US-New York

Tree Removal on Property Line in NY

$10,000
Maximum civil penalty for malicious tree destruction under NY RPAPL § 861
3 years
Statute of limitations for trespass or timber conversion claims in NY (CPLR § 214-a)
100%
Ownership interest each neighbor holds in a boundary tree under common law and NY case precedent
30 days
Typical municipal notice period required before removing protected trees in NYC (NYC Admin Code § 18-129)
The Short Answer

You generally cannot remove a boundary tree without your neighbor’s consent in New York, as it is co-owned; unauthorized removal may trigger liability for treble damages under NY Real Property Law § 861.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteNY Real Property Law § 861statuteNY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law § 861statuteNY CPLR § 214-a (Limitations of Action for Injury to Property)governmentNYC Parks Tree Protection Guidelines

Related Questions

Can my neighbor cut overhanging branches in NY?Who owns a tree with trunk on both properties in NY?What is treble damages for tree removal in NY?Do I need a permit to remove a tree in NYC?How to resolve neighbor tree disputes in New York?

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-18.