VILLAGE TREES

Tree Policy

At a Glance

  • Village maintains trees in the street ROW; owners maintain trees on private property.

  • Utility wires: use NYSEG at 1-800-572-1131 or the button below.

  • ROW or public-risk concerns: use the Tree Concern form (below).

  • The form is more likely to be responded to faster than voicemail

Overview

The Village trims or removes trees only where the Village is responsible—generally within the street right-of-way (ROW)—to keep streets safe and passable. Trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility. The Village does not work on private property except when a tree creates an imminent public-safety hazard.

Right-of-way (ROW) in plain English

There’s no universal “12 feet from centerline” rule. Most streets here are “streets by use,” so the public ROW is as wide as needed for public travel—the pavement plus the roadside features that keep the road safe (ditches, culverts, shoulders, sidewalks). Some streets have recorded deeds/easements that set exact boundaries; otherwise, limits are determined case-by-case during Village work.

Trees near wires (utility work)
 If a tree is touching or could touch overhead power/communication lines, request utility tree work through NYSEG.

Use the button above, or call NYSEG Electric emergencies: 1-800-572-1131.

When to use the Village form
 Use the Tree Concern form below (faster than voicemail) only if:

  • You believe the tree is in the Village street ROW, or

  • A private tree is creating a public-safety risk (e.g., falling/hanging limbs into the public way, imminent failure).

Do not use the form for trees near wires—use the NYSEG button/number above.