Frequently Asked Forestry Questions

The Department of Parks & Recreation has jurisdiction over all trees growing in the public right–of–way, including trees along streets, parkways, and in city parks. Within Parks, the Central Forestry division and the forestry divisions of each borough are responsible for the maintenance of City's nearly 600,000 street trees. Initially, newly planted city trees are watered and maintained by a tree planting contractor for two years. Once the two–year period has passed, responsibility for the care and maintenance of street and park trees is transferred to the borough forestry offices. There, foresters inspect the trees for pruning requirements and special requests coming through 311, including any concerns residents have about the health of a city tree. Tree climbers correct any immediate pruning issues, and all of New York City's street trees are pruned once every seven years for routine maintenance. Parks & Recreation also operates a Trees & Sidewalks program, where iron guards, wires, heavy stones, and other objects interfering with tree health are removed, and sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. Additionally, any dead trees are removed within 30 days of notification to 311. Foresters also conduct inspections after storms and make sure all public safety concerns are addressed.

Submit a Forestry Service Request Online
Use our new forestry service request system to submit a service request, and we’ll route your submission to the appropriate Parks Department division and provide you with a tracking number and details about how your request will be addressed.

Yes. Regulations are noted in several sources, including the City Charter, sections of the Administrative Code, and the Rules of the City of New York. On April 30, 2008, the City Council adopted the Street Trees text amendment to the Zoning Resolution. This means that any new developments or significant renovations from this point forward will be required to plant one street tree for every 25 feet of building frontage or plant off–site where there are space limitations.

Street trees are a key element of Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC—a citywide initiative to make New York City greener and more sustainable as our population grows. As part of PlaNYC and MillionTreesNYC, the Mayor has pledged to fill all available sidewalk spaces with trees over the next ten years. This means that Parks & Recreation will be transforming entire blocks and neighborhoods across the city, turning them from gray to green as we plant new trees. Just as residents do not determine the placement of city infrastructure such as traffic lights, bus stops, or fire hydrants, they will not be able to refuse the planting of a city tree in the public right–of–way.

Trees are shared assets that benefit everybody. Street trees make the city more livable, improve the environment, and enhance public health. They beautify blocks, increase property values, and cool and clean the air. By shading hot surfaces, trees reduce the formation of ozone, which can trigger respiratory problems in children and the elderly and contribute to greenhouse gas formation. Trees also reduce storm water runoff and lower building energy costs. The economic benefits of New York City's street trees are valued at $122 million annually.

The new tree in front of your house will provide New Yorkers with these benefits for many years to come.

The easiest way to request a street tree on city property is to fill out the online request form at MillionTreesNYC, but you can also call 311 to request a tree. When a specific tree planting request is received, a Parks and Recreation forester will survey the site. If there are no infrastructural complications, the tree will be put on the list to be planted in the next available planting season. If the tree cannot be planted in the specific site requested, the forester will still assess the block for possible inclusion in our block planting program. You can also apply for a permit to plant the tree yourself.

Submit a Street Tree Planting Request
Use our new forestry service request system to submit a Street Tree planting request, and we’ll route your submission to the appropriate Parks Department division and provide you with a tracking number and details about how your request will be addressed.

In 2006, Parks & Recreation completed a census of every street tree across the five boroughs. We now have a better understanding of which species are most abundant and which are under–represented. Our species selection is guided by this so that New York City's future urban forest will be as diverse and healthy as possible. Therefore, while you can make a suggestion as to which tree you'd like to see in front of your house, it is ultimately up to the forester to decide which species is most appropriate.

Yes. The easiest way to request street–tree planting on an entire block is to fill out the online request form at MillionTreesNYC, but you can also call 311 to request a block planting. Please note that, while we try to fill these requests in a timely manner, we have many spaces to fill and a limited period during which we can plant trees each season (March to May and October to December).

While Parks & Recreation will plant a tree for free when a resident requests one, there may be a time lag because we receive many requests. However, it is also possible to obtain a Tree Planting Permit (PDF, 175KB) to plant a tree. Tree Planting Permits are granted for two planting seasons—from March 15 to May 15 and from October 15 to December 15. Please be sure to read Parks' Street Tree Planting Guidelines before applying for and planting any street tree(s). If you are constructing a new building or doing large renovations, you may be required by the Department of Buildings (DOB) to plant street trees along the building frontage. Please read more about these street tree planting requirements before applying for a permit.

