In a significant move toward environmental transparency, the New York City Council has approved legislation aimed at improving tree care services, led by Southeast Queens Council Member Nantasha Williams. The bills, Intro. 800 and Intro. 978, were passed on Thursday, April 10, and are designed to enhance public access to information on how the city maintains its street trees and responds to hazardous conditions.
Representing neighborhoods such as Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Jamaica, Williams sponsored the legislation to address ongoing frustrations among residents regarding the lack of clarity in tree maintenance. Intro. 800 mandates the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) to develop and publish criteria for prioritizing tree maintenance, taking into account several factors including the potential risk to nearby buildings, whether fallen trees or branches still pose a danger, and proximity to structures. The standards established by NYC Parks must be made available on their website for public access.
Additionally, Intro. 978 requires the city’s 311 Customer Service Center to collaborate with NYC Parks to provide online resources for residents seeking tree pruning services. These resources will include a tree inspection map, a tree pruning schedule, and links to relevant NYC Parks pages. Furthermore, the bill obligates 311 to share information about volunteer opportunities for residents interested in becoming certified to prune street trees.
Trees play a critical role in urban environments, offering shade, managing stormwater, improving air quality, and beautifying streetscapes. However, inadequate tree maintenance can lead to safety hazards, property damage, and confusion regarding responsibility for upkeep. Council Member Williams has highlighted that the legislation aims to foster transparency by providing residents with clear guidance on city-managed tree care.
“As New Yorkers, we love our trees, but we also know how frustrating it can be to get clear information about when and how they’re being cared for,” said Williams. “These bills are about transparency and accountability, giving New Yorkers clear standards, clear timelines, and clear communication. Whether it’s a hanging limb after a storm, roots damaging a sidewalk, or just understanding when the trees on your block will be pruned next, this legislation makes it easier to get answers and take action.”
In her comments regarding Intro. 978, Williams recognized the common frustrations experienced by New Yorkers when they fill out a 311 request for tree pruning or removals. “For many residents, the request almost always comes back as a ‘Category C’ and is essentially the bottom of the priority list—with no real timeline for when help is coming,” she explained.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan, representing Jackson Heights and Elmhurst in Queens and serving as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Parks and Recreation, expressed pride in partnering with Williams to clarify the tree servicing process. “New Yorkers deserve better answers when it comes to removing dead trees or pruning overgrown branches scraping their homes. Our neighbors shouldn’t be left wondering if that dead limb is going to crash down on them,” he stated.
Krishnan emphasized that citizens deserve clear information and realistic timelines from the Parks Department, reinforcing their commitment to enhance communication and processes regarding tree care.
Queens resident Yohannes Bulcha voiced his own frustrations regarding inadequate support for neighborhood maintenance efforts from NYC Parks and other city agencies. “I sincerely hope that the city and parks department… take concerns seriously and resolve these issues promptly. And I appreciate the City Council’s ongoing efforts to support our community,” he said.
image source from：https://qns.com/2025/04/council-tree-care-legislation-pruning-and-removal/
