Pittsburgh, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Pittsburgh, PA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- DPW permit to remove or plant
- Applies to
- Public street & public-place trees
- Annual permits
- Available to tree-trimming companies
- Damage to public trees
- Owner billed for repair costs
Summary
Pittsburgh requires a Department of Public Works permit before removing, cutting down, or trimming any tree or shrub located in a public street, parkway, or other public place.
No person shall remove or cut down any tree or shrub in any public street or other public place without having first obtained a permit therefor. Application for the permit shall be made to the Department of Public Works and done in accordance with plans and specification issued by the Department. The Director is authorized to issue annual permits to those companies regularly engaged in the business of cutting or trimming trees and to issue rules for their conduct.
Full Breakdown
The Department of Public Works has exclusive jurisdiction over trees and shrubs in Pittsburgh's public streets, parkways, and other public places (Code § 481.01). Planting a tree or shrub in any public street or public place requires a DPW permit (§ 483.02), and removing or cutting one down requires a permit too, applications must follow department plans and specifications, and DPW may issue annual permits to companies regularly in the tree-trimming business (§ 483.03(a)). DPW can also order a property owner to trim branches that block a street, obstruct a streetlight, or interfere with fire alarm wires, and do the work itself, billing the owner, if the owner doesn't comply (§ 483.03(b)-(c)).
Violations & Fines
Cutting down or removing a public street tree without a DPW permit violates Code § 483.03(a). Accidental or willful damage to a public tree must be reported within 48 hours, and repair or replanting costs are billed to the responsible party under § 485.01.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pittsburgh?
What about a tree entirely on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle tree removal & heritage trees.