Tree For All: New Regulations Aimed At Keeping Long Island Green

I’ve had to good fortune of doing some extensive traveling throughout my life and I’ve lived in several places from Brooklyn, to just over the Northern border. And, while it was certainly truer years ago than it is today the one thing that distinguishes Long Island is our scenery. From our beaches to the fading quaint appeal of our towns replete with acres of farmland and stretches of greenery and trees, it’s all characteristic of this “enviable environment”. In fact, it’s one of the first things my husband noticed and fell in love with when he moved here from an environment whose only ambiance was concrete and those “fashionable” twigs “masquerading” as trees.

And, now it seems that while many of our trees may be at risk for becoming a progressively and potentially endangered species, some are taking action.

Glen Cove officials have amended the city’s tree ordinance to substantially increase penalties for taking down trees without the proper permit.

And, this in response to a bolster in development that has left the local area with barren slopes and increased erosion.

While the previous law called for fines ranging from $350 to $10,000 the new meaure will increase these fees significantly. In fact, removing one tree without the proper permit will carry a fine of $2,000; removal of two trees, a fine of $4,500 and so on, up to a maximum of $50,000 for a single offense.

The cost of the permit is $10 and upon applying for it, inspectors are sent out to evaluate the area and the tree(s). If the tree is dead, it becomes a non issue. However, if it’s still alive and thriving officials will then deliberate on a decision. And, should they decide to allow builders to take it down, will hold them to donating $125 per tree to be allocated into the new Tree Restoration Fund.

Furthermore, any tree larger than 30 inches, will mandate serious consideration. If it’s not diseased, officials will get involved in the process of how it should be taken down as well as deciding on an appropriate amount to donate to the Tree Restoration Fund.

And, officials hope that the permit requirement along with the increased fees will deter builders from chopping down trees, but instead finding creative ways to build around them.