The Forestry Division at Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department oversees the management of 35,000 street trees and 10,000 parks trees scattered across 400 miles of road and 1,000 acres of parkland. Forestry staff inspect approximately 1,200 service requests annually. The crew manages approximately 40% requests with the remaining work performed by contractors.
Damaged and Fallen Trees
If you observe dead, broken, or downed trees or limbs in the right-of-way, call City Dispatch at 315-448-8360. National Grid should be contacted at 1-800-465-1212 for any downed trees found around and near power lines. NOTE: The City does not perform work on trees located on private property.
Inspection for Regular Service Requests: Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, or Stump Removal
Learn more and request an inspection for tree removal, tree trimming or stump removal at Request Tree Trimming or Removal – City of Syracuse
Tree Pruning
Tree pruning is the highest volume activity performed by the Forestry division. Trees are pruned for clearance above roads, sidewalks, and from structures like houses, street lights and cameras. Deciding which trees are pruned is determined by service requests and annual street tree re-inventories. The inventories will help us implement a new block prune program to be implemented from December to March of each year. Young trees (less than 8 inches in diameter at chest height) are pruned by a combination of contractors, workforce training programs and trained volunteers. Make a request at https://goto.syr.gov/cityline
Wood Debris Removal (Performed by Department of Public Works)
The City of Syracuse Department of Public Works will pick up yard waste & leaves once a month from April through October. Yard waste includes brush, small twigs, branches, limbs, and leaves. Please do not stack debris in front of trees as backhoes may damage them during pickup. Learn more here.
Street Tree Planting
Visit the Street Tree Planting page to learn more and request a street tree.
Working On or Near City Trees
Per City Ordinance, if you or your contractor are performing work on or near a street tree, you must first obtain a permit from the City of Syracuse. Call the Forestry Division to discuss scope of work and get permission at (315) 551-7645 or email ParksArborist@syr.gov. National Grid should be contacted at 1-800-465-1212 for any downed trees found around and near power lines.
Illegal Tree Work and Damage
Per City Ordinance, it is illegal to remove or damage a City-owned tree. If you see or know of someone cutting a tree in a public space, park, or along a street, report it by calling City Dispatch at 315-448-8360 or at https://goto.syr.gov/cityline
Sidewalk Repair
Visit our Sidewalk Repair page to find out more about the Trees & Sidewalks Program that repairs sidewalks damaged by the roots of City trees in certain cases.
Storm Response
During severe weather events, we may ask for your patience as we prioritize our work to secure the most hazardous conditions first. If you observe dead, broken, or downed trees or limbs in the right-of-way, call City Dispatch at 315-448-8360. National Grid should be contacted at 1-800-465-1212 for any downed trees found around and near power lines.