Suffolk County Tree Trimming Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Suffolk County does not maintain a county-wide tree ordinance. Instead, tree preservation and removal regulations are established by individual towns, each with its own set of rules regarding permits, protected trees, and penalties. The Suffolk County Planning Commission provides oversight of zoning matters that may affect tree-covered properties, but the direct regulation of tree removal is a local matter.

In the Town of Smithtown, it is unlawful to remove, destroy, or substantially alter any tree on any parcel of real property without first obtaining a permit. The ordinance covers both living and dead trees, standing or downed, on public or private property. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is permitted to perform tree work without a local permit under state Environmental Conservation Law. Violators may be ordered to restore the damaged premises, and if they fail to do so, the Town Board may seek a court order directing restoration at the property owner's expense.

The Town of Huntington similarly prohibits cutting, damaging, removing, or substantially altering any tree without the property owner's written consent. No tree work of any kind — including planting, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, or disturbing root systems — may be performed on town-owned land or public rights-of-way without written permission from the town. The Town of Brookhaven focuses on trees in the town right-of-way and removes only dead trees or those causing structural damage.

All tree service businesses operating in Suffolk County must hold a valid Suffolk County Home Improvement Contractor license, since the county defines home improvement to include landscaping and arboriculture. Applicants for the license must apply for a Suffolk County Tax Map Number and provide their contractor license number. Operating without a license is a county code violation.