Community watchdog: Tree removal delayed

I've been trying for months to get the Town of Babylon to cut down a dead tree in front of my house. The town sent somebody to my house who said the tree is perfectly healthy, even though nothing has been growing on it for years, except on one branch. LIPA came and cut the branches by the wires. Whenever we have a windy day, there are always big limbs that fall onto the street. It's a hazard and somebody is going to get hurt.

-- Harry Foster, West Babylon

A TOWN CREW got the job done after we called. Town spokesman Tim Ruggeri said removal was delayed because utility wires were too near the branches. "It was on the town's list of trees to be removed," he said. "To ensure the safety of the tree crew, we have to wait for LIPA to cut around the wires and for Verizon to remove its lines." In a couple of visits, the tree was taken down, the stump was ground, the hole was filled and the area was seeded.

Check the list below for more information about tree removal in your town. Before taking down any trees, call your town for specifics and to confirm that the rules apply in your particular case.

THE RULES

Removing dead trees is one of the most common problems we're asked to resolve. With the Atlantic hurricane season about to start June 1, here is town-by-town information about tree removal. No trees on the municipality's right of way can be removed without notifying the town. The depth of the right of way can vary from community to community. Check with your town to determine who is responsible for the tree that needs to be removed. Below are numbers to call if you need help with a tree on the right of way, and information about whether permits are needed to take down trees on the private property around your home.

NASSAU COUNTY

HEMPSTEAD TOWN:

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Call the Highway Department, 516-489-5000

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? About 90 days, unless the tree is deemed to be at risk of falling. At-risk trees are removed quickly.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? No permit is required on private property.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? The town has no jurisdiction. This is a private matter.

NORTH HEMPSTEAD TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Contact the town's Call Center at 311. From outside the town, 516-869-6311.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? As quickly as possible if the tree threatens safety, or if the roots compromise a sewer line. Otherwise, it could be months, depending on the workload of town crews.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? If the tree is in the front or side yard of the homeowner's residence, a permit is needed to remove it. Permits are $25. A requirement: Homeowners must replant a tree similar to the one removed.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? A call to 311 will trigger a town investigation to determine if the tree is indeed problematic for the neighbor, such as blocking sunlight or shedding onto the neighboring property, or if it is diseased and needs to be removed.

OYSTER BAY TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department at 516-677-5757. After hours, call Public Safety at 516-677-5350.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? 30-90 days

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? Yes, a permit is needed. And if you are not replanting and a tree is not diseased, dead, structurally unsafe or causing property damage, there can be a small fee. Fees are waived if the homeowner replants. Go to oysterbaytown.com for details, or call 516-797-7956 for a brochure.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? If a neighbor's branches are encroaching onto the homeowner's property, the branches can be trimmed back on their portion of the property. If a homeowner wants a neighbor's tree removed, it is a civil matter; the town would not be involved. For a potentially dangerous situation, the homeowner should call the Department of Planning & Development, Code Compliance Division, 516-624-6250.

SUFFOLK COUNTY 

BABYLON TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Office of Performance Management, 631-957-TOWN (8696)

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? In an emergency, the Office of Performance Management, 631-957-TOWN, will contact the Highway Department. Call 911 if medical attention is needed.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? No.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? The town does not advise homeowners on private matters.

BROOKHAVEN TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call 631-451-TOWN (8696)

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Up to 2 years, depending on tree's condition

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? A permit may be needed in some cases. Residents should call 631-451-TOWN for guidance to the right department.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? No.

EAST HAMPTON TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department, 631-324-0925. If a tree is blocking the road, call town police at 631-537-7575.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? This is called the highway right of way. If the tree is leaning over the road, it takes priority. If utility wires are involved, LIPA must be called. It depends on various conditions.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? No permit is needed, but clearcutting is prohibited, and there are "overclearing" regulations.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? The town doesn't get involved in civil matters.

HUNTINGTON TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department, 631-351-3072. The 24-hour security number, 631-351-3234, can also be called.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Depends on seriousness of situation, Highway Department's workload and availability of town's arborist to check condition of tree.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? Yes, a permit is needed from the Department of Planning, 631-351-3196, or online at town.huntington.ny.us The cost is $25 for every five trees but shall not exceed $500 for any single-family residential property.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? The town has limited codes to address trees causing a problem for a neighbor, but civil action against the neighbor is always possible. If the tree is a serious hazard, the town code enforcement department may be able to take action.

ISLIP TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call DPW Highway, 631-224-5610, or Public Safety, 631-224-5306

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Less than 45 days on average. Depends on whether an emergency situation exists. If tree is near utility lines, utility companies must be called to assist.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? Yes, a permit is required from the Planning Department. It's required to clear any area over 200 square feet, or for trees 10 inches or more in diameter. The cost is $275. Get permit online at townofislip-ny.gov. In the search box, type "land clearing" and to bring up the permit application for Land Grading/Clearing.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? The town will occasionally respond to a call from a homeowner who requests the town's assistance if there is an issue that concerns public safety, but the town does not get involved in private homeowner disputes.

RIVERHEAD TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department, 631-727-5670 between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. After hours, contact the Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Time unspecified. Requests are put on a waiting list.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? Generally, no, but check with the Building Department in new subdivisions.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? Contact code enforcement.

SHELTER ISLAND TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department, 631-749-1090

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Depends on a tree's condition. Evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? No.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? No.

SMITHTOWN TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Department of Environment & Waterway, 631-360-7514. In emergency: Highway Department (day) at 631-360-7500 or Public Safety (night) at 631-360-7553.

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? 5-6 weeks

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? No.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? It's a civil matter.

SOUTHAMPTON TOWN: 

For tree removal questions in the town, call the Highway Department at 631-728-3600. 

SOUTHOLD TOWN:

If the town agrees a tree on the town's right of way should be removed, how long will the homeowner have to wait? Call Highway Department, 631-765-3140. In emergency: Police Department (24-hour service), 631-765-2600

Who should the homeowner call if there is a dead tree on the town's right of way or in an emergency? Immediately, if a Tree Committee inspector agrees that the tree poses a danger. If the tree is dying but not a hazard, a sign will be posted stating it will be removed within 10 days. Dead trees are removed within 30 days.

Is a permit needed to remove trees on a homeowner's private property? If yes, how much are the permits and are there requirements attached? Yes, in certain cases, such as waterfront property, buffer zones, etc.

If homeowners have a problem with a neighbor's tree, does the town have a recommendation to resolve the issue? This is a civil matter. Try to work it out with your neighbor, the town says.