Huntington, NY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Town Code § 186-3(D) makes it unlawful for any property owner or person in charge of property adjoining a public right-of-way to permit a tree, shrub or woodland on their property to obstruct the passage or visibility of pedestrians or motorists. That duty sits alongside § 186-3(A), which requires the prior written consent of the property owner before anyone cuts, damages, carves, digs, removes or substantially alters any tree, living or not, on public or private property; anyone doing the trimming must produce that consent to a police officer or code enforcement officer on demand, and failing to do so is itself a violation.

Section 186-3(C) separately requires that any tree near excavation or construction be guarded by a fence, frame or box at least four feet high running along the dripline, kept clear of soil, debris and rubble, and never extended into the street or made a hardship for sidewalk users. Enforcement runs through the same Chapter 186 penalty schedule that covers the rest of the tree code: violations are prosecuted through the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication or town court, and the Town Attorney can pursue civil penalties and an injunction to compel a property owner to clear an obstructing tree or shrub.