Colonie, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Tree trimming in the Town of Colonie is governed by Chapter 177 (Trees), adopted by Local Law No. 6-1970 on June 25, 1970 (https://ecode360.com/13241663) and by related provisions in Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use) (https://ecode360.com/13241671). Chapter 177 was enacted because the Town Board found that excessive cutting of trees on large tracts had resulted in increased surface drainage and soil erosion. The chapter authorizes the Planning Board, in its subdivision and site-plan review under Chapter 190, to require that trees be left standing in designated areas on approved plats and to prohibit cutting of any live tree exceeding three inches in diameter in such areas without Planning Board consent. Routine trimming of a tree that is wholly on a private lot and outside any protected subdivision area generally does not require a Town permit. Trees within the public right-of-way or on Town-owned property are maintained by the Town of Colonie Department of Public Works, and pruning or removal in those locations should be coordinated with DPW. Utility-line clearance pruning by National Grid and other regulated utilities is performed under New York Public Service Law and easement rights. Under New York common law, an adjoining owner may trim a neighbor's overhanging branches up to the property line, but trimming that damages or kills the tree exposes the trimmer to civil liability for waste or trespass. The Town's Conservation Advisory Council, which reviews development and landscape plans, may also recommend tree preservation conditions during planning review.