N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 10-148: § 10-148 Fines for unlawful cutting of trees on city property other than trees under the jurisdiction of the department of parks and recreation.

It shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, corporation, agent, employee or person under the control of such individual, firm or corporation to cut, remove or in any way destroy or cause to be destroyed, any tree or other form of vegetation on any public property, without acquiring written consent from the agency having jurisdiction or control of such property. The foregoing provision shall not apply to employees of any agency who are engaged in the proper and authorized performance of their assigned duties.