City Tree Frequently Asked Questions

Trees owned by the City may not be trimmed by anyone other than City staff unless a permit is obtained first.  To obtain a permit to have your City tree trimmed by a qualified and insured arborist, contact the Parks Department Tree Maintenance Division at 315-738-0712. The City is not responsible for maintaining trees located on private property.  Trees located on private property whose branches interfere with electrical transmission lines or whose roots interfere with water metering devices may be altered by Niagara Mohawk Power Company or the Mohawk Valley Regional Water Board to remove that portion of the tree that is creating the obstacle.

My neighbor dug up his yard that killed a tree on my side of the property line. Am I entitled to compensation?
Yes.  Anyone who cuts down, removes, or otherwise causes damage to a tree without permission from its owner are responsible for the harm they inflict.

Is it okay to place ground cover, mulch or plants over tree roots?
Mulching or planting within the drip line of any shallow rooted tree should be done with care.  Suffocation may result if roots are unnaturally buried.  Mulching should be done lightly and kept from coming in contact with the bark.  Any ground cover planted around tree roots should be drought tolerant.  Trees growing within a lawn area will be forced to grow shallow roots because of the way they are watered.  The City's right-of-way area must be safe for pedestrians to cross over to the sidewalk.  Residents may plant within the City's right-of-way area, however, the plant material must allow for safe pedestrian access.  Ivy is not an acceptable planting material.

When is the best time of year to prune/trim my trees?
Pruning may be done any time of the year, but some times of year are better than others.  Deciduous trees that flower before the end of May should be pruned right after blooming.  Deciduous trees that flower after May should be pruned between January and March. Prune flowering Cherry trees in late summer, flowering Evergreens in May, and Conifers in autumn.  Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood as soon as it is discovered.

How do I get a new tree planted on my street?
The City plants new trees every year, replacing dead or diseased trees and planting new ones in areas that do not currently have trees as the budget allows.  To request a new tree planting, contact the Parks Department Tree Maintenance Division at 315-738-0172.

How do I care for the City trees along my property?
City staff waters newly planted trees for the first year of their life.  Afterwards, property owners are expected to water City trees.  In the summer months, a single 30-gallon watering per week is recommended to seep below the surface level to reach the deeper roots.  In the winter months, a single 15-gallon watering per week will be sufficient.   Exercise caution when using string trimmers near root and bark areas to avoid nicking them.  Repeated wounding of the bark and roots by string trimmers may severely damage the trees health. 

What trees are offered for replacement by the city?
Depending on whether or not there are overhead utility wires, residents requesting tree replacement can choose from the following species: