Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Greenburgh Insider: Town of Greenburgh: Video/narrative: Greenburgh tree law explained by Aaron Schmidt -Deputy Commissioner of Planning.


If you want to learn more about the Greenburgh tree law/bamboo legislation listen to the Interview with Aaron Schmidt- link below.

WATCH VIDEO WITH AARON SCHMIDT, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PLANNING

DISCUSSION: What residents should know about the  Greenburgh tree law, bamboo legislation and more!


https://youtu.be/JqaBxXwfxxU


•            If you are concerned with a tree or trees on a neighboring property, 


(1)          Discuss your concerns directly with your neighbor. If you have already done so, and no action has been taken, we typically recommend that you send a certified return receipt letter to the property owner, outlining the location, size, and hazardous condition of the tree(s). Include your concerns and photographs if possible, and an arborist report if one is available. Indicate you are requesting that immediate action be taken to have the tree(s) removed. Should no action be taken, any damage to persons or property resulting from the tree(s) may subject them to liability since they had been put on notice of the dangerous condition, and failed to take action. Send a copy to your insurance company.


(2)          Additionally, you may want to consider offering to help pay for the work to be done. If it’s a monetary issue, this may help.


(3)          Finally, you may want to consider contacting a land use attorney. Other residents have done this in the past when they were concerned with neighbors’ trees. The Attorney sends a strong letter and at times this has prompted the owner of the tree(s) to take action.

 

•            Steps to take to remove a tree from private property:


(1)          Refer to the following Town webpage link for step-by-step instructions - https://www.greenburghny.com/626/Town-Tree-Ordinance

 

•            Completely dead trees, and hazardous trees confirmed as such by a certified arborist, may be removed immediately in order to eliminate a hazardous condition. Most local tree service companies are aware of this. There is a requirement that a Hazard Tree Removal Permit Application be filed with the Town Forestry Officer, within five (5) days of the removal of the tree(s).

 

•            Invasive and diseased or infected/infested trees which have the capability of spreading to other, healthy trees, shall be removed and disposed of properly, and do not require any new trees to be planted as replacements.

 

•            Where the Code requires new trees to be planted on a property where trees are approved for removal, the new trees shall be a minimum 1.5-inch stem size for leaf-bearing trees, and at least 5-feet in height for needle-bearing (evergreen) trees. These sizes are readily available at local nurseries and other plant sales stores.

 

•            Why use an arborist over a landscaper? Healthy trees serve many purposes in our local community. A way for homeowners to ensure their trees stay healthy is by hiring a certified arborist. Professional, trained arborists know how to properly maintain trees for the safety of the public and the health of the tree. Trees are an investment that require proper tree care; however, pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

 

•            Additional information concerning trees and tree care, including how to look up a local certified arborist, may be found at: https://www.treesaregood.org/


Aaron J. Schmidt Deputy Commissioner, CD&C Town of Greenburgh 914.989.1530


PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

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