Landscaping Rules in Bristol, PA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Bristol, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, the owner of the property on or in front of which a shade tree stands must keep it trimmed so it does not interfere with street lights and leaves a minimum clearance of nine feet over any public highway. Borough Council can set a higher clearance where heavy traffic or other conditions call for it.
Tree Trimming and Clearance Rules in Bristol Borough, PA
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 25-106
1. All shade trees shall be kept trimmed, by the owner of the property on or in front of which they are located: A. So as not to interfere with the proper lighting of public highways by the street lights. B. So that the minimum clearance of any public highway of any overhanging portion thereof shall be nine feet. Provided: the Council shall have the authority to designate a higher clearance on ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, no one removes, cuts, injures or sprays a shade tree on a public highway without first obtaining a permit. The only exception is immediate necessity for the protection of life and property. Section 25-102 adds that every removal needs a Borough permit and a replacement tree in the same location.
Shade Tree Removal Permit Rules in Bristol Borough, PA
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 25-107
No person shall, without first obtaining a permit therefor, cut, break, climb with spurs, injure in any manner or remove any shade tree; or cut down or interfere in any way with the main roots of any shade tree; or spray any shade tree with any chemical or insecticide; or place any rope, guy wire, cable, sign, poster or any other fixture on any shade tree or guard for any shade tree; or injure,...
Weed Ordinances
Bristol Borough declares grass, weeds and other vegetation a nuisance once it exceeds a height of 10 inches, on any property in the Borough owned or occupied by anyone. The same section reaches growth that throws off a noxious odor, conceals a filthy deposit or produces pollen. A notice gives 48 hours to cut before the Borough acts.
Bristol Borough Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 10-201
No person, firm or corporation, owning or occupying any property within the Borough of Bristol, shall permit any grass or weeds or any vegetation whatsoever, not edible or planted for some useful or ornamental purpose, to grow or remain upon such premises so as to exceed a height of 10 inches or to throw off any unpleasant or noxious odor or to conceal any filthy deposit or to create or produce...
Native Plants
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, street trees in a subdivision or land development must be species native to Pennsylvania and hardy to USDA Planting Zone 6b. For landscaping around stormwater management facilities, native plant material is encouraged over exotic foreign species. Both rules sit in § 22-523 of the Borough Code.
Bristol Borough Native Plant Landscaping Rules
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 22-523
K. Plant species which are native to Pennsylvania and hardy to USDA Planting Zone 6b shall be required, in lieu of alternate species. ... (2) Use of native plant material is encouraged over exotic foreign species.
Looking for Bucks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bristol city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Bucks County →