Local service guide
Tree cutting in Yonkers, NY: Hiring and permits
Arrange tree cutting in Yonkers by confirming who controls the tree, then requesting a written assessment and work scope. The city requires written permission for covered work on trees in public highways or public places. For branches interfering with your electric service wire, coordinate with Con Edison before cutting. Compare bids that specify pruning or removal, access, hauling and stump treatment. [1] [2]
Confirm who can authorize the work
Start with the trunk location and property boundary. Yonkers gives the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation control over trees in public highways and public places. Ask the city to confirm the status of a frontage tree if you cannot establish whether it stands on your property. [1]
For covered public-tree work, applicants use forms supplied by the Commissioner. Applicants must identify the number and kind of trees and describe the kind and condition of nearby trees on adjoining property. The Commissioner refers applications to the Shade Tree Commission for approval or disapproval. Assign responsibility for applying before agreeing on a cutting date. [1]
The cited public-tree provision does not answer every approval question for a private-yard project. Describe your tree's location and proposed work to the city and ask whether other requirements apply. Request the contractor's plan for obtaining any required authorization. [1]
Choose an assessment, pruning or removal scope
Tell the contractor what you want to resolve: a damaged limb, branches over a walkway, clearance from the house or removal of a particular tree. If you want to retain the tree, ask the assessor to explain possible pruning options and the reasons for any removal recommendation.
Ask who will assess the tree and supervise the crew. Request proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage where applicable, and ask the insurer to confirm coverage for the proposed work. For an advertised arborist credential, request the credential name and verification details.
Identify the exact tree in the written scope. For pruning, describe the branches or clearance objective. For removal, specify the stump treatment and ask how the crew will protect fences, paving, garden beds and neighboring property. Ask the contractor to explain equipment access before you accept the bid.
Arrange utility coordination before cutting
Con Edison distinguishes its pole-to-pole distribution-line trimming from the owner's responsibility for private-property trimming, including along the service wire to a house. If limbs interfere with that service wire, notify Con Edison before work so its staff can detach the wire and confirm that the line is not energized. The utility asks contractors to submit a request through its contractor resources. [2]
Ask your contractor who will submit the request and confirm that the utility has completed the necessary preparation before cutting begins. Con Edison directs customers with cable or telephone wire concerns to the relevant service provider. Ask for help identifying wires rather than deciding how to work around them from their appearance. [2]
After storms, Con Edison's trained crews remove trees and limbs from overhead power lines but leave debris at the location. If the tree came from your property, you must arrange debris removal. Ask for a cleanup quote that identifies the wood to haul and the areas the crew will clear. [2]
Compare quotes for the same finished job
Give bidders the same photos and description, including the trunk location, access route, nearby structures, overhead wires and desired outcome. Request a site visit before accepting a final quote if the bidder cannot establish the working conditions from your information.
Ask each bidder to describe cutting, hauling, stump treatment and restoration as separate parts of the scope. State whether you want to keep logs or chips. For grinding, agree on the treatment area, removal of grinding material, backfilling and surface restoration. Put exclusions in writing beside the price.
Agree on equipment access and parking before the work date. Request a payment schedule and a process for approving changes to the scope. Ask who will handle damage complaints and how you will inspect the finished work with the crew.
Address public-route clearance and winter concerns
Yonkers requires owners or occupants to keep projecting branches from trees on adjacent property at least 15 feet above the roadbed and nine feet above sidewalk level. The Commissioner may allow qualifying newly planted trees to remain untrimmed. Give bidders any city notice and ask them to address the stated clearance in their scope. [1]
The National Weather Service recorded 19.0 inches of snowfall at LaGuardia in 2025, compared with a 1991–2020 annual normal of 29.8 inches. These station totals provide regional context, not measurements for your yard. If winter weather concerns you, ask an assessor to inspect the tree and discuss follow-up; annual snowfall alone cannot establish its condition. [3]
LaGuardia annual snowfall: 2025 and the climate normal
Local details that affect your job
Public-tree applications require city review
For covered work on a tree in a public highway or public place, obtain application forms from Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The Commissioner refers applications to the Shade Tree Commission. Contractors must follow the written permit's terms and work under city supervision. Assign responsibility for this step before scheduling the crew. [1]
A clearance notice needs a defined response
Yonkers specifies branch clearance of 15 feet above the roadbed and nine feet above sidewalk level for trees on adjacent property projecting over public routes. If an owner or occupant neglects or refuses to trim after written notification, the Commissioner must arrange trimming after one week from the notice date and collect the cost. Share the notice with bidders and ask them to address its requirements. [1]
Service-wire preparation comes before cutting
Con Edison assigns private-property service-wire trimming to the owner. It asks for advance notification so its staff can detach the electric service wire and confirm that the line is not energized. Have your contractor submit the request and coordinate the work date around utility preparation. [2]
Choose the next step before booking
| Situation | Next step | Scope to request |
|---|---|---|
| Tree in a public highway or place | Ask Parks, Recreation and Conservation about written permission | Work matching the permit |
| Private branches over a public road or sidewalk | Address the city's 15-foot road and nine-foot sidewalk clearance | Defined clearance pruning |
| Limbs interfering with the house service wire | Have the contractor coordinate with Con Edison before work | Utility preparation and cutting |
| Utility crews left debris from your tree | Arrange owner-responsible debris removal | Hauling and agreed cleanup |
| You want advice before deciding on removal | Request an assessment | Written recommendation and retention options |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph the tree, trunk location, access route and nearby wires from a safe position.
- Establish the property boundary and ask the city about public-tree status if uncertain.
- Give bidders the same desired outcome and any city notice.
- Request insurance confirmation and verification of advertised arborist credentials.
- Assign responsibility for required city authorization and utility coordination.
- Specify hauling, retained wood, stump treatment and restoration in writing.
- Agree on access, payment terms and approval of scope changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to prune a street tree?
Yonkers requires written permission for covered work on trees in public highways or public places, including pruning and trimming. Ask Parks, Recreation and Conservation to confirm the tree's status and application requirements before arranging the work. [1]
Will Con Edison trim branches beside the wire to my house?
Con Edison says owners are responsible for private-property trimming along the service wire. Notify the utility before work so its staff can detach the wire and confirm that the line is not energized. Ask your contractor to submit the request. [2]
Does utility storm clearance include hauling away my tree?
Con Edison says its crews leave debris after clearing trees or limbs from overhead power lines. If the tree came from your property, you are responsible for debris removal. Request a separate hauling and cleanup scope. [2]
What should a removal quote say about the stump?
Ask the contractor to state whether they will leave the stump or perform an agreed treatment. Specify the treatment area, removal of resulting material, backfilling and surface restoration before accepting the price.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.