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

Scranton's tree-removal framework is built on Chapter 434, Article I (Trees) of the City Code (https://ecode360.com/11608793), known as the Tree Ordinance of the City of Scranton, and on Chapter 358 (Shade Tree Commission) (https://ecode360.com/11603607). By its terms Chapter 434 Article I applies to street, highway, lane, alley or avenue trees solely within the right-of-way of such streets, and to trees on public parks and all other grounds for which the City of Scranton has record ownership - not to wholly private interior-lot trees. Within that scope, the Code states: 'It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or city department to remove any tree without first obtaining permission from the Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester.' Removal authority within the right-of-way is concentrated in the five-member Shade Tree Commission (appointed by the Mayor with City Council consent under Chapter 358) acting with the City Forester. The Commission or City Forester may order removal of trees that are in unsafe condition or that 'by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, sidewalks, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements.' Utility-line clearance removal by PPL Electric Utilities and other regulated utilities is governed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code (66 Pa.C.S.) and recorded easement rights. Routine removal of a dead, diseased, or hazardous tree on a wholly private residential lot outside the right-of-way generally does not require a Shade Tree Commission permit; an arborist report documenting the hazard is recommended. Large-scale clearing related to development must comply with the City's stormwater management ordinance and, for projects disturbing one acre or more, with the PA DEP NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit (PAG-02) under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102. Scranton's broader urban-forestry goals are supported by the Pennsylvania DCNR Urban and Community Forestry program (formerly TreeVitalize), which awarded the City partnership funding through TreePennsylvania's PA Environmental Justice Forests grant.