Harrisburg, PA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Trees that must appear on plans
- Trunk diameter of 12 inches or more at 3.5 feet
- Preservation standard
- Maximum extent feasible while permitting reasonable use
- Construction protection
- Temporary fencing under the dripline, unpaved area kept around the tree
- Street tree work
- Permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment
- Digging or driveways near a street tree
- Written permit required within 10 feet
- Zoning civil judgment
- Not more than $500 plus court costs
Summary
In the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, development plans must show every existing tree with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more, and healthy trees of that size on private property must be preserved to the maximum extent feasible. Street trees fall under the separate Shade Tree Ordinance, administered by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment.
§ 7-307.13. Tree preservation. A. All plans shall show the location of any existing trees with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more (measured at 3.5 feet above the ground level), or concentrations of such trees, and any existing and proposed street trees. B. Tree planting and tree removal in the public right-of-way is governed under the Shade Tree Ordinance, Chapter 10,[1] of the Codified Ordinances. ... C. To the maximum extent feasible, while still permitting reasonable use of the property, existing healthy trees on private property with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more shall be preserved. D. Where trees are to be preserved, a sufficient-sized area shall remain unpaved around the tree to provide oxygen and water. During construction, temporary fencing shall be used under the "dripline" of the tree to avoid compaction of soil and damage of roots by vehicles.
Full Breakdown
Harrisburg protects its large trees by size. Section 7-307.13 of the Codified Ordinances, part of the zoning development standards, sets the private-property rule, and Chapter 10-101 covers trees on the City's streets.
Private property: Under § 7-307.13(A), all plans must show the location of any existing trees with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more, measured at 3.5 feet above the ground level, or concentrations of such trees, along with existing and proposed street trees. Under subsection C, to the maximum extent feasible, while still permitting reasonable use of the property, existing healthy trees on private property with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more must be preserved. Where trees are to be preserved, a sufficient-sized area remains unpaved around the tree to provide oxygen and water, and during construction temporary fencing is placed under the dripline to avoid soil compaction and root damage by vehicles (subsection D).
Street trees: Section 7-307.13(B) sends tree planting and removal in the public right-of-way to the Shade Tree Ordinance. Under § 10-101.1 the Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment has exclusive custody and control over planting, removal, and protection of the trees on and along City streets and highways. No one can plant, cut, trim, or remove a shade tree under the Department's jurisdiction without a permit (§ 10-101.4). As a condition of a removal permit, the Department can require the applicant to plant another tree at the applicant's expense (§ 10-101.6).
Protection and charges: Section 10-101.9 prohibits breaking, injuring, mutilating, killing, or destroying a shade tree, and requires a written permit from the Department to excavate ditches, tunnels, or trenches or lay a driveway within a radius of 10 feet of any shade tree. For damage, the Department can charge for repairs plus the devaluation of the tree. For destruction, it can charge the appraised value plus the cost of removal and replacement (§ 10-101.7).
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 7-307.13 is a zoning violation enforced through Chapter 7-701, which § 7-307.99 makes applicable: a civil judgment of not more than $500 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with each day a separate violation. Violations of the shade tree chapter carry the general code penalty of § 1-301.99, which prints fines of not more than $1,000 or $600 plus costs depending on the type of ordinance, up to 90 days in jail, and each day as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees on my property are protected in the City of Harrisburg?
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in front of my house?
How must trees be protected during construction?
What does it cost to damage or destroy a street tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harrisburg
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