All street trees in Manhattan are owned by NYC Parks. Any trimming of a street tree requires a free Parks Tree Work Permit. Unauthorized pruning can bring fines from 500 to 15,000 dollars.
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, through its Forestry Division, owns and manages every street tree on the public sidewalk and in city parks throughout New York County. A free Tree Work Permit is required before any pruning, cabling, or work on a street tree, even by the adjacent property owner. Pruning without a permit, or pruning that violates ANSI A300 standards, can lead to fines ranging from 500 dollars for minor work to 15,000 dollars or more for serious damage. Permits are obtained through the Parks Department online system and typically require work to be performed by a permitted contractor. Trees in private rear yards are generally owned by the property owner, who may prune them, subject to state common law rules about branches overhanging neighbor property. Co-ops, condos, and landmarked properties may impose further restrictions on tree work.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how New York's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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