Trees are everywhere in our neighborhoods, but not all of them fall under the same category. Some belong to the city, some line the streets, and others sit on private property. Knowing the difference between these two might not seem important, until it needs to be taken care of. Removing city trees vs street trees has many rules and regulations that let us know who is responsible for what, which can get confusing so let’s break it all down.
City Trees vs. Street Trees: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, a city tree and a street tree might seem like the same thing. Both are typically on public land and managed by local governments. But there are definitely differences between the two.
- City trees are located on public property that is owned by the local government. Think about trees in public parks, around government buildings, or in other designated green spaces. These trees belong to the city or municipality and are maintained as part of public forestry programs.
- Street trees are trees that grow along roads or sidewalks, usually between the curb and the pavement. They are still on public land, but maintaining them would sometimes involve whoever owns the property right next to it. These trees are planted to provide shade, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits for the community.
The key takeaway: both city trees and street trees are part of the urban landscape, but where they sit will tell us how they’re managed and, more importantly, who is responsible for them.
Who Owns a Tree? Public vs. Private Trees
In tree care, ownership determines responsibility. A public tree (either a city tree or a street tree) falls under municipal jurisdiction, while a private tree belongs to whoever is the property owner.
- Public trees: If a tree is growing in a city park, on municipal land, or within a designated public right-of-way, it belongs to the city or local government. These trees are managed by public works departments or forestry divisions, and anything that is related to their maintenance is not up to the residents who live there.
- Private trees: Trees on private property are the sole responsibility of the landowner. Doesn’t matter if the tree is thriving or dying, blocking sunlight, or dropping branches, it’s up to the property owner to handle it.
Here’s where things get tricky. Sometimes, a tree sits near the edge of a property, right along the sidewalk or curb. In many cases, these are street trees, which means they are technically public, even though they are near private land. If you’re a property owner, you have to be very careful and aware of f local regulations before doing anything to that tree. However, if you know the regulations but you need help with removing trees in Nassau NY, reach out to us, GreenLeaf Tree Care, and we’ll take care of it!
Removing City Trees vs. Street Trees: What to Know
What is the difference between removing city trees vs street trees? It’s in the process of how it’s done. The keyword here is jurisdiction, basically who has control over the tree?
Removing City Trees
City trees are entirely under government control. If a tree is in a public park or on municipal property, the city decides when and if it gets removed. In most cases, the city will only remove a tree if:
- It’s diseased or dying and poses a risk.
- It’s become a hazard to public safety.
- It interferes with planned construction or city infrastructure.
Unfortunately property owners and residents can’t ask for a tree to be removed, unless it meets these conditions. If a city tree is damaged, blocking a walkway, or dropping dangerous branches, you can report it, but it’s still up to the city on what happens next.
Removing Street Trees
Street trees, while also public, sometimes involve nearby property owners. In many cities in New York, homeowners may be responsible for general upkeep, like watering or minor pruning. But when it comes to removing one of these guys, the process is similar to city trees, it’s regulated.
Most municipalities require permits if you want to remove a street tree, and in some cases, only the city can authorize or carry it out. Here’s what to expect:
- Check jurisdiction – Before doing anything, property owners should confirm if a tree is within the public right-of-way. This typically includes trees between the sidewalk and curb but can vary depending on where you are.
- Get a permit (if required) – In many New York municipalities, you need a permit for removing a street trees. Cities issue these permits based on factors like tree health, safety risks, and overall impact.
- Hire a licensed professional – Even if you get a permit, removing one of these guys usually requires hiring a certified professionals. Since if you do it yourself without the proper authorization, it can lead to fines.
Do Property Owners Have Any Responsibility for Street Trees?
Even though street trees are public, some local governments expect property owners next to them to help out with upkeep. This doesn’t mean you can remove or prune them freely, but you may be required to:
- Water young or newly planted trees.
- Report any dangerous hazards like broken branches or leaning trunks.
- Avoid damaging tree roots during construction or landscaping work.
Each city in New York has different regulations on this, so you should check what your local rulings are before assuming about what you can or can’t do.
Removing City Trees vs. Street Trees in New York
When it comes to removing city trees vs. street trees in New York, every municipality has its own set of rules. Some cities have stricter permit requirements, while others may be more flexible in their rulings. In most cases, if you try to remove a tree without being authorized to, this could lead to unwanted fines. It’s always a good idea to ask professionals before you do anything.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding the difference between a city tree and a street tree matters when it comes to maintenance and removal. Both of them are public, but city trees are found in municipal parks or public spaces, while street trees are usually next to roads and sidewalks.
If you need help knowing what your tree falls under, or if you need help with removing your tree, GreenLeaf Tree Care has you covered. Our team has years of experience handling tree care in New York, and we’re familiar with the local regulations that affect homeowners and businesses. Contact us today, and we’ll take care of it.