Tree Removal Permits - Philadelphia Urban Forestry

Land Use and Zoning Pennsylvania 4 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania property owners and contractors must follow urban forestry rules when seeking removal of street or significant trees on private property. This guide explains who enforces tree removals, the permit request process, inspection and complaint paths, typical enforcement outcomes, and the action steps to apply, appeal, or report unsafe trees in Philadelphia.

What this permit covers

Permits apply to removal of public street trees and some regulated private trees depending on size and location. The city’s Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division administers street-tree programs and evaluates removals; private-property removals may still require review when trees affect public rights-of-way or protected species Philadelphia Parks & Recreation - Urban Forestry[1].

When you need a permit

  • When removing or requesting removal of a street tree in the public right-of-way.
  • When local regulations list private trees as regulated (check the city code or Urban Forestry rules for thresholds).
  • If removal is connected to construction, demolition, or significant site work.
Always check the Urban Forestry guidance before hiring a contractor.

How to request a tree removal

Start by submitting a service request or permit application through the city’s tree request page or by calling 311 for evaluation. The Urban Forestry team schedules inspection and determines if removal, trimming, or mitigation is appropriate Report a street tree or request removal[3].

Applications & Forms

  • The city uses an online service request form for street-tree removals; submit via the city webpage or 311 as the initial application.
  • Alternative submission: call 311 and request an Urban Forestry inspection.
  • Fees: fee schedules for permits are not specified on the cited Urban Forestry pages.
If you own the lot, document property lines and provide photos with your request.

Inspection, decision, and conditions

After a request, an Urban Forestry inspector will evaluate health, species, site conditions, and public-safety impacts. The inspector issues a decision: approve removal, require mitigation (replacement planting), or deny the request. Conditions often include replacement tree planting on site or payment into a tree fund when planting is not possible Urban Forestry information[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry for street trees and by relevant city code enforcement when private removals affect public interest. The city may require restoration, replacement planting, or monetary remedies when removals occur without required permit or in violation of permit conditions.

  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited Urban Forestry or code overview pages.
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: restoration orders, replacement planting, stop-work orders, and referral to municipal court or code enforcement may be used.
  • Enforcer: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Urban Forestry division administers and enforces tree-related rules; complaints and inspections begin via the Urban Forestry pages or 311 Urban Forestry[1].
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact the Urban Forestry office or consult the city code for formal appeal procedures Philadelphia Code Online[2].
Removing a protected or public tree without authorization can trigger restoration and enforcement actions.

Common violations

  • Removing a street tree without submitting a service request or permit.
  • Removing trees required by a development permit without city authorization.
  • Failing to comply with replacement or mitigation conditions ordered by Urban Forestry.

Action steps

  • Document: photograph the tree, note location and property lines.
  • Request inspection: submit via the online street-tree request page or call 311.
  • Wait for inspection: follow any conditions or mitigation required by the inspector.
  • If cited: pay fines or follow restoration orders; consult the Urban Forestry contact for appeals.
Always obtain written approval before removing any tree that may be public or protected.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
It depends on the tree size, species, and whether removal affects a public right-of-way; submit a request and Urban Forestry will advise.
How do I request removal of a street tree?
Use the city’s online street-tree request form or call 311 to schedule an Urban Forestry inspection.[3]
What penalties apply for illegal tree removal?
Possible penalties include restoration orders, replacement planting, and monetary remedies; exact fines and escalation details are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Photograph the tree and confirm property boundaries.
  2. Submit a street-tree removal request online or call 311 to register the issue.
  3. Schedule and permit: wait for Urban Forestry inspection and any permit determination.
  4. If approved, hire a licensed contractor and follow permit conditions and safety requirements.
  5. Complete required mitigation: plant replacements or satisfy conditions ordered by Urban Forestry.
  6. If you disagree with a decision, contact Urban Forestry to ask about review or consult the Philadelphia Code for formal appeal paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Urban Forestry or call 311 before removing any tree in Philadelphia.
  • Inspections determine approval, mitigation, or denial; unauthorized removal risks enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Philadelphia Parks & Recreation - Urban Forestry
  2. [2] Philadelphia Code Online - Code Library
  3. [3] Report a street tree or request removal - City of Philadelphia

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