Philadelphia's Invasive Plant Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles invasive plant rules a little differently. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture maintains a Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine covering Philadelphia County under 7 Pa. Code chapter 110a. Tree-of-heaven, the lanternfly's primary host, is targeted for removal, and businesses moving regulated articles need a PDA permit and inspection.

Key details: State quarantine: 7 Pa. Code 110a.21. Host plant: Ailanthus altissima. Permit: PDA SLF Permit. Local removal lead: Parks and Recreation.

Moving regulated articles without a Spotted Lanternfly Permit violates 3 Pa.C.S. section 1735(b) with civil penalties up to twenty thousand dollars per offense and criminal misdemeanor exposure under 3 Pa.C.S. section 1736.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Philadelphia actively enforces its tree-of-heaven removal requirements.

Prohibited Species

Philadelphia's Health Code lets the Department of Public Health order removal of noxious plants such as ragweed or poison ivy once they grow on an uncultivated lot to the point of becoming a menace to public health. Under Code § 6-402(8)(a), the Department directs the owner or person in charge to correct the condition, and ignoring that order draws a $150 to $300 fine under § 6-103(1).

Key details: Governing section: Phila. Code § 6-402(8)(a). Enforcing agency: Dept. of Public Health. Fine range: $150 to $300 per violation. Hearing request window: 5 days from order. Appeal deadline: 30 days to Board of L&I Review.

Ignoring a § 6-402(8)(a) removal order draws a fine of $150 to $300 under § 6-103(1), with the Board of Health empowered to set a higher ceiling by regulation up to the Class III cap in § 1-109(3). Because § 6-103(3) treats each day of continued noncompliance as a separate violation, fines can multiply quickly on an uncorrected lot. Appeals go first to the Health Commissioner within 5 days, then to the Board of License and Inspection Review within 30 days of the order.

The Bottom Line

Philadelphia's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Philadelphia is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Philadelphia's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.