Haverford, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 170-4 of the Haverford Township Code sets the permit procedure for removing a tree associated with land development, subdivision, any earth disturbance activity in excess of 300 cubic yards, earth disturbance for parking lots of five or more cars, demolition of a structure, or any other earth disturbance activity for which a permit is required. Standards in other Township ordinances or in state and federal rules apply where they are more restrictive.

The applicant applies to the Township Manager with a written statement of the reasons for removal and a description of the species, size and condition of the tree. Before a building, demolition or grading permit issues, or at preliminary plan approval for a subdivision or land development, the applicant submits site plans showing the size, species and location of all trees with a DBH of four inches or greater in the area of disturbance, plus trees on adjoining properties within 20 feet of the property line, and planting plans built on the tree replacement formula. Trees to be removed and trees to remain each carry a permanent marking at the base. For every 30 trees to be removed, the applicant provides five photographs.

The Township Manager refers every application to the Shade Tree Commission, which can inspect the site. The Commission recommends approval when the plan meets the tree replacement formula, the street frontage tree requirements and any other applicable tree regulations, and it can recommend adjustments for hazard trees, diseased or storm-damaged trees, or site-specific restrictions. If replanting is impractical or impossible, the applicant can pay the Township in lieu of replanting. A permit fee is set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

Emergencies get a shortcut: for a hazardous tree that needs immediate removal, the Township Manager can give verbal authorization after an on-site inspection, and the owner applies for the written permit immediately after the hazard is abated. Separately, § 170-3 requires a written permit to remove a public shade tree with a DBH of four inches.