Montgomery County, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- County trimming rule
- None for private trees
- Public street trees
- Municipal Shade Tree Commission
- State authority
- PA Shade Tree Act (53 P.S. §2811)
- Private-yard pruning
- Generally no permit
- Overhang disputes
- Civil / common-law matter
Summary
Montgomery County sets no countywide tree-trimming rule for private yards. Street-tree trimming is a municipal function; many boroughs and townships appoint a Shade Tree Commission that, under the PA Shade Tree Act, has exclusive control over trimming trees in the public right-of-way. Private-yard pruning is generally unregulated.
...a Commission of three freeholders, to be known and designated as the Shade-tree Commission... who shall have exclusive and absolute custody and control of, and power to plant, set out, remove, maintain, protect, and care for, shade-trees, on any of the public highways of the said townships, boroughs, and cities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Trimming your own trees on private land is not a county matter and is usually unregulated except where a tree overhangs a public street or a neighbor's property (a common-law issue, not a county code). Trees in the public right-of-way are handled by your municipality. Pennsylvania's Shade Tree Act of 1907 lets a borough or township appoint a Shade Tree Commission of three freeholders who hold 'exclusive and absolute custody and control' over public shade trees, including the power to trim, maintain, and remove them.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty. Where a municipal Shade Tree Commission exists, unauthorized cutting of a public shade tree can be an ordinance violation enforced by that municipality. Damaging a neighbor's tree can expose you to civil liability under Pennsylvania common law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim a tree between the sidewalk and street myself?
Do I need a county permit to prune my own backyard tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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