The Homeowner's Guide To Tree Maintenance In Nassau

Storms, salt air, and tight lot lines make trees in Nassau a real asset and a real responsibility. If you are planning to prune or remove a tree, you face a maze of town rules, utility coordination, and seasonal timing. The good news: with a simple plan, you can protect your property, stay compliant, and keep your curb appeal strong. This guide walks you through permits, pruning, pests, hiring pros, and a step‑by‑step checklist tailored to Nassau County. Let’s dive in.

Know who controls the tree

Trees in Nassau can involve more than just you. Street or right‑of‑way trees often fall under your town or village, and some private front‑yard trees are regulated by local codes. Utility lines add another layer, since your electric utility may have trimming rights.

If a tree sits in the curb strip or near the street, check whether it is within the town or village right‑of‑way before doing any work. For large or specimen trees on private property, expect permit rules to apply in many Nassau municipalities. When in doubt, call your local parks or highway department first.

Permits in Nassau towns and villages

Rules vary across Nassau. Here are the most common situations you will see.

Town of Oyster Bay

Many removals need a town permit, and the town can require replacement plantings. Fees are often calculated by trunk diameter and reviewed by an inspector. Review the town code and apply before you schedule work. Town of Oyster Bay tree code

Town of Hempstead

Permits are required for many curbside or tree‑lawn trees. The town code lists a noncommercial permit fee of $25 and often requires stump grinding and replanting. Confirm details with the town before removal. Town of Hempstead tree code

Town of North Hempstead

Front‑yard trees above certain trunk sizes and all right‑of‑way trees are regulated. The highway department can order removal of hazardous trees and may require replacements after permitted removals. Check with the town before you cut.

City of Glen Cove and villages

Glen Cove and many villages use tree commissions and have lower size thresholds or special “specimen” lists. Always check your village code if you live in an incorporated area. Glen Cove Tree Commission

Trees and power lines

If your tree work touches overhead wires, coordinate with the utility first. PSEG Long Island has legal authority to trim trees to maintain reliability and follows industry standards for clearance. They notify customers before major trimming and may enter private property to address hazards. Read how they manage clearances and call them before hiring a contractor. PSEG Long Island tree trimming

When and how to prune in Nassau

Timing matters. The best window for most structural pruning is late winter to early spring, before bud break. Prune spring‑flowering trees right after bloom, and reserve summer pruning for light corrections or urgent safety issues. Avoid major pruning in late fall.

Quality matters too. Ask your pro if they prune to ANSI A300 standards. That means no topping, no flush cuts, and not removing more than about one‑quarter of the live crown in a single year. ANSI pruning standards overview

For species‑specific care and planting guidance, check local resources and workshops. Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau resources

Pests to watch on Long Island

• Emerald ash borer targets ash trees and often requires preventive trunk injections to keep high‑value trees viable. Injections must be performed by a certified applicator.
• Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate oaks and other hardwoods. Most mature trees recover from a single event, but repeated defoliation weakens trees.
• Other invasive threats like hemlock woolly adelgid, southern pine beetle, and spotted lanternfly can change priorities quickly. If you suspect a regulated pest, contact the NYS DEC or Cornell Cooperative Extension for next steps.

Any commercial pesticide treatment must be done by a DEC‑certified applicator working for a registered business. Ask for certification numbers and a written plan before you approve chemical work. DEC pesticide certification

Hiring pros, licenses, and insurance

Tree work is high‑risk, so vet your contractor carefully.

• Verify a Nassau County Home Improvement Contractor license and complaint history before you sign. Nassau County licensing and checklist
• Ask for certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance and call the insurer to verify coverage.
• Request an ISA Certified Arborist on site and confirm they follow ANSI A300 pruning standards.
• If injections or sprays are proposed, ask for DEC certification numbers and a written treatment plan.
• Get at least three written estimates with clear scope, pricing, permit responsibilities, and start and finish dates.

Costs, stumps, and wood disposal

Removal costs vary by size, access, risk, and equipment. National estimates place a single‑tree removal in the several‑hundred to low‑thousand‑dollar range, with emergency work costing more. Crane time, stump grinding, and traffic control add to the total. Always ask for a line‑item breakdown. Tree removal cost overview

If your project produces logs or firewood, follow New York’s firewood rules. Untreated firewood cannot be moved more than 50 miles from its origin and must be heat‑treated to cross certain boundaries. These rules help prevent the spread of destructive pests. New York firewood movement rules

Town codes may require stump grinding to a certain depth and regulate debris removal in the right‑of‑way. Confirm these details when you apply for permits so your contractor can plan the work correctly.

A simple homeowner checklist

Use this quick list to plan safe, compliant tree work.

1. Confirm who controls the tree. Is it on your lot or in the right‑of‑way? If it is in the curb strip, expect town or village oversight.
2. Check permit rules. Large or specimen trees and any street trees may need approval. Oyster Bay, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Glen Cove, and many villages regulate removals.
3. Call the utility if wires are nearby. Coordinate with PSEG Long Island before scheduling work that might affect lines. PSEG tree trimming
4. Vet contractors. Verify a Nassau County license, insurance, and written estimates with clear scope and timing. County licensing checklist
5. Ask about standards. Require ANSI A300 pruning methods and, if treatments are proposed, DEC‑certified applicators with a written plan. DEC pesticide certification
6. Plan disposal. Decide on chipping, stump grinding, and wood removal, and follow New York’s firewood movement rules. Firewood rules
7. Keep records. Save permits, contracts, invoices, and any treatment logs for future insurance or sale disclosures.

Keep your curb appeal market‑ready

Healthy, well‑placed trees boost shade, privacy, and property value in Nassau. With the right permits, timing, and qualified help, you can protect your home and your neighborhood canopy. If you are prepping to sell or planning improvements that support your long‑term value, let’s talk about the smartest moves for your block. Connect with Nick and Natalie for local guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Nassau County?

• Many towns and villages require permits for large or street‑right‑of‑way trees, including Oyster Bay and Hempstead, so always check your local code before scheduling removal.

Who handles trees near power lines in Nassau?

• PSEG Long Island has trimming authority for reliability and should be contacted before any work that could affect overhead lines on or near your property.

When is the best time to prune trees on Long Island?

• Late winter to early spring is ideal for most structural pruning, while spring‑flowering trees should be pruned right after bloom.

What standards should my tree service follow?

• Ask for ANSI A300 pruning methods, avoid topping and flush cuts, and make sure the company carries proper insurance and follows written safety practices.

How much does tree removal cost in Nassau?

• Costs range from several hundred to low thousands for a typical removal, with added charges for cranes, stump grinding, or emergency work.

Can I keep or move firewood from a removed tree?

• You can keep it on site, but untreated firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles from where it originated under New York rules.