Albany County, NY Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

The City of Albany does not maintain a formal heritage tree ordinance like some larger municipalities, but protections for significant trees arise through overlapping authorities. Chapter 337 gives the City Forester discretion to designate specimen or memorial trees for enhanced protection. Trees on properties within the 10 locally designated historic districts (Center Square, Mansion, Pastures, Arbor Hill, etc.) fall under Historic Resources Commission review per City Code Chapter 42 when removal would alter a contributing landscape. NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation designates Old Growth Forest Stands under ECL §9-0105, including the Escarpment at John Boyd Thacher State Park. Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission protects pitch pine-scrub oak barrens under a special act of the Legislature (1988). Town of Bethlehem identifies significant trees during subdivision review. Legacy trees on SUNY Albany campus are managed under SUNY facilities policy. Residents may nominate trees for Tree City USA recognition through the Albany Shade Tree Commission.