Mount Vernon, NY Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Invasive species/vines defined by
- NYS DEC identification
- Named invasive vine examples
- oriental bittersweet, porcelain berry
- Notice before City acts
- 30 days written notice
- Owner unpaid-bill grace period
- 30 business days
- Unpaid removal cost becomes
- lien on property
- Removal of infested tree
- no separate permit needed
Summary
Mount Vernon's tree ordinance defines invasive species and invasive vines by reference to the state DEC's identification, and makes it unlawful for a property owner to let a tree, shrub, or bush stay infested with pests or choked by invasive vines. The Commissioner of Public Works can order removal, and unpaid removal costs become a lien on the property.
INVASIVE SPECIES: A species of plant or animal that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction into the ecosystem causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm to human health, as identified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. INVASIVE VINES: Fast-growing vines that are detrimental (stranglers) to native vegetation and trees, including, but not limited to, oriental bittersweet, porcelain berry or others, as identified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. ... It is prohibited to permit or allow to remain in the City of Mount Vernon any tree, shrub or bush or part thereof which is infested with fungi, caterpillars, insects, worms, maggots, parasites, larvae or grub of lepidopterous insects or other creeping segmented animals which cause destruction or damage to trees, shrubs or bushes...and control of invasive vines.
Full Breakdown
" If the Commissioner of Public Works or City Tree Surgeon finds a violation, the owner has 30 days after written notice to destroy the pests or invasive vegetation, or to take down the infested tree or shrub, before the City removes it and bills the owner (§ 252-4A(3)(a)-(b)). An owner may remove an infested tree without a separate removal permit under the exemption in § 252-4B(1)(c). If the City does the removal itself and the owner does not pay within 30 business days, the Commissioner certifies the cost to the City Council, and it becomes a lien on the property collected the same way as a public-improvement assessment (§ 252-4A(3)(c)(3)).
Violations & Fines
Letting a tree, shrub, or bush remain infested or overtaken by invasive vines after 30 days' written notice lets the Commissioner of Public Works or City Tree Surgeon remove and destroy it under § 252-4A(3)(c) and bill the owner for the cost. If that bill goes unpaid for 30 business days, the City certifies the expense to the City Council and dockets it as a lien on the property, collected the same way as a public-improvement assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to remove invasive vines strangling my trees?
What counts as an "invasive species" under Mount Vernon's code?
What happens if I ignore the City's notice to clear invasive vegetation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mount Vernon
New York rules heatmap·Compare Mount Vernon to another location·View the New York invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Westchester County handle prohibited species.