New York, NY Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

NYC's tree replacement requirements are enforced through the Parks Department. When a street tree is removed (whether due to death, disease, construction, or property damage), the Parks Department schedules replacement planting. If the removal is necessitated by a property owner's construction project, the owner typically must fund replacement at a cost of $2,000–$5,000+ per tree depending on species and size. The replacement formula generally follows a 2:1 caliper inch ratio — if a 12-inch tree is removed, 24 caliper inches of new trees must be planted. Payment may be made into the Parks Tree Fund when on-site replanting is not feasible. Under Local Law 3 of 2010, private trees removed in SNAD areas also require replacement planting per Parks Department specifications. NYC's urban forest comprises approximately 7 million trees, and the city aims to expand canopy cover to 30% (currently about 22%). The Parks Department plants approximately 10,000 new street trees annually through its forestry division. Community groups can request street tree plantings through the MillionTreesNYC successor program at no cost to property owners.