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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Trees & Parks / PRK-TRE-002

Trees — Dead Street Tree Requiring Removal

Guidance

Trees & Parks · NYC Parks · NYC Parks Forestry Standards

Trees — Dead Street Tree Requiring Removal is enforced by NYC Parks under NYC Parks Forestry Standards. Severity default: Medium.

The regulation

Dead or dying street trees with no foliage during growing season, bark falling off, or fungus growth may be scheduled for removal and replacement by Parks Forestry.

What to photograph

  • street tree with no leaves in summer and peeling bark
  • fungal growth at base of tree in pit
  • dead tree with cracked trunk in sidewalk tree bed

How to file a complaint

  1. Photograph tree damage or hanging limb with street sign for location.
  2. For emergencies (limb on wire, blocking road), call 311 immediately.
  3. 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.

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