In the setting of streets, parkways, and expressways, the placement of trees and other plants has a direct bearing on safety and the cost of maintenance. Plants, excluding tree canopies, in the public ROW should not infringe upon the roadway or sidewalk beyond the planting bed. Ultimately, all plantings must follow MUTCD, AASHTO, NYSDOT, DEP, DCP, Parks, and DOT design standards and guidelines. (Review Landscape Clearance Diagram.)
Careful consideration must be given to above- and belowground constraints; utilities, vaults, and other obstructions may limit the ability to plant. In particular, avoid planting trees directly over DEP water and sewer mains and near steam lines.
Trees and other plantings must not block sight lines at intersections for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. At all intersections, trees and any plants that may impact sight lines must be placed no closer than 35 feet from the curb of the intersecting street and in a manner that does not block the signal or stop sign. Trees on medians must be set back 35 feet from the curb at the end of the median.
DOT, Parks, and DEP may approve exceptions to their respective requirements on a case-by-case basis and reserve the right to require stricter clearances if needed.