Tree Trimming: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do tree trimming rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Street trees in the Buffalo public right-of-way are managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation Bureau of Forestry. Private pruning or removal of street trees is prohibited without a permit. Property owners may prune their own trees freely.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Erie County regulates trees on county-owned land only — county highway right-of-way and county parks. The Erie County DPW Tree Planting on Highway ROW Policy (Hoak memo, 04/28/2022) limits species, sizes, and placement of plantings within a county-road ROW and requires a written request per road. Erie County Parks rules prohibit cutting or destroying any trees or plant life inside county parks.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Street trees | City-owned, permit required | - |
| Agency | Bureau of Forestry | - |
| Private trees | Owner may prune freely | - |
| Code | Buffalo City Code Ch. 413 | - |
| Olmsted parkways | Extra protection | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
A branch over my sidewalk is low - can I trim it?
Call 311 to request Forestry pruning. Do not cut a street tree yourself; the city can fine and bill you for damage.
What about branches from my neighbor tree hanging over my yard?
Under NY common law you may trim branches back to the property line, as long as you do not harm the tree overall and do not trespass.
Clarence FAQ
Does Erie County, NY regulate tree trimming in my front yard?
No. Trees on private property are regulated by your town, village, or city — not by Erie County. The county only regulates trees in the county-road right-of-way and in Erie County Parks.
Can I plant a maple tree along a county road in Erie County?
No. The Erie County DPW Highway Right-of-Way policy (Hoak memo, 04/28/2022) absolutely prohibits Maple, Elm, Willow, Poplar, Pine, Fir, Cedar, and Birch in the county-road ROW.
Can I cut a branch off a tree in an Erie County park?
No. Erie County Parks rules prohibit cutting or destroying any trees or plant life. Contact Erie County Parks at (716) 858-8355 if a tree is dangerous.
Who do I call about a tree hanging over an Erie County road?
Erie County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways: 716-858-8300, or email DPWComplaints@erie.gov.
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