Philadelphia County requires permits from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to prune, trim, or remove street trees. Private property trees generally do not require permits but must not overhang public right-of-way unsafely.
Philadelphia Code Title 15 Chapter 15-100 (Street Trees) and Parks and Recreation regulations require a permit for any work on street trees (trees in the sidewalk or public right-of-way). Permits are issued through the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Tree Permit system. Work must be performed by a certified arborist or trained professional. Private trees on private property do not require pruning permits, but owners must keep branches trimmed so they do not obstruct streets or sidewalks (minimum 8 feet clearance over sidewalks, 14 feet over streets).
Unauthorized pruning or damage to a street tree: $300 to $500 fine plus restitution for tree value (often $1,000+). Obstructing sidewalk with overgrown private tree branches: $150 violation notice.
See how Philadelphia County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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