All street trees in The Bronx belong to NYC Parks Department. It is illegal for residents to prune, trim, or damage a street tree without a free Parks work permit. Even trimming branches over your sidewalk requires authorization.
NYC Admin Code 18-129 and Parks Rules 56-1.03 make unauthorized pruning, cutting, or damage to public trees a violation. Any pruning of a street tree requires a no-cost Parks work permit, and work must be done by an ISA-certified arborist who carries $1M liability coverage. Private backyard trees can be pruned by the owner without a permit, except in Landmark districts or protected environmental review areas. Call 311 to report or request pruning.
Fines $250 for minor damage up to $15,000 for killing a tree, plus appraised replacement value. Criminal mischief charges possible for intentional damage.
See how Bronx County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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