Parks & Recreation does not plant trees on private property. However, Parks’ MillionTreesNYC partner, New York Restoration Project, is working to help property owners plant trees through nursery discounts and tree giveaways. If you have planted a tree recently, whether through NYRP or on your own, please help us reach our goal of one million trees by reporting the planting to MillionTreesNYC. If you are unsure whether a site is located on public or private land, be sure to contact the property manager first before making planting arrangements.

All newly planted city trees are watered by the tree planting contractor for two years. Once the two–year period has passed, responsibility for the care and maintenance of street and park trees is transferred to the borough forestry offices. There, foresters inspect the trees for pruning requirements and special requests coming through 311, including any concerns residents have about the health of a city tree. Tree climbers correct any immediate pruning issues, and all of New York City's street trees are pruned once every seven years for routine maintenance. Parks & Recreation also operates a Trees & Sidewalks program, where iron guards, wires, heavy stones, and other objects interfering with tree health are removed, and sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. Additionally, any dead trees are removed within 30 days of notification to 311. Foresters also conduct inspections after storms and make sure all public safety concerns are addressed.

Treegator® Bags are a practical solution for watering immature trees in danger of neglect. A bag is placed around the bottom of a tree trunk, and when it is filled with water, it slowly and evenly delivers water directly to the tree's roots, which promotes the growth of deep and firm roots. While Parks does not immediately replace missing or damaged bags on street trees, the device itself is moderately priced at approximately $20 and is potentially a one–time purchase for concerned local tree stewards.

Proper care of large trees entails hazardous work that should only be carried out by skilled workers trained and experienced in arboriculture. Parks & Recreation conducts routine pruning of all street trees every seven years. If you think that a tree is in a hazardous condition outside of this normal cycle, you can call 311 to report the problem. A Parks forester will then inspect the tree and, if necessary, correct any problems. Parks also operates a Trees & Sidewalks program, where iron guards, wires, heavy stones, and other objects interfering with tree health are removed, and sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. If you think that any city tree requires work outside of these Parks maintenance programs, you can apply for a Tree Work Permit (PDF, 175KB) for an ISA–certified arborist to perform work on the tree. For young and newly planted trees, Trees New York is a not–for–profit organization that offers a course in the care of street trees. To become a Citizen Pruner, call Trees New York at (212) 227–1887.

Any person wishing to plant a tree on city property or do work on or around street or park trees must first obtain a permit from Parks. This includes, but is not limited to, pruning, fertilizing, spraying for the control of insects and disease, planting, installing decorations, installing tree guards, and removing or relocating an existing tree. Persons failing to obtain the appropriate permits before engaging in work on or adjacent to city trees are liable to arrest and prosecution under Section 18–129 of the New York City Administrative Code and Title 56 Section I–04(b)(1) of the New York City Rules. Most violations are misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days. Removing a tree without a permit and damaging trees are very serious offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

All trees planted in the right–of–way are under the jurisdiction of Parks & Recreation. The city has an interest in protecting and preserving these trees because they enhance the streetscape and provide numerous benefits to New Yorkers. For example, trees increase property values, reduce air and water pollution, reduce energy use, and improve human health and well–being. The permit process allows Parks to review proposed work to ensure that it includes only desirable and safe planting, removal, maintenance, and protection practices.

Persons failing to obtain the appropriate permits before beginning tree work are liable to arrest and prosecution under Section 18–129 of the New York City Administrative Code and Title 56 Section I–04(b)(1) of the New York City Rules. Most violations are misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days. Removing a tree without a permit and damaging trees are very serious offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year.

Any person wishing to plant a tree on city property or do work on or around street or park trees must first obtain a permit from Parks. This includes, but is not limited to, pruning, fertilizing, spraying for the control of insects and disease, planting, installing decorations, installing tree guards, and removing or relocating an existing tree. Persons failing to obtain the appropriate permits before engaging in work on or adjacent to city trees are liable to arrest and prosecution under Section 18-129 of the New York City Administrative Code and Title 56 Section I-04(b)(1) of the New York City Rules. Most violations are misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days. Removing a tree without a permit and damaging trees are very serious offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

Parks & Recreation conducts routine pruning every year on a portion of city trees in each community board in order to keep our mature trees healthy. Over the last decade, Parks pruned every street tree at least once, and Mayor Bloomberg has doubled the tree maintenance budget so that we can prune our growing urban forest even more frequently. If you think that a tree is in need of maintenance pruning, you can wait for the regular cycle or you can contact 311 to request an inspection by a forester who can assess the pruning needs of the tree. The forester will then decide if the tree needs pruning more immediately or if the next pruning cycle will correct the issues.

