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Forestry Services
The Parks Department Central Forestry division and forestry divisions of each borough provide a variety of tree and sidewalk-related services to New York City. A description of each service is below. If you know your service type and would like to submit a request, please use our online forestry service request system to do so.
Tree Work Permit
Any person or contractor wishing to remove or perform work on or within 50 feet of a street tree is required to obtain a permit from Parks. Parks may issue a permit for the work following a review process, which may entail additional documentation, and/or modification or alteration of the work plan. All tree work will be completed at the owner's expense.
Examples of work include, but are not limited to installing a sidewalk, driveway or utility line, pruning, hanging holiday lights, or extending the current tree planting space.
It is illegal and punishable by law for citizens to damage, remove, or otherwise harm a street tree or park tree. No work may be performed on or within 50 feet of a street tree without a Tree Work Permit from Parks. Anyone caught removing or otherwise harming a tree should be reported immediately. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine not to exceed $15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. To report illegal tree damage, call 311 or use our forestry service request system.
