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NYC’s Urban Forest > Street Tree Planting

Street Tree Planting

Trees make the city more livable, improve the environment, enhance public health, and are one of the most beneficial and cost effective ways to support and advance our infrastructure. Placed in sidewalks throughout our communities, street trees have a direct impact on our neighborhoods through the benefits they provide. The PlaNYC/MillionTreesNYC Initiatives were conceived in this effort and, as part of a pledge by Mayor Bloomberg, we plan to have all available sidewalk spaces in the five boroughs planted by 2017. This is an ambitious but attainable goal with the help of our citizens.

Request a Free Tree

Any property owner can request a free street tree by submitting a Service Request through our tree service request system or by calling 311. Note: New trees planted through Parks’ free request system cannot fulfill planting requirements for new buildings or alterations.

Learn more about requesting a tree

Learn more about Parks’ street tree planting process

Plant a Tree Required by the NYC Department of Buildings

Street trees must be planted at new building and major enlargement projects. If you are required to plant a tree, the procedure will vary depending on when your New Building, Alteration 1 and Alteration 2 applications were pre-filed with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).

Instructions for jobs pre-filed before May 3, 2010: Planting Requirements for New Buildings

Instructions for jobs pre-filed on or after May 3, 2010: Building Plan Review

Plant a Tree On Your Own

You can plant a tree on your own by obtaining a Tree Planting Permit and hiring a landscape contractor. To apply for a free permit to plant a tree in front of your property, please follow our Permit Planting: Step-By-Step Directions.

View the Permit Planting: Step-By-Step Directions

As another option, for a moderate donation, the New York Tree Trust will guide you through the permit process and have your tree planted. The Tree Trust also provides a commemorative tree planting service.

Learn more about the New York Tree Trust

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