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Default rule and exceptions
NYC Parks has jurisdiction over and maintains all street trees in the public right-of-way, but the abutting property owner is generally responsible for sidewalk repairs, except owner-occupied 1-3 family homes (Tax Class 1), which qualify for the Trees & Sidewalks program that repairs tree-root heaving at no cost.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Repair sidewalks fronting the property, including tree-root damage, unless the home qualifies for the City's free repair program. |
| City | NYC Parks Forestry maintains all street trees in the public right-of-way and repairs tree-root sidewalk heaving at no cost for eligible owner-occupied 1-3 family homes. |
| Exceptions | Owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes (Tax Class 1) are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, which repairs sidewalks heaving due to tree-root conflicts at no cost. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 24, 2026.
The Department of Parks & Recreation has jurisdiction over all trees growing in the public right-of-way, including trees along streets, parkways, and in city parks. Within Parks, the Forestry Divisions are responsible for the maintenance of our nearly 600,000 street trees.
The property owner is responsible for any sidewalk repairs in front of the property. However, one-, two-, or three-family homes occupied by the homeowner (Tax Class 1) are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, where sidewalks that are heaving due to conflicts with tree roots are repaired.
City rules rest on state law. Read New York's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for street tree / parkway in New York City, NY?
Responsibility is shared. Repair sidewalks fronting the property, including tree-root damage, unless the home qualifies for the City's free repair program.
Are there exceptions in New York City, NY?
Owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes (Tax Class 1) are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, which repairs sidewalks heaving due to tree-root conflicts at no cost.
Is there any cost help for street tree / parkway in New York City, NY?
NYC Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program repairs sidewalks heaving due to tree-root conflicts at no cost for owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes (Tax Class 1).
What is this based on for New York City, NY?
This verdict is sourced to Frequently Asked Forestry Questions: NYC Parks and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Forestry Questions: NYC Parksofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Frequently Asked Forestry Questions: NYC Parks (same page, Sidewalks section)official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
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