As the owner of a small landscaping business in upstate New York, I am often asked what my opinion is on the subject of New York State tree removal laws. What is the law concerning tree felling in New York? And can a person have a tree removed, and then have the tree planted in their yard in its place?
The answer to the question posed in both titles is "both". First of all, as a small business owner who has never been involved in tree felling, this may seem like a complicated or technical topic to you. But honestly, unless you've lived in upstate New York for a number of years, you really don't know much about the process, the laws, or the benefits/rewards involved with having your trees removed or planted in your yard. So I'm happy to provide you with a brief preview of what's involved when it comes to removing a tree, and what you need to do to properly do so.
When it comes to tree removal in New York, there are three basic categories of "tree removal" - commercial, private, and federal. Within each of those categories, there are a few variations depending on whether the property is on public or private property. If you're on private property, you'll have to get a permit from the local zoning board, and there are a few different rules that apply. Here's a quick preview of what you'll need to do when it comes to removing a tree on private property in New York:
You'll need to get a permit to remove a tree on private property in New York. To obtain this permit, you will need to submit a copy of your town's tree ordinance, along with a complete list of all required items that must be attached to the tree to allow for its transportation to the proper place. This list is typically available for download online, and includes all kinds of different information, including a list of the applicable fees, as well as the date that the permit will be processed. To make sure that everything goes according to the rules, it's important that you submit your permit with plenty of time ahead of time, so that you can arrange all the necessary things with the town.
Now that you know what you need to do if you plan on removing a tree on your own, it's time to take a look at what you need to know about the actual process itself. You can expect to go about this in two ways - the first way is to get your own do-it-yourself New York State Tree Removal Lawyer to come out and remove the tree for you (there is usually a charge for this service), or you can hire a contractor to do it for you. There are pros and cons to both options, and your best bet is to do some research on the internet ahead of time to make sure that you're making the right decision.
When you do have a professional tree removal firm come out and remove your tree, you will likely find that it's not nearly as difficult as it sounds. In fact, if you've been reading up on New York tree removal laws, you should find that it should only take about one hour to remove an entire tree from your yard. However, if you decide to take on the task yourself, there are a number of things that you should know in advance. For one thing, it might be better financially if you hired a tree removal firm instead, as they might be able to get the job done faster and for less money overall. Also, it's important to note that you will have to remain on site for at least one hour, and you shouldn't remove the stump until the company has finished.