Section 53-0101. Legislative purpose

There  is  a direct relationship between the planting of trees, shrubs
  and associated vegetation in sufficient number in  populated  areas  and
  the   health,  safety,  and  welfare  of  communities.  Trees  and  such
  vegetation abate noise, provide welcome shade to  people,  preserve  the
  balance  of  oxygen  in the air by removing carbon dioxide and fostering
  air quality, and add color and verdure to human construction. They  also
  stabilize  the  soil  and  control  water  pollution  by preventing soil
  erosion and flooding,  yield  advantageous  microclimatic  effects,  and
  provide   a   natural   habitat   for   wildlife.  The  destructive  and
  indiscriminate removal of trees and related vegetation causes  increased
  municipal  costs  for  proper  drainage control, impairs the benefits of
  occupancy of existing residential properties and impairs  the  stability
  and  value  of both improved and unimproved real property in the area of
  destruction, and adversely  affects  the  health,  safety,  and  general
  welfare  of  the inhabitants of the state. In the interests of a greener
  and more livable state, it is determined  by  the  legislature  that  an
  affirmative program to encourage the conservation and planting of trees,
  shrubs and other vegetation is necessary in the public interest in order
  that  coming  generations will continue to enjoy and benefit by our care
  in a green New York.