Reading, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Reading, 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
- Trigger
- Arborist hazard inspection
- Owner duty
- abate or remove tree
- City backstop
- removes, bills owner
- Unpaid cost
- becomes property lien
Summary
Reading's City Arborist can order a property owner to prune or remove a hazardous private tree; if the owner refuses, the city may do the work itself and bill the owner, with a lien for unpaid costs.
When, following an inspection, and in the professional opinion of the City Arborist, a tree or portions of a tree located on private property is found to be damaged, diseased, or in such condition that it presents a potential or immediate hazard to the public or to other trees on public or private property, the City Arborist shall issue an official opinion and recommendation.
2. Based upon such determination, the City Arborist and/or a duly authorized City employee or official shall initiate and enforce the appropriate code compliance actions. The property owner shall be notified in writing of the findings and shall be required to undertake the necessary corrective measures to abate the hazard, which may include the pruning, treatment, or removal of the affected tree or any hazardous portions thereof.
3. If the property owner fails or refuses to comply, the Arborist or their designee is authorized to take appropriate action, including partial or full removal of the hazardous tree. In situations where the hazard is deemed immediate, the matter shall be reviewed by the Director, who may determine that prompt action or emergency removal is necessary to protect public safety.
4. All costs incurred by the City in performing such work shall be billed to the property owner. If unpaid, the costs shall become a lien against the property in accordance with Subsection G. Additionally, failure to comply may result in enforcement penalties as outlined in §
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
When an inspection finds a tree on private property damaged, diseased or otherwise hazardous to the public or to other trees, the City Arborist issues a written finding and the owner must undertake corrective measures: pruning, treatment or removal. If the owner fails or refuses to comply, the Arborist or a designee may take appropriate action, up to partial or full removal, at the city's initiative. Costs the city incurs are billed to the owner, and if unpaid, become a lien on the property. Immediate hazards may be reviewed by the Director for emergency removal without waiting out the compliance process.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate a hazardous tree after notice can result in city-ordered removal billed to the owner (a lien if unpaid), plus enforcement penalties of up to $600 plus costs or up to 30 days' imprisonment under § 555-114.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Reading force removal of a hazardous tree on my property?
What happens if I don't pay for city-ordered tree removal in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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