N.Y. ENV Law § 53-0101

§ 53-0101. Legislative purpose.\n There is a direct relationship between the planting of trees, shrubs\nand associated vegetation in sufficient number in populated areas and\nthe health, safety, and welfare of communities. Trees and such\nvegetation abate noise, provide welcome shade to people, preserve the\nbalance of oxygen in the air by removing carbon dioxide and fostering\nair quality, and add color and verdure to human construction. They also\nstabilize the soil and control water pollution by preventing soil\nerosion and flooding, yield advantageous microclimatic effects, and\nprovide a natural habitat for wildlife. The destructive and\nindiscriminate removal of trees and related vegetation causes increased\nmunicipal costs for proper drainage control, impairs the benefits of\noccupancy of existing residential properties and impairs the stability\nand value of both improved and unimproved real property in the area of\ndestruction, and adversely affects the health, safety, and general\nwelfare of the inhabitants of the state. In the interests of a greener\nand more livable state, it is determined by the legislature that an\naffirmative program to encourage the conservation and planting of trees,\nshrubs and other vegetation is necessary in the public interest in order\nthat coming generations will continue to enjoy and benefit by our care\nin a green New York.\n