Tree Cutting in New York City, NY

Street trees are city property. A permit from NYC Parks is required for any work on or within 50 feet of a street tree, including pruning and removal. Unauthorized removal is punishable by fines and possible jail time. Report fallen, damaged or hazardous street trees to 311. Private trees on your property are your responsibility; there's generally no citywide permit for them, but landmark districts and development projects can involve review.

London planetree: most common street tree; large and generally resilient Norway maple: common in backyards; shallow roots, girdling roots, storm failures Pin oak: street and park tree; oak wilt risk

Permits from NYC Parks for any work on or near them; 311 for hazards and fallen trees.

Sandy (2012) and Isaias (2020) brought down thousands of trees across the boroughs.

Row houses mean rigging, carry-through or crane work for private trees.

Attached houses, shared fences and no side yards mean backyard jobs usually involve carrying wood through the house or a crane over the roof, with neighbor coordination.