Street trees provide significant benefits and should be planted wherever possible: W 95th Street, Manhattan (Credit: Parks)
Guidance Sources
More comprehensive guidance on the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of plantings within New York City is contained in sources such as High Performance Landscape Guidelines: 21st Century Parks for NYC (Design Trust for Public Space and NYC Parks, 2010), High Performance Infrastructure Guidelines (Design Trust for Public Space and DDC, 2005), Tree Planting Standards (NYC Parks, 2016), Native Species Planting Guide for New York City (NYC Parks, 2019), Standards for Green Infrastructure (DEP, 2022), the Sustainable Urban Site Design Manual (DDC Office of Sustainable Design, 2008), Design and Construction Excellence 2.0 Guiding Principles (DDC, 2016), and Climate Resilience Guidelines (MOCEJ, 2022).
Applicability and Exceptions
All new projects that significantly impact public and private streets should follow these guidelines. DOT approval will be based on site-specific conditions, engineering standards and judgment, with the safety of all street users being of paramount importance.
Usage Categories
This chapter does not apply usage categories to landscape treatments. Plantings are encouraged wherever site conditions allow and appropriate maintenance can be provided. Plants must always be chosen based on site specific conditions.
There are certain treatments, noted throughout the chapter, that are considered standard. These treatments will be installed and maintained by the City. Other entities may also pursue these treatments and they will generally require less intensive review. Non-standard treatments may also be pursued, but may require more extensive review depending on the complexity and scope of the project.