Tree work rules in New York

New York has no state tree care license, but Suffolk County licenses tree work under its home improvement law. That license expressly covers tree sprayers, pruners, stump removers and all other tree services on residential property.^1-2

New York law lets counties, cities, towns and villages regulate tree removal, including replacement planting, landscape plans and performance bonds. Bills to cap New York City's fees or add replanting rules weren't enacted.³

If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.

New York's High-Voltage Proximity Act keeps work 10 feet from lines over 600 volts, or farther where OSHA or the National Electrical Safety Code requires it. The line owner has to be notified at least 5 work days before the work.⁴

We don't have an official source on whether New York's one-call law covers stump work. Call 811 before a stump is ground or dug out, and the one-call center can say whether your job needs a locate.

Spraying or treating trees on property the applicator doesn't own or lease needs commercial applicator certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The category is 3A Ornamentals, Shade Trees and Turf.⁵