YardCareDirectory

Pennsylvania Tree Removal Permit Requirements

LOCAL RULES VARY

No statewide permit requirement. Philadelphia has one of the most comprehensive urban tree programs on the East Coast. Pittsburgh and suburban municipalities have varying levels of regulation.

Issuing authority: City Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Parks & Rec, or local shade tree commission
Permit Fee
$50–$300 in regulated municipalities
Processing Time
10–21 business days
Protected Species
3
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in PA
Eastern Hemlock (state tree)White OakAmerican Beech
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Pennsylvania jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead and diseased trees
  • +Imminent hazard with documentation
  • +Trees under 4 inches DBH

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Philadelphia maintains a Notable Tree list. Many suburban townships have shade tree commissions.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Philadelphia fines for street tree damage start at $500. Municipal shade tree commission penalties vary by township.

Rules by City in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

All street trees are city property. Private trees over 6 inches DBH require permits in many districts.

Fee: $60–$250Philadelphia Forestry Division responds to unpermitted removal aggressively.
Pittsburgh

Street trees are city property. Private trees in regulated zones require permits.

Fee: $50 per treePittsburgh's tree canopy program targets 40% coverage.
Radnor Township (suburban)

Shade Tree Commission requires permits for trees over 6 inches DBH. Replacement required.

Fee: $75 application feeMany Main Line townships have similar regulations.
Tips for Pennsylvania Homeowners
  1. Pennsylvania's Main Line suburbs (Radnor, Lower Merion, Haverford) have some of the strictest private property tree regulations in the state.
  2. Philadelphia's Forestry Division actively monitors aerial imagery for canopy loss.
  3. Hemlock woolly adelgid management may allow expedited removal of infested hemlocks.
Find tree services in Pennsylvania that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Pennsylvania