Village of Tarrytown

Part I:  Background Information, Preparing to Apply for a Permit:

• There is no permit until the application is approved by the Village DPW. 
• No work may be performed before a tree permit is granted; exception: emergency tree work is allowed without permit: dangerous/dead tree, fallen tree, storm casualties, etc., however DPW should be informed in a timely manner by emailing wmcguire@tarrytownny.gov and calling 914-631-0356
• An approved Tree Permit is required for all work on trees, including removal of trees protected by the Village Code, or substantial pruning.
• Work must be carried out by a Green Contractor (definition below) registered with the Village DPW.
• To fill out the form correctly, please:
  • Answer all questions (NA if not applicable). 
  • Print or write CLEARLY.  The information is used. 
  • Indicate work proposed specifically and accurately, i.e., removal of damaged portions, root pruning, thinning, peek-a-boo pruning, new planting, removal of tree, other specified.
  • Give species name in English and Latin (if known), height of trees in feet, tree diameter (54” above ground, DBH - diameter at breast height) in inches.
  • Photographs can help explain an application, for instance for a dead tree, for a damaged limb, or to show proposed peek-a-boo pruning.
• DEFINITIONS
  • Topping:  inappropriate pruning technique to reduce tree size. Cutting back a tree to a predetermined crown limit.  No tree topping is permitted in Tarrytown.
  • Pruning:  removal of carefully selected, limited numbers of tree branches, chosen in order to improve structure, to clean, to reduce, to restore, to thin, or via peek-a-boos, to enhance views.  No more than 25% is removed.
  • Peek-a-boo pruning:  branches are thinned out enough that the trunk and main branches are visible through leaves; no more than 25% is removed.
  • Thinning:  the selective removal of trees, primarily undertaken to improve the growth rate or health of the remaining trees.
  • Diameter at breast height (DBH) – the diameter of a tree measured at 54 inches above the ground surface.
  • Green Contractor – landscape contractor who has agreed to value environmental and ecologic principles in their work.
• CARE OF TREES
  • No topping of trees is permitted in Tarrytown.  Topping kills; pruning can help.

• Do not build soil “volcanoes” at the base of trees.  This asphyxiates roots, forces tree to build new roots, and is harmful to the tree.  Leave the natural curve of the trunk visible.

• Do not put heavy weight over roots.  This damages roots, as the entire tree receives less nourishment.  The tree can die as a result.
• Water appropriately if necessary, especially for newly planted trees.
• Be not too neat!  Leave leaves and downed trees to nourish the soil, and as a food source and habitat for small mammals and birds.
• Think native!  Native trees provide uniquely effective food sources & habitat for insects, birds, butterflies, bees, mammals, amphibians.   These in turn pollinate, plant, nurture, contribute to food supply, and enhance the cycle of life.
• Dig Safe NY. Dig Safe NY (Call Before You Dig: Dig Safely New York at 811 or 1-800-962-7962; http://www.digsafelynewyork.com/) must be called prior to any excavation.

Part II: APPLICATION:

Section 1 - Applicant Information

Section 2 - Proposed Tree Work

Section 3 - Tree Involved**

The Village of Tarrytown is not liable for selection of the final destination of wood material. Please see NYS regulatory information at the following website: < http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/the-problem/state-state-information/new-york.html >

Section 4 - Tree Planting

Section 5 - Agreement