Landscaping Rules in Reading, PA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Reading, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The City of Reading regulates grass and weed height through its Property Maintenance Code and the public-nuisance provisions of the City Code (ecode360 portal RE1294). Grass, weeds, and rank vegetation on improved residential lots must be kept under approximately 10 inches; once a violation is observed, Property and Codes Enforcement issues a written notice giving the owner a short cure period, after which the City may mow at the owner's expense and lien the cost to the parcel under Pennsylvania municipal-lien authority.
Reading PA Grass Height and Property Maintenance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trimming a wholly private tree on a Reading property generally does not require a City permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way fall under the jurisdiction of the Reading Shade Tree Commission, established by Bill No. 42 (September 12, 1973), and any pruning, trimming, or removal of a street tree must be coordinated with the City Arborist (610-655-6035). Reading is a recognized Tree City USA community. Pennsylvania common-law self-help allows trimming a neighbor's overhanging branches up to the property line.
Reading PA Tree Trimming and Shade Tree Commission Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in the City of Reading is governed by a combination of Reading Shade Tree Commission authority (over street trees and trees in the public right-of-way) and the City's land development/subdivision ordinance for development sites. Removal of a street tree without Commission approval is prohibited. Removal of healthy trees on development sites typically requires inclusion in the approved land-development plan, with replacement planting required by the Commission's policies.
Reading PA Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in Reading combines City-level property-maintenance enforcement with Pennsylvania's noxious-weed regulatory framework. The Reading City Code treats noxious weeds and rank vegetation on private property as maintainable nuisances subject to notice-and-abate procedures. Pennsylvania law historically codified noxious-weed control at 3 Pa.C.S. §255 (Noxious Weed Law), now administered through the PA Department of Agriculture's Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee, which maintains a statewide list of regulated invasive species.
Reading PA Weed and Noxious Plant Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Water restrictions in Reading flow from a combination of Pennsylvania Drought Emergency Act declarations (3 P.S. §1701 et seq.) issued through PA DEP and the Commonwealth's emergency-management framework, plus the operating rules of the Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA), Reading's municipal water supplier. PA DEP declares Drought Watch, Drought Warning, or Drought Emergency status for each county; declared drought triggers voluntary or mandatory outdoor-watering restrictions.
Reading PA Water Restrictions and Drought Rules
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
The City of Reading does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. The Reading Environmental Advisory Council (established April 2007 under the Pennsylvania Environmental Advisory Council Act, 53 P.S. §11304) promotes native-plant use through voluntary programs including Adopt-a-Tree and rain-barrel distribution. PA DCNR's PA Native Plant program and the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Berks County provide free design guidance. Pennsylvania's Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. §951-957) protects agricultural operations from nuisance suits.
Reading PA Native Plants and Environmental Advisory Council
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in Reading is permitted and encouraged. The City participates in the Pennsylvania Act 101 (Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, 53 P.S. §4000.101+) yard-waste recycling framework that requires Pennsylvania municipalities over 5,000 population to provide leaf-and-yard-waste collection. PA DCNR and Penn State Extension provide composting guidance. Compost bins should be setback from property lines, kept rodent-resistant, and avoid meat, dairy, and pet waste. Open burning of leaves is prohibited statewide under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 129.
Reading PA Backyard Composting and Yard Waste Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Berks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reading city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Berks County →