Northeast region
Tree removal and tree care in New York
New York trees fail most often in nor'easters, heavy wet snow and the remnants of tropical storms. In New York City, trees in the sidewalk strip are owned by the city: no one may prune, remove or work within their root zone without an NYC Parks permit. Trees on private property follow local rules, which vary by town.
City guides in New York
Downstate, tree emergencies cluster around big coastal storms. Sandy (2012) and Isaias (2020) brought down thousands of trees in the city and on Long Island, many onto lines and houses. Upstate, early- and late-season snow on leafed-out trees and lake-effect storms cause breakage, while ice storms can be devastating.
Pests are a growing factor. Emerald ash borer has spread through much of the state, and oak wilt has been confirmed in several counties, including Brooklyn and Long Island locations. Spotted lanternfly mostly damages tree-of-heaven and vines, but it's a reason to report and manage infestations.
Reviewed and updated
Coastal storms, snow, ice and pests in New York
Nor'easters and coastal storms
Hours of wind with saturated soil; Sandy (2012) and Isaias (2020) caused massive tree damage downstate.
Heavy wet snow
Early or late snow on leafed-out trees breaks limbs across the state.
Ice storms
Freezing rain upstate can cause widespread canopy loss.
Pests
Emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and hemlock woolly adelgid threaten key species.
Tight urban sites
Row houses and narrow lots mean cranes, permits and careful rigging.
Downstate, upstate and the snowbelt
New York City and Long Island
- Main pressures
- Coastal storms, salt, street trees in tight sites
- A storm that shaped it
- Sandy (2012)
Hudson Valley and North Country
- Main pressures
- Ice storms and heavy wet snow on hardwoods
- A storm that shaped it
- The January 1998 ice storm
Western New York (Buffalo, Rochester)
- Main pressures
- Lake-effect snow, sometimes before leaves drop
- A storm that shaped it
- Buffalo's October 2006 snowstorm
New York City's street tree rules
- New York City: 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, and removal without permission can carry heavy fines.
- Outside NYC, many towns and villages on Long Island and in Westchester have their own tree ordinances that apply to private property; check with your municipality.
Sources (checked 2026-10-01)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
New York city guides
New York City's guide is about street-tree permits and tight row-house lots. Upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse face lake-effect snow and ice instead, and Long Island adds nor'easters and hurricane remnants.
NYC Parks street trees, tight backyards and coastal storms.
New York's tree seasons
Across New York, winter is when most planned removals happen: ground is frozen, trees are bare and crews have openings. Late summer and fall bring tropical remnants downstate, and lake-effect snow loads trees upstate.
- Winter
- Ice and snow; good time for removals on firm ground
- April–July
- Avoid pruning oaks where oak wilt is present
- Aug–Oct
- Tropical remnants and early nor'easters
Planetrees, maples, oaks and pears in New York
- London planetree
- Very common NYC street tree; large and generally tough
- Norway maple
- Invasive, shallow-rooted, prone to girdling roots and storm failure
- Pin oak and red oak
- Large; susceptible to oak wilt
- Ash
- Declining due to emerald ash borer
- Eastern hemlock
- Hudson Valley and upstate; adelgid damage
New York services by situation
Coastal storm, ice and snow damage.
Private trees in tight urban and suburban yards.
Crane lifts over attached houses.
Ash lost to emerald ash borer upstate and downstate.
New York tree questions
Can I remove the street tree in front of my NYC house?
Not without NYC Parks' permission. Street trees are city property, and any work on or near them, including pruning, requires a Parks permit. Request service or report a problem through 311.
Can I move firewood from a tree I had removed in New York?
Only locally. New York's DEC regulation prohibits bringing untreated firewood into the state and moving untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source, to slow the spread of pests like emerald ash borer.
Who handles a fallen street tree in New York City?
Report it to 311. NYC Parks handles fallen or hazardous street and park trees. Trees on private property are the owner's responsibility.
Need tree help in New York?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.