Franklin Township, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Under § 10-201, adopted by Ord. 2016-08 on 9/21/2016, property owners bear responsibility for removing or trimming trees and limbs in Township rights-of-way once they pose a risk of harm to the public. Enforcement runs through the Township Manager, who under § 10-202 must serve or cause to be served a written notice on the owner or occupant demanding abatement of the nuisance or safety hazard within 21 days. If the owner or occupant does not comply within that window, § 10-203 authorizes the Township Manager to abate the hazard directly, keeping an account of the expense, which is then charged to and payable by the owner or occupant.

Unpaid bills do not stay a private debt: § 10-204 makes the charges a lien on the premises, and if a bill for tree or limb removal remains unpaid for 60 days after being rendered, the Township Secretary or Township Solicitor may file a statement of lien claim with the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County, describing the property, the costs incurred, and the date the tree was trimmed or removed. Notice of the lien claim is mailed to the owner when the address is known, but a failure to record the claim or mail notice does not defeat the Township's right to foreclose. § 7101 et seq. This chapter applies specifically to Township rights-of-way, distinct from the separate noxious-weeds vegetation-height rule in Chapter 10, Part 1.