P A Forestry Application – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Under SECTION 1 - APPLICANT INFORMATION, enter Name, Tel. No., Fax, Company Name/Agency, Email(required), Mailing Address, City, State and Zip Code.

Enter the Tree Work Entity/Landscaper with Tel. No. and Fax, then the Tree Work Entity Address, City and Zip Code.

The tree work company must be included as tree work entity.

Under WORK LOCATION, enter Street Address, Cross Streets and BOROUGH.

Enter the DOB BIS Number (NB - ALT1 - ALT2 - N/A if not applicable) and the Project Name.

Under TYPE OF WORK PROPOSED: Please check appropriate box and be specific concerning scope of work and exact location, in DETAILS.

The boxes are Plan Review (complete Section 2), Remove Tree, Excavate, Prune, Transplant, Manage Pests, Install/Relocate Utilities, Remove Stump, Install/Amend Tree Guard, Install/Remove Decorations, Construction-Related Activities (grade changes, equipment storage, etc.), Plant on-site, Plant off-site, Expand Tree Bed, Install/Remove Paving and Other.

Each 'Type of Work Proposed' box is a different application type. By signing this application you only agree to the terms associated with the application type you are submitting.

Common mistake: This application is not a permit. No work may be performed before a Work Order and Permit are granted.

Enter # OF TREES IMPACTED, PREVIOUS APPLICATION NUMBER(S), Estimated Date for Start of Work and Estimated Duration of Work.

Under SECTION 2 - PLAN REVIEW DOCUMENTATION, enter the NUMBER OF TREES TO BE: Preserved, Proposed Removal(s), Planted On-site, New Planted Off-site and Relocated.

For interagency projects the tree work entity/landscaper must adhere to all conditions and rules in P-A supplemental information included with this document.

Sign on Applicant's Signature (Property owner of head of organization filling out this form) with the Date, and on Tree Work Entity's Signature* (Authorized Landscape Company doing tree work) with the Date.

"I hereby certify that I have read and understood the conditions and rules in the P-A Supplemental Information included with this application packet."

Planting permits requests must be received no later than May 1st for a spring planting or December 1st for a fall planting.

All individuals, neighborhood groups, businesses, and other entities desiring to plant a tree themselves in the right-of-way or in a park require a permit.

Do not apply for a planting permit until the building façade is substantially completed.

A NYC Parks forester will visit the site within 15-20 business days from the date that the application is received to determine if the proposed planting plan is acceptable.

Planting permits expire at conclusion of permitted season, and planting must be completed between March 1 and May 15 for spring plantings or between October 1st and December 15th for fall plantings.

Applicants for tree planting and transplant permits are responsible for the trees for a 2 year guarantee period if no tree work entity information is given.

Construction activities around and adjacent to existing trees require a permit from Parks. This includes activities such as excavation, grade changes, equipment / vehicle storage, and any other work performed within 50 feet of City trees.

If the work is proximate to the city tree then tree protection must be in effect.

A certified arborist protection plan must be submitted with this application.

No trees within the City's mapped right-of-way or in a park can be removed without the written permission of NYC Parks.

A driveway cut approved by the Department of Buildings (DOB) does not take the place of a permit to remove a tree or impact existing tree roots. ALL tree removals must be approved by NYC Parks.

Should you wish to have the tree pruned at your own expense by a licensed arborist, your request for a no-fee pruning permit will be considered. In this case, you may file a P-A Forestry Application.

Any tree guard installed or altered around a city tree must have a permit.

Ornamental tree guards permits will not be granted without submitting a proposed design.

Common mistake: If a Permit is granted, the original copy of the Tree Permit Work Order and Permit must be present at the worksite at all times. Photocopies or fax copies are not acceptable.

All plan review documentation should be emailed or sent to the appropriate borough forestry office. For tree guard permit applications, all required documents should be e-mailed to: Email: Central.Forestry@parks.nyc.gov For tree planting permit applications, all required documents should be e-mailed to: Email: Treeplanting.Permits@parks.nyc.gov Phone: (718) 760-6801 Please note the Olmsted Center is not a walk-in office.

NYC Parks does not assess any fees for processing this application, which is a permit to plant or perform work on or near any tree under NYC Parks jurisdiction, including plan review prior to construction.

Violations and misdemeanors are punishable by a fine not to exceed $15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year (checked November 11, 2026). The removal of a tree without permission is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by a fine and / or imprisonment for up to one year, in addition to civil damages.

A project does not require a permit where work is performed solely between two curb lines.