Hempstead, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 184-6(A) puts the trimming duty on every owner, tenant, or other occupant of a house or structure, and every owner or person entitled to possession of a vacant lot: they must remove trees when Town authorities require it, keep trees in front of or adjacent to their premises and within the sidewalk area trimmed so overhanging limbs do not interfere with passersby on the sidewalk or roadway, and repair sidewalk or curb damage caused by tree roots on or near the premises. Section 184-6(B) lets the Town Board, by resolution, require removal of a sidewalk-area tree when underground utility work is planned or the tree is found hazardous, damaging to the sidewalk, curb, roadbed, or utility facilities, or require trimming and sidewalk repair, using the same notice procedure set out for sidewalk repairs in Chapter 181.

When a tree is removed, § 184-6(C) requires the stump be ground down to six inches below ground level and covered flush with the surface. Section 184-7 separately authorizes public utility company employees, in the course of servicing existing utility facilities, to prune, trim, or alter trees within accepted horticultural practice without a separate trimming permit, provided they remove all resulting debris; but if a utility company wants to remove a tree outright, it must first obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Highways.