Amherst, NY Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Chapter 179, Article VI, Reforestation, governs planting standards for Town street and park trees. Section 179-13 puts the Tree Board, with input from the Highway Superintendent and Town Forester, in charge of the official street tree species list, filed annually with the Town Clerk; no species outside that list may be planted as a street tree without the Town Forester's written permission. Section 179-14, Planting distance requirements, ties setback distance to the three official species-size classes: small trees must be at least two feet from any curb, curbline, or sidewalk; medium trees at least three feet; and large trees at least four feet, and no tree lawn narrower than four feet may hold a tree at all.

Corner lots must keep the clear-vision area required under Chapter 203-2-4, Zoning, and no street tree may go into a right-of-way within 100 feet of the front face of a stop sign. No street tree may be planted closer than 10 feet to a fire hydrant. Section 179-15 sets minimum stock sizes: deciduous trees need a caliper of at least 1 3/4 inches measured six inches above grade, and evergreens must be at least five feet tall. Section 179-12 confirms the Town's right to plant street and park trees itself while also allowing adjacent owners to plant, provided species selection and location follow this article.