If you would like the tree pruned before that, you can apply for a Tree Work Permit (PDF, 175 kB) for an ISA-certified arborist to perform work on the tree. If the tree is entangled in electrical wires, please contact the Con Edison Pruning Division at (718) 802-6551. Our forestry crews are not authorized to prune around high voltage power lines, and therefore we must refer all such cases to Con Edison.

Parks & Recreation conducts routine pruning of all street trees every seven years. If you think that a tree is in a hazardous condition outside of this normal cycle, you can call 311 to report the problem. A Parks forester will then inspect and, if necessary, correct any problems. Parks also operates a Trees & Sidewalks program, where iron guards, wires, heavy stones, and other objects interfering with tree health are removed, and sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. If you think that any city tree requires work outside of these Parks maintenance programs, you can apply for a Tree Work Permit (PDF, 175 kB) for an ISA-certified arborist to perform work on the tree.

Depending on the extent of the tree work, the Parks forestry crew performing the work may not be able to immediately remove the wood debris from the site. In cases such as these, forestry crews are required to leave brush or logs neatly piled near the curb. This debris is picked up within 90 days by another crew. However, if woody debris is left on the street more than 24 hours after a block-pruning operation by a Parks contractor, please call 311 and notify them of the issue. A forestry crew will be assigned to the debris removal, and the matter will be resolved as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that, while Parks strives to leave its worksite as clean as possible, the area may not always be completely free of small twigs, leaves, chippings, or sawdust.

Parks & Recreation now creates bigger tree pits in order to allow more room for water infiltration and tree root growth. When other street trees are planted along a block, some existing tree pits are expanded at the same time to improve the health of the tree and reduce the possibility of future root / sidewalk conflicts. All trees pits are cut to uphold the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Parks & Recreation does not reimburse property owners if new sidewalk is removed when a tree is planted.

The property owner is responsible for any sidewalk repairs in front of the property. However, one-, two-, or three-family homes occupied by the homeowner (Tax Class 1) are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, where sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. Property owners of all other property types are responsible for the upkeep of the adjacent sidewalk. Please note that root slicing is illegal and dangerous because it compromises the stability of the tree.

If you live in a one-, two-, or three-family home occupied by the homeowner (Tax Class 1), you are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, where sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired. Please call 311 to request an inspection.

If you are not eligible for the Trees & Sidewalks program, or the tree has been inspected and you would like it to be repaired before the program date, you can call 311 to schedule a Sidewalk Consultation with a Parks forester for help with the design of the new sidewalk. Before starting work, you must apply for a permit from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to repair the sidewalk. Please note that root slicing is illegal and dangerous because it compromises the stability of the tree.

Parks & Recreation recommends installing a tree pit guard around the edge of a tree pit in order to protect street trees from damage caused by car doors, bumpers, garbage, and other types of street and sidewalk traffic. Trees New York gives detailed information on different types of tree guards. The New York Tree Trust makes tree pit guards available for a tax-deductible donation. Additionally, local elected officials sometimes contribute to the construction and installation of tree guards in their districts. You can contact your local elected official to see if they are willing to do this.

Tree pit guards are the low metal fences around a tree pit that can protect trees from damage caused by car doors, bumpers, and other types of street and sidewalk traffic. Guards also protect the soil by providing a barrier to foot traffic and discouraging dogs from depositing waste in tree pits. Tree grates are metal contraptions that cover tree pits. Parks & Recreation no longer allows the use of these because when the tree reaches a certain size, the grate can strangle the tree and kill it.

Call 311 immediately to report any tree-related emergency incidents or situations. It is also helpful if you can take a picture and/or record the license plate of the offender, as it is hard for a City employee to arrive at the site while the damage is still occurring.

Notify Parks of Illegal Tree Damage Using ForMS
Use our new forestry service request system to notify Parks of illegal tree damage, and we’ll route your submission to the appropriate Parks Department division and provide you with a tracking number and details about how your request will be addressed.

