Albany County, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

New York State has no statewide tree preservation law, and Albany County has no countywide ordinance. Tree removal on private property in unincorporated areas and most towns is allowed without permit. However, the City of Albany Department of General Services (DGS) Forestry Division protects all trees in the public right-of-way and on city property under City Code Chapter 313. Removing, pruning (over 25% of canopy), or damaging a street tree without a DGS permit is prohibited and can result in fines plus tree replacement cost assessed at appraised value (typically $500-$5,000+ per mature tree). Villages of Voorheesville and Green Island have tree committees but no formal permit requirement. NYSDEC regulates tree cutting in freshwater wetlands (ECL Article 24) and adjacent 100 ft buffer, and on steep slopes near regulated waters. Commercial timber harvests over 10 acres require NYSDEC notification. No heritage tree designation in Albany County. Tree removal within NYS Ag Districts is exempt for ag purposes. Utilities (National Grid, Verizon) have right-of-way pruning authority under PSC Case 12-E-0533 but must notify property owners before work. Property owners are responsible for removing trees that fall and damage neighbors' property from their side of the line.