Landscaping Rules in Reading, PA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Reading, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Reading requires shade trees to be trimmed to at least 14 feet above the street and 8 feet above the sidewalk, and lets the City Arborist trim any branches that block a streetlight, sign or traffic flow.
Reading Street Tree Clearance Height
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 555-110.K(4)
Trees must be maintained to a height that will not create a safety hazard or to obstruct the visibility of any traffic control device, signs, or light from any streetlight and so that there shall be no obstructions hindering the visibility of the street or sidewalk. The minimum height of fourteen (14) feet over the cartway and eight (8) feet over the sidewalk should be maintained to ensure unob...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Reading's City Arborist can order a property owner to prune or remove a hazardous private tree; if the owner refuses, the city may do the work itself and bill the owner, with a lien for unpaid costs.
Reading Hazardous Private Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 555-110.C(1), (3)
When, following an inspection, and in the professional opinion of the City Arborist, a tree or portions of a tree located on private property is found to be damaged, diseased, or in such condition that it presents a potential or immediate hazard to the public or to other trees on public or private property, the City Arborist shall issue an official opinion and recommendation. 2. Based u...
Weed Ordinances
Reading caps grass, weeds and plant growth on any property at six inches; the City can serve a notice of violation and, if ignored, send a crew to cut the weeds and bill the owner.
Reading PA Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 180-1301, IPMC § 302.4
302.4 Weeds. Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches (152.4 mm). Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge...
Rainwater Harvesting
Reading permits rain barrels for property owners and consenting tenants, capped at 75 gallons and six feet tall, but the collected water may only go to lawns, gardens, irrigation and washing -- never for drinking, cooking or bathing.
Reading PA Rain Barrel Rules
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 438-3
Rain barrels shall only be used to collect rainwater for nonpotable use on lawns and gardens, for irrigation, for washing vehicles and for other outdoor uses. Under no circumstances shall water from a rain barrel be used for any potable purpose including, without limitation, drinking, cooking or bathing.
Native Plants
Reading's property-maintenance code caps weeds and grass at six inches, but cultivated and managed plantings, including native, pollinator and ornamental gardens, are expressly excluded from that limit and from Quality-of-Life weed citations.
Reading PA Native Plant and Natural Landscape Rules
Few RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 180-1203.D
QOL.004 High weeds, grass or plant growth. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches (152.4 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs shall not be included as a violation of this Part. E. QOL.005 Littering ...
Looking for Berks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reading city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Berks County →