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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Trees & Parks / PRK-TRE-001
Trees — Damaged Street Tree or Hanging Limb Hazard
Regulation
Trees & Parks · NYC Parks · 56 RCNY §1-04; NYC Admin Code §18-148
Trees — Damaged Street Tree or Hanging Limb Hazard is enforced by NYC Parks under 56 RCNY §1-04; NYC Admin Code §18-148. Severity default: High.
The regulation
Damaged street trees, hanging branches over sidewalks, and split trunks are NYC Parks Forestry priorities. Hanging limbs over pedestrian paths may receive emergency pruning.
What to photograph
- large broken branch hanging over sidewalk
- split tree trunk in tree pit with exposed fracture
- vehicle strike damage to street tree with leaning trunk
How to file a complaint
- Photograph tree damage or hanging limb with street sign for location.
- For emergencies (limb on wire, blocking road), call 311 immediately.
- File under Damaged Tree or Overgrown Tree/Branches.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC Parks.
Penalties & fines
Unauthorized tree damage carries fines up to $15,000 and possible criminal penalties.
What happens after you file
Parks Forestry inspects and schedules pruning or removal. Emergency hanging limbs may get same-day response.
This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.
FAQ
Can I file anonymously?
311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.