Private-property tree trimming is not regulated countywide in Orange County NY. Street trees in villages and cities like Newburgh, Middletown, and Goshen often require a permit from the public-works department or shade-tree commission. Utility trimming is handled by Central Hudson and Orange & Rockland.
Orange County does not regulate the trimming of trees on private property. Cities, villages, and some towns govern street trees (those in the public right-of-way) through a shade-tree commission or public-works department. City of Newburgh §294 (Street Trees) requires a permit from the City Arborist for any pruning or removal of a street tree, with $50-$250 fines for violations. City of Middletown requires Department of Public Works approval for street-tree work. Village of Goshen maintains a Tree Commission. Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Orange & Rockland Utilities trim trees within utility easements under PSC-approved Vegetation Management Programs. Under NY common law, a neighbor may trim branches that cross over their property line back to the line but cannot trespass. Trees in DEC-regulated wetlands (6 NYCRR 663) require a permit for any significant disturbance.
Unauthorized street-tree pruning (Newburgh): $50-$250 plus replacement cost. Wetland tree removal without DEC permit: $500-$10,000 per tree.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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