Tree Service in Oneida, NY

Tree Service in Oneida involves more paperwork than many homeowners expect, because the city has a Municipal Tree Ordinance (Chapter 174 of the city code) and a Shade Tree Commission. Oneida sits about 22 miles west of Utica along Route 5, and we serve the whole city, from the older streets near downtown to rural roads near Bennetts Corners. Before we cut, we sort out whether the tree is yours, the city's, or right on the line.

Private trees versus public trees

The ordinance treats shade and ornamental trees growing on any street or public area as public trees. Removing a tree from the tree lawn requires a permit, and the code says trees may not be removed from public places unless they are a hazard to life or property or a public nuisance. Digging within 10 feet of a public tree or piling materials over its roots also needs a permit. The City Engineer enforces the chapter. If the tree between the sidewalk and the curb in front of your house is the problem, contact the city first; we can explain what we see and what the city may want to know.

The clearance rule homeowners are responsible for

Section 174-6 puts pruning of trees on property bordering streets on the owner or occupant. Branches must not block streetlights, sidewalks, signs or sight lines at intersections. The required clearances are:

• 10 feet over sidewalks
• 12 feet over streets
• 16 feet over truck thoroughfares

If an owner does not comply after a written order from the City Engineer, the city may do the pruning and assess the cost. A clearance prune is a routine job for us, and we can do it without topping or leaving stubs.

Oneida Creek and storm damage

Oneida Creek forms the city's northeastern border on its way to Oneida Lake. Its highest recorded flow, 11,400 cubic feet per second, came on June 28, 2013. High water softens soil and undercuts banks, and trees on saturated ground are more likely to tip in the next wind. The city also has a Flood Damage Prevention chapter (Chapter 64) in its code, so land clearing on a creekside lot should be checked against it first. After a storm, we can remove fallen or leaning trees and assess the ones still standing.

Services for Oneida properties

• Tree removal, including sectional removal in tight city yards
• Clearance pruning to meet the street and sidewalk rule
• Emergency storm service for downed trees and hanging limbs
• Stump grinding and cleanup
• Hazard assessments for leaning, cracked or ash trees
• Lot clearing on larger parcels on the edge of the city

Homes that have been here a while

About 61.9% of Oneida homes are owner-occupied, and 90.7% of residents lived in the same house a year earlier, according to Census estimates. Long-held homes tend to have long-established trees. Many were planted decades ago and are now taller than the house. Emerald ash borer, which DEC reports in every New York county except Hamilton and Lewis, adds another reason to look at older yard trees, since infested ash usually die within two to four years.

What happens to the brush

The city's Department of Public Works posts green waste information on the city website. For larger jobs we chip the brush and haul it away so you are not stuck waiting on a pickup date. Logs can be left cut to length if you want them.

Request a quote

Call (315) 743-5662 or send photos. We will meet you at the property, help confirm which trees are on your side of the line, and give you a written estimate.

Get a Free Estimate