Tree Work Permit | City of New York

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Before you submit your application

The company doing the work must have appropriate insurance to perform work. Depending on the size and scope of the project, a performance bond may be required as well.

At least one member of the company performing the tree work must either be an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or hold equivalent certifications or experience, which will be determined by Parks & Recreation.

Please note that some types of work (e.g., pesticide application) require additional certifications, licenses, and / or permits.

If the permit is related to construction activities, the following pieces of documentation must be supplied with the application for a Tree Work Permit: 1) a letter stating the intent of the project, why tree work needs to be completed, and the project's Department of Buildings Job Number; 2) a pre-construction survey and / or layout of existing conditions illustrating the tree location(s); 3) a project design plan (14" x 17" drawings are preferred); 4) a Builders Pavement Plan; 5) utility drawings or vault installation drawings (if applicable); 6) site photos; and 7) any other plans that demonstrate the conflict between City trees and the project.

Ready to Apply?

Apply Online Apply in Person

Steps to apply online:

Please read the NYC Parks instructions before you apply.

Steps to apply in person:

Call 311 and ask for a Tree Work Permit to obtain the application materials.

Mail or fax the permit application, along with all the required documents, to the appropriate Borough Forestry Office, the address of which is provided with the application materials.

Once the application has been received, a Parks & Recreation Forester will visit the site to determine if the proposed work is acceptable and to make adjustments if needed. The Forester will liaise directly with the applicant regarding the proposal.

If a Tree Work Permit is issued, it will be mailed or faxed to the applicant.

The permitted work must be completed within the time frame specified on the permit.

The applicant must notify the Borough Forestry Office at least 72 hours prior to the start of work.

Once the work is completed, the applicant must notify the Borough Forestry Office to set up a final inspection.

Once a final inspection has been requested, a Parks & Recreation Forester will visit the site to ensure that the work was completed in accordance with the Parks Department Standards. If all work is completed to Parks satisfaction, a final sign-off will be issued. If the work is not completed satisfactorily, the tree work will be subject to restitution and penalty at the direction of Parks & Recreation and at the expense of the property owner.