Reading, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Reading's tree-management framework is anchored by the Shade Tree Commission, formally established by Bill No. 42 on September 12, 1973 and amended (most recently in 2011) to a five-member body with five-year terms. The Commission's authority derives from the Third Class City Code provisions on shade tree commissions (53 P.S. §35101 et seq., shade tree commission provisions at 53 P.S. §39106 historically; modern Third Class City Code consolidations under 11 Pa.C.S.) and is implemented locally through the Reading City Code (https://ecode360.com/RE1294). The Commission and the City Arborist (610-655-6035, Reading Public Works Building) oversee all trees in the public right-of-way — between the curb and sidewalk — including planting, pruning to ANSI A300 standards, and removals. Private property owners trimming wholly private trees do not need a Commission permit, but cannot prune or remove a street tree without Commission approval. Pennsylvania common law (Jones v. Wagner, 425 Pa. Super. 102) allows a neighbor to trim overhanging branches up to the property line as self-help, but the cut may not damage or kill the neighbor's tree. Utility-line clearance pruning by Met-Ed/FirstEnergy is conducted under 66 Pa.C.S. (Public Utility Code) authority within easements. Reading participates in the Adopt-a-Tree program administered by the Environmental Advisory Council.