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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Trees & Parks / PRK-TRE-005
Trees — Illegal Tree Damage or Unauthorized Pruning
Regulation
Trees & Parks · NYC Parks / NYPD · NYC Admin Code §18-129
Trees — Illegal Tree Damage or Unauthorized Pruning is enforced by NYC Parks / NYPD under NYC Admin Code §18-129. Severity default: High.
The regulation
Unauthorized cutting, topping, or poisoning of street trees is a criminal and civil violation. Fresh cuts, stripped bark, or drill holes in street trees should be reported immediately.
What to photograph
- fresh saw cuts on street tree trunk
- bark stripped around entire tree circumference
- drill holes or nails driven into street tree
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 / NYPD.
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.