive (Zone 5b-6a) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albany FAQ
Can I pay a fee instead of replanting?
City of Albany Ch. 337 allows a fee-in-lieu payment to the Albany Tree Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. The fee is based on appraised value using CTLA (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers) methodology.
What species qualify for replacement?
The Albany City Forester maintains an approved species list emphasizing disease-resistant natives suited to Zone 5b/6a such as red oak, American linden, hackberry, and swamp white oak. Ash and American elm are generally excluded due to EAB and Dutch elm disease.
Colonie FAQ
How many trees must I replant if I remove a tree in Colonie?
The Town Code does not set a single town-wide replacement ratio. The Planning Board imposes replacement conditions case by case during subdivision and site-plan review under Chapter 177 and Chapter 190, typically following a sliding scale based on diameter (often 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1) with input from the Conservation Advisory Council. Confirm the exact ratio with the Planning Division.
Can I pay into a tree fund instead of replanting in Colonie?
The Town Code does not establish a fee-in-lieu tree fund. The Planning Board may, on a case-by-case basis during plan approval, accept alternative arrangements (such as off-site planting in a Town park) when on-site replacement is infeasible. Discuss alternatives with the Planning Division and the Conservation Advisory Council during application review rather than after approval.
What if my replacement tree dies after planting in Colonie?
Most Colonie subdivision and site-plan approvals require a landscape or survivability bond, typically one to two years. If a replacement tree dies within the warranty period, the developer must replace it or the Town draws on the bond to install a new tree. Right-of-way replacements are then maintained by the Department of Public Works after final acceptance.
Compare other topics
See how Albany and Colonie compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool