Planting strip The landscaped buffer between the curb and the sidewalk (or between a ribbon sidewalk and the roadway), typically holding grass, groundcover, or a street tree.
Maintenance of this strip is generally split between the property owner and NYC Parks, with Parks specifically responsible for the city-owned trees planted within it — which is also why root damage originating here often falls under the Tree Root Exception rather than standard § 19-152 liability for owners of qualifying small homes. Because the strip typically sits between the sidewalk and the street, repair work touching it may also require a Tree Work Permit if a city tree's root zone is nearby. Owners shouldn't assume a planting strip is entirely their own responsibility without checking who planted or owns the vegetation in it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting strip
What is a planting strip?
The landscaped buffer between the curb and the sidewalk, or between a ribbon sidewalk and the roadway, typically holding grass, groundcover or a street tree.
Who maintains the planting strip?
Responsibility is generally split. The property owner handles routine upkeep of the area, while NYC Parks is responsible for City-owned trees planted in it.
Does root damage from the strip fall on the owner?
Not always. Damage caused solely by a City tree can fall under the tree root exception for qualifying owner-occupied one- to three-family homes.
Does work in the strip need a permit?
It may require a Tree Work Permit from Parks if a City tree's root zone is nearby, in addition to DOT permitting.