Landscaping Rules in Upper Darby, PA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Upper Darby requires nine feet of clearance where a tree overhangs a public sidewalk and 11 feet where it overhangs a public street, under Code § 506-7. The duty falls on the private property owner whose tree branches project over the public right-of-way, and the Shade Tree Commission can set a higher clearance on heavy-traffic highways.
Upper Darby Street Tree Clearance Rule
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 506-7
All trees shall be kept trimmed so that the minimum clearance where they overhang any public walk shall be nine feet and the minimum clearance where the trees overhang any public street or highway shall be 11 feet. However, the Commission reserves the right to designate a higher clearance on certain highways where heavy traffic or other conditions make it expedient. All trees standing on privat...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Upper Darby requires a written Shade Tree Commission permit before any street tree is removed under Code § 506-4, and § 506-8 lets the Commission order removal of a diseased tree after 30 days' written notice to the owner, billing the cost as a lien if the owner does not comply.
Upper Darby Street Tree Removal Permit
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 506-4
No tree shall be planted or removed in or upon any public street, highway, avenue, park, parkway or other public areas without a written permit from the Commission; such permit is to designate the type of tree and place where such tree is to be planted or removed.
Weed Ordinances
Upper Darby caps weeds and uncultivated grass at 10 inches under its adopted Property Maintenance Code, and separately bans planting bamboo unless its roots are fully contained at least 10 feet from any property line.
Upper Darby 10-Inch Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 417-11(Q) (IPMC § 302.4)
Section 302.4, Weeds, is amended by striking "[JURISDICTION TO INSERT HEIGHT IN INCHES]" and inserting "10 inches (254 mm)."
Composting
Upper Darby's code does not license or regulate a home compost bin; it simply excuses a resident from the leaf-waste separation duty if they compost their own leaves instead of setting them out. There is no permit, size limit or setback written into the ordinance for that composting.
Upper Darby Backyard Leaf Composting Exemption
Few RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 461-20B
B. All persons and entities shall separate leaf waste generated at residential dwellings from all recyclables and refuse and store same until collection, unless such persons or entities have otherwise provided for the composting of such leaf waste.
Looking for Delaware County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Upper Darby city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Delaware County →