The Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) does not accept new tree planting requests.  

Parks manages the planting and care of all street trees on the public right-of-way and plants new street trees as part of a citywide initiative to green the sidewalks of New York City.   

Through the Neighborhood Tree Planting Program, NYC Parks foresters will be conducting tree removal, stump removal, and planting everywhere possible. They will also be closing all unplantable tree beds. 

You can learn more on the NYC Parks website. 

Learn more about street tree planting, including requirements for new buildings.

View a map of street tree planting locations.  

Tree Planting Locations  

Parks surveys entire blocks to identify every potential planting location that can accommodate the healthy growth of new trees.   

Neighborhoods rated highest on the Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI), measured by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, are prioritized.   

The previous existence of a street tree at a location does not guarantee that the site can be replanted.  In some cases, Parks cannot plant a tree at a site because of underground infrastructure or because it is too close to an intersection, streetlight, fire hydrant, building entrance, existing tree canopy, or overhead wires.   

Zoning Requirements  

City zoning laws require the preservation or planting of trees along the curb adjacent to new buildings and major building alterations citywide. 

The City provides tree guards for new street trees under very limited circumstances.

If you are a property owner and want a tree guard around a City tree, you can make a donation toward guard installation to the NYC Parks Tree Time, which is a fund managed by Parks. Tree Time works with qualified contractors who follow the city specifications and standards.  

You can make the tax-deductible donation by calling (718) 361-8101 or emailing TreeTime@parks.nyc.gov.

You can also apply for a Tree Work Permit and hire a private contractor to install a tree guard or construct a tree guard on your own which complies with Parks standards.  

Areas between the curb and a homeowner's property line belong to the City. New trees can be planted along these City streets.

You can make a complaint about the condition or location of a newly planted tree (planted less than a year ago), including damage to the area and debris left after planting. 

You can get a free tree to plant on your private property within the five boroughs from a Community Tree Giveaway.  

These trees must be planted in a yard. They cannot be planted in a container, on a rooftop, or along the street.  

The New York Restoration Project provides the trees for the giveaways. Local not-for-profit organizations and businesses host the giveaways and distribute between 100 to 300 trees to community members at these events. 

Learn more about tree giveaways and how to plant and care for a tree.