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

The Tree Ordinance in Chapter 434, Article II applies to trees in the city's street right-of-way, normally the strip between curb and sidewalk, and to trees on public parks and other city-owned grounds; it does not reach private property except for the vendor-licensing rule in § 434-6. Section 434-5A(1) gives the City itself the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees necessary for public safety or to preserve their symmetry and beauty, and lets the Shade Tree Commission or City Forester remove any tree that is unsafe or injurious to sewers, sidewalks, power lines, gas lines or water lines, or infested with a harmful fungus or pest.

Section 434-5A(2) requires the same Commission or Forester permission before anyone plants a tree, and § 434-5A(9) requires it before anyone removes one. Section 434-5A(10) separately bars interfering with the Commission, Forester or their agents while they plant, prune, spray or remove a tree. A violation of any of these rules is punishable by a fine of up to $250 per violation under § 434-5B. , and to carry at least $500,000 in bodily injury and $100,000 in property damage liability insurance plus workers' compensation coverage, backed by a separate fine of up to $500 per violation.