Westchester County, NY Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree
- 24-inch DBH or greater
- Protected tree list
- Set by Planning Board
- Also regulated
- Trees on 25%+ slopes
- Applies to
- County-owned property only
Summary
County Code § 712.314 bars removing a protected or specimen tree, or disturbing its dripline, on Westchester County-owned property without prior authorization.
Protected tree. A protected tree is any species of tree determined by the Planning Board to be in need of protection. Such a determination shall be made upon the recommendation of the commissioner to the Planning Board. Upon adoption of a resolution by the Planning Board, the names of species of trees protected herein shall be contained in a list duly maintained and reviewed by the Planning Board on an annual basis. Any amendments to said list may from time to time be made upon the recommendation of the commissioner to the Planning Board. Such changes as adopted by the Planning Board to the protected tree list shall be duly reflected in the list maintained by the Planning Board.10.Specimen tree. Any tree with a DBH of twenty-four (24) inches or greater.11.Tree. Any living, woody plant which has a DBH of six (6) inches or more, or has multiple trunks with a total canopy of twelve (12) feet or more.12.Tree removal. The cutting down of a tree or any act which causes a tree to die within a one (1) year period. (Added by L.L. No. 9-1994)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Section 712.313 defines a 'protected tree' as any species the Planning Board designates for protection and a 'specimen tree' as any tree with a diameter at breast height of 24 inches or greater. Section 712.314 then bars anyone from clearing, removing a specimen or protected tree, disturbing the grade within a tree's dripline, or removing trees on slopes of 25 percent or more without County Executive authorization.
Violations & Fines
A violation of these county-owned property tree provisions is an offense under § 712.651, carrying a fine up to $100 or up to 30 days imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree 'protected' under county rules?
Is a hazardous tree exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westchester County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Westchester County to another location·View the New York tree protection overview
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