Parks & Recreation's forestry divisions respond to homeowner requests for tree inspections, including requests to remove dead trees and stumps, perform hazard pruning, remove hanging branches, and other emergencies. Parks also operates the Tree Rescue program, where iron guards, wires, heavy stones, and other objects interfering with tree health are removed. Rescuing activities include the expansion of small tree pits, the removal of unsightly debris, and the addition of soil and mulch. To report a problem or request an inspection, call 311.

Submit a Forestry Service Request
Use our new forestry service request system to submit a service request, and we’ll route your submission to the appropriate Parks Department division and provide you with a tracking number and details about how your request will be addressed.

If any city tree looks sickly or diseased, please call 311 to report the problem. A forester will inspect the tree and decide how to improve its health or, if necessary, to remove the tree. If you suspect the presence of an Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation, please note this when you call.

Submit a Forestry Service Request
Use our new forestry service request system to submit a service request, and we’ll route your submission to the appropriate Parks Department division and provide you with a tracking number and details about how your request will be addressed.

Many insects are not harmful to trees. They may take shelter in a tree without damaging it, or they may even provide benefits to a tree, as in the case of ladybugs eating aphids. If there is a bees' nest in the tree that seems hazardous, please do not destroy it. Instead, contact a bee re-locator in your borough to move the nest. If you think that there is an insect infestation that is harming a city tree, you can request an inspection from a Parks forester by calling 311, or you can obtain a Tree Work Permit (PDF, 175 kB) to hire an ISA-certified arborist to care for the tree. If you suspect that any tree has Asian longhorned beetle, please call 311 immediately to report it.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has created the following list of things to look for:

• Adult beetles with 1 to 1 1/4 inch-long bodies and 2-inch-long antennae. Their bodies are shiny black with white spots, and their antennae have bands of black and white.
• Large (1/2 inch) round holes on the branches of the trunk, created when adult beetles emerge from the tree in the spring and summer.
• Round or oval pits in the bark (up to 1/2 inch in diameter), where females chew out a niche to lay their eggs.
• Piles of sawdust accumulating at the base of trees or where branches meet the trunk, caused by beetles exiting from inside the trees.

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) quarantine zone is a regulated area where beetles or ALB damage have been found. It encompasses over 100 square miles of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Up-to-date maps of the quarantine zone can also be found at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). This area is expanded and maps updated as new infestations are found. Residents should be alert for ALB infestations wherever they are and notify the proper authorities should they suspect an infestation.

Sanitation no longer collects wood debris generated in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and a portion of Staten Island. Instead, Parks & Recreation collects and chips all private wood debris generated within this area. To schedule an appointment for pick-up, you can fill out the online form or call 311. Improper disposal of wood waste in this zone could cause further spread of the Asian longhorned beetle so it is very important that residents dispose of their wood debris properly.

Before planting, a trained Parks forester surveys each site for infrastructure conflicts. This includes objects such as telephone poles, street lamps, and fire hydrants. The forester then contacts the electric and gas companies to have the street marked for underground utilities. We do not dig tree pits that are in danger of hitting electric or gas lines, so if the lines cross a proposed tree pit, the pit is moved. By the time the pit is marked out on the sidewalk, there is no conflict with underground utility lines.

If a legally installed and permitted utility line is damaged when a planting contractor digs a new pit, Parks will ensure that the contractor restores it.

Parks & Recreation does not give permission to remove healthy trees, even if their roots are growing into a sewer line. Tree roots sometimes grow into a sewer line if there is already a leak because they follow water availability, but they do not crack lines that are not already damaged. Therefore, the best way to prevent this from occurring is to have your sewer line repaired. Please be aware that removing a tree without a permit is a very serious offense, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

Greenstreets are raised planting beds in a roadway where two or more roads meet and create an unused space. They are commonly found along medians and in traffic triangles and are planted with flowers, shrubs, and even trees. Greenstreets are designed by landscape architects and provide numerous aesthetic and environmental benefits, by beautifying the neighborhood, reducing storm water runoff and air pollution, calming traffic, and providing corridors for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Potential Greenstreet sites are evaluated by a set of criteria for the surrounding area, including flood risk, human health issues such as asthma rates, and the number of other Greenstreets nearby. Currently, as an initiative of PlaNYC, we have a goal to build 80 new Greenstreets per year for the next 10 years. While we try to consider individual requests, there are many areas around the city that are a priority for the near future. If you feel strongly that you know of a potential site, please send your request to:

Central Forestry & Horticulture
Olmsted Center, Room 47
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing, NY 11368