All projects that incorporate plantings should include appropriate team members such as a landscape architect, consulting arborist (CA), horticulturist, and/or soil specialist. These team members should be involved at the onset of the design process. Appropriate consultation with city and state agencies having jurisdiction should also occur early in the project. Community members or organizations looking to green their streets may also benefit from consulting the above experts. There are also stewardship and volunteer opportunities in neighborhoods throughout the city – review Maintenance. For questions, please reach out to the appropriate DOT Borough Commissioners office or contact 311.
Installation of all plantings within the right-of-way must be reviewed and approved by DOT and the agency that will be maintaining the plants, if applicable. A tree work permit from Parks is required to install new trees and for any work being performed within 50 feet of existing trees. Proposed Stormwater Management Practices (also known as green infrastructure) within the right-of-way must be reviewed and approved by DEP, Parks, and DOT. New plantings may be subject to PDC or LPC review, particularly if they are part of a streetscape or open space project within their purview.
Designs for planted areas and green infrastructure within the right-of-way are still evolving and being tested. Because these treatments may ultimately be maintained by city agencies, the appropriate agencies must be consulted early in the design process so that all such treatments are technically viable and maintainable.