Franklin Township, PA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

The Township's zoning definitions at § 27-202 set the specimen-tree threshold at any tree greater than 24 inches in diameter at breast height, expressly excluding three invasive species: Norway maple, Princess tree and Tree-of-heaven. The definition does more than measure trunks: in the context of a subdivision or land development review, or an application for special exception, variance or conditional use, the Township may designate additional specimen trees based on size, shape, form, age, historical importance, scenic qualities or visual prominence, on the recommendation of a qualified arborist, botanist or forester.

That designation feeds directly into the enforceable rule at § 27-2503, Subsection 6, Woodlands, Hedgerows and Specimen Vegetation: specimen vegetation cannot be removed from any lot or tract unless the applicant satisfies the Board of Supervisors that removal is essential to eliminate a hazardous condition, and even then removal must be minimized. The same protection extends to species-of-special-concern sites identified on the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Under § 27-2502, this protection attaches the moment an owner seeks a zoning or building permit, a conditional use or special exception approval, a zoning variance, or files subdivision or land development plans; disturbing a protected resource ahead of that review is itself a violation.

Where a tree is preserved, § 27-2503(6)(A)(1) through (7) requires a delineated tree protection zone with four-foot fencing, a ban on grade changes, root cutting, material storage or parked equipment inside the zone, and a 100-foot buffer around it for toxic materials.