N.Y. Highway Law § 19: Planting trees and shrubs along state highways

§ 19. Planting trees and shrubs along state highways. The commissioner

of transportation, in his discretion, may plant rows or groups of

suitable trees along the bounds of existing state highways at such

places as he may determine and may also plant on the banks of such cuts

and fills as were made in constructing, reconstructing or improving such

highways such shrubs as are necessary and suitable to prevent or stay

erosion thereof. Upon the construction, reconstruction or improvement of

any state highway the commissioner of transportation shall plant along

such highways rows or groups of suitable trees, except where such

highways pass through wooded sections of country, and shall also plant

on the banks of such cuts and fills as are made in constructing,

reconstructing or improving such highways such shrubs as are necessary

and suitable to prevent or stay erosion thereof. The commissioner of

transportation may, with the consent of the owner of the abutting

premises, enter upon such premises to plant suitable trees or shrubs as

he may determine as desirable for reasons of safety and to maintain such

trees and shrubs for a period not to exceed two years. The commissioner

of transportation is not required to plant shrubs and trees under the

provisions of this section should such plantings already be in

existence, should the soil in any place be too stony for such planting

or should such planting imperil the safety of the public. The work may

be done by forces in the department or by contract let to the lowest

responsible bidder after due advertisement. Moneys appropriated for the

construction and maintenance of state highways shall be available for

any of the work authorized by this section.