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TREE permits
Removing a tree in New York City can involve strict regulations, especially when it comes to landmarked properties or historic districts. For trees located on city property, such as sidewalks or streets, permits from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation are mandatory.
At GreenLeaf Tree Care, we offer tree permit services and expert guidance. Our experienced arborists understand the intricacies of NYC’s tree removal regulations and know when permits are needed.

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tree permit service
For a $250 fee, we handle the entire permitting process for you, including:
- Identifying whether a permit is required for the tree and property.
- Complete all necessary paperwork.
- Submit the application directly to the appropriate city department.
- Provide guidance if you prefer to handle the permit process yourself.
- Provide updates and communication.
Please note: While we fill out and submit your permit, final approval is ultimately at the discretion of the City and is not guaranteed. Factors such as the tree’s location, condition, and any heritage or preservation rules may influence the decision.


Preparing for your Permit
Getting ready to apply for a tree permit in NYC involves a few important steps. Here’s what you need to have prepared:
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for all tree work involving street trees or trees within 50 feet of city property.
- Documentation: You’ll need to provide details about the tree’s location, the scope of work, and information about the company (we will help you with this).
- Submission Timeline: Keep in mind construction-related permits should be submitted at least 20 business days before the work begins.
- Compliance: Unauthorized tree work can lead you to fines and penalties, so be sure to read your permit approval closely and follow the guidelines provided to you by the city.
Permit Requirements
Permits for Removing Street Trees:
The removal, pruning, tree cutting or planting of street trees in Brooklyn requires a permit from the NYC Parks Department. Street trees are city-owned, and like many streets, often have lining trees that are likely to be protected.
Permits for Removing Private Property Trees:
You may require a permit to remove a tree on your own property, especially if the tree is within a historic district or the property is landmarked. Be sure to check your site survey first to verify the property lines and any regulations. If you require a permit, then you have to obtain permission from the city, or you can use our tree permit services.

Tree Permits across New York
FAQs
In most cases, yes. New York City requires a tree removal permit for certain trees to protect the city’s green spaces. Whether or not you need one depends on the size, type, and location of the tree. Don’t worry, GreenLeaf Tree Care can help you determine if a permit is necessary and handle the process for you.
The timeline can vary, but for construction-related tree removal permits, you can expect the process to take at least 20 business days. At GreenLeaf Tree Care, we stay on top of all follow-ups to help move things along as quickly as possible.
We do not recommend this. Removing a tree without the required tree removal permit can lead to fines, penalties, and potential legal issues. The city has strict regulations to protect trees, and non-compliance could be costly. We are professional arborists and will always wait until all necessary permits are approved before starting any work.
While we cannot guarantee permit approval, since the decision ultimately rests with the city, we have extensive experience submitting applications that comply with NYC’s requirements. Our team will carefully evaluate your situation and submit a well-prepared permit application.
Typically, you’ll need to provide details about your property, the tree you wish to remove (such as its size, species, and location), and the reason for removal. We will help you gather all the required information in preparing your tree removal permit application.
AFFORDABLE TREE PERMITS IN NEW YORK
We provide professional and affordable tree permit services across New York City.