Will New York Force Homeowners To Plant A Tree?

"Developers, homeowners who put additions on their houses, and owners of buildings being converted for new uses may be forced to buy and plant trees along the street to aid in the effort to meet Mayor Bloomberg's goal of planting 1 million new trees by 2030.

Under a new proposal put forth by the Department of City Planning, these property owners and developers of new properties would have to purchase and plant at least one tree for every 25 feet of their property that runs alongside a street. Once planted, the trees would be maintained by the city. An organization that promotes the planting and preservation of trees in the city, Trees New York, estimates that it costs between $500 and $800 to purchase and plant a tree in the city. The city's Department of Parks and Recreation plants trees for free upon request, but Trees New York states on its Web site that high demand means there can be a two-year wait."