Philadelphia Street Tree Rules for Property Owners

Land Use and Zoning Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, property owners who plan to plant, prune, or remove street trees must follow city rules and coordinate with municipal departments. This guide explains responsibilities, common standards for planting next to sidewalks and curbs, how enforcement works, and the application paths the city provides. It summarizes actions owners should take before work begins, basic maintenance obligations, and where to file requests or complaints with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the city 311 system.

Who is responsible and basic rules

Street trees in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb are subject to municipal oversight. Property owners should review the city guidance before planting and must not disturb existing public trees without city approval. City departments publish species lists, planting distances, and approved tree pits; always consult the city page before purchasing or planting a street tree.

Always check the city guidance before planting in the public right-of-way.

Planting standards and maintenance

When planting a tree adjacent to the public sidewalk, follow spacing, root-barrier, and soil-volume recommendations published by the city. Avoid planting under overhead utilities and maintain clear sightlines for sidewalks and driveways. Routine pruning to prevent hazards and removal of dead limbs is typically expected of adjacent property owners.

  • Planting distances and spacing standards should follow city specifications.
  • Use approved species lists and root-zone construction methods where required.
  • Document planting location, species, and post-planting maintenance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by city departments responsible for public trees and right-of-way safety; penalties, fines, and remedial orders depend on the specific ordinance or administrative rule. Specific fine amounts and escalation procedures are not specified on the cited city pages referenced below[1][2]. Non-monetary sanctions can include orders to replace or remediate damaged trees, stop-work orders, and referral to courts for continued violations.

If you damage or remove a public tree without approval, act quickly to contact the city to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes an online request process for street trees and guidance through Parks & Recreation; specific permit forms, filing fees, and submission workflows are provided on city pages. Fees for planting or replacement are not specified on the cited pages[1][2]. If a formal permit is required for a particular project, the Parks & Recreation page and the city request form explain how to apply and where to submit documents.

  • Submit planting requests or permit documents via the city Parks & Recreation online portal or 311 as directed.
  • Check the city page for any listed fees; when not listed, the page states fees are not specified.
  • Use official 311 channels for urgent enforcement complaints or questions.

Common violations

  • Removing or severely pruning a public-tree without city approval.
  • Planting prohibited species or placing trees too close to utilities or sidewalks.
  • Failing to maintain or remove hazardous limbs after notice from the city.
Common violations often begin with construction damage or unapproved removals.

FAQ

Who is responsible for street-tree maintenance?
Property owners are generally responsible for routine care of street trees adjacent to their property; the city provides planting and request guidance on official pages.
Do I need approval to plant in the public right-of-way?
Planting in the public right-of-way requires city approval or use of the official request process; consult Parks & Recreation for steps to apply.
What happens if a tree is damaged during construction?
Damaging a public tree can result in orders to remediate or replace the tree and possible fines; follow the city complaint and inspection process to report damage.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the planting location is public right-of-way and review the city planting guidance.
  2. Submit a street-tree request or permit application through the Parks & Recreation portal or 311 as directed.
  3. Prepare the site to city specifications, use approved species, and schedule any required inspection.
  4. Pay any applicable fees listed on the official page and comply with post-planting maintenance obligations.
Keep documentation of permits and inspections in case of disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • Always consult city resources before planting or removing street trees.
  • Use 311 and Parks & Recreation channels to request trees, report damage, or confirm permit needs.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia - Request a street tree
  2. [2] Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data