Buffalo, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Buffalo, NY, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code § 467-3
- Applies to
- Street, park, public-property trees
- Authorization
- Commissioner, Parks and Recreation
- Tree Work Permit fee
- None
- Max penalty
- $1,500 or 15 days jail
Summary
Buffalo protects every tree in its streets, parks, and the strip between sidewalk and curb. No one may cut, remove, transplant, or prune a public tree without authorization from the Commissioner of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, arranged through the Bureau of Forestry.
Without authorization from the Commissioner of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, no person, firm or corporation shall damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree, shrub or plant or injure the bark thereof. ... This section shall apply to any tree, shrub or plant in the City of Buffalo on any public street, public park or public property, including those trees, shrubs and plants in the City of Buffalo between the public sidewalks and public street curbs.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 467-3 bars anyone from damaging, cutting, carving, transplanting, or removing any tree, shrub, or plant on public streets, parks, or public property without authorization from the Commissioner of Human Services, Parks and Recreation. The rule reaches trees in the lawn strip between the sidewalk and the curb, so a homeowner cannot remove the parkway tree in front of the house on their own. The Bureau of Forestry handles the work; call 311 to request a City inspection, planting, removal, or trimming. A Tree Work Permit is required to plant within the City right-of-way, and there is no fee to obtain it.
Violations & Fines
Damaging, cutting, or removing a public tree without authorization is punishable under the general penalty by a fine of up to $1,500, imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both, for each offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the tree between my sidewalk and the curb?
Do I need a permit to plant a street tree?
Who handles tree trimming or removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
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