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

The rule starts in § 162-5 of the Lower Paxton Township Code. Chapter 162 defines a shade tree as any planted tree located within the right-of-way of the public streets and highways of the Township, and the definition excludes vegetation growing naturally within the right-of-way. For those trees, no person can plant, cut, trim or remove one, or fasten any sign, wire, rope or other material to, around or through it, without written approval from the Shade Tree Commission. Electrical installations cannot be attached to a shade tree, and trenches or tunnels cannot be dug within 20 feet of one without written permission from the Township.

The Shade Tree Commission has five members, all Township residents serving without compensation, appointed by the Board of Supervisors to five-year terms (§ 162-3). Under § 162-4 it holds sole custody and control of the shade trees and can authorize the abutting property owner, or another entity, to plant, remove, maintain and protect them.

Section 162-7 sets two tracks for removal. For a tree afflicted with disease or infested with an insect that threatens other shade trees, the Commission can give 30 days' written notice and require the abutting owner to cut and remove it. If the owner does not comply, the Township can do the work and collect the cost from the owner. For a healthy tree, removal by the owner is not permitted unless the Commission judges that one of four criteria exists: substantial damage from underground utility work where no alternative such as tunneling, sleeving or relocation exists; a traffic safety problem that pruning or less invasive techniques would not eliminate; substantial sidewalk or curb damage where repair would inflict serious root damage; or overhead utility maintenance that would require removal of 2/3 or more of the crown.

Approval can carry conditions. Under § 162-15 the Commission can require the owner, at the owner's expense, to plant a replacement and direct its type, size, location and planting season. The replacement must go in within six months of removal, and the Commission should be notified when the work is finished so the file can be closed. Under § 162-12 the stump must be removed to a point not less than six inches below the surrounding grade. Contractors who remove trees in the right-of-way need general liability coverage with a policy limit of not less than $500,000 for each occurrence (§ 162-21). Hazardous trees and dead branches fall under § 162-14, which lets the Commission order removal at the owner's expense and, in an emergency or imminent hazard, within 24 hours or less.