Bristol, PA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Bristol Borough regulates street trees through Chapter 25, Part 1, Shade Trees. The Code defines a shade tree as any tree, shrub or other woody plant on any public highway in the Borough, including the part of a tree that extends within the lines of a public highway. A public highway is any street, sidewalk or alley open to the public, so the rules reach the strip between curb and sidewalk and the sidewalk itself.

Planting starts with a permit. Under § 25-103, the application is made in writing to the Inspector and must name the kind of work, the exact location and the species of the tree. The Inspector sends every application to Borough Council for approval or disapproval. The permit is effective for the length of time Council sets, and that time is written on the permit. Council can revoke it on satisfactory proof that a term or condition was violated, and in its discretion can require the applicant to file a bond or deposit security as a condition of issuing it.

Section 25-104 bars planting any shade tree in the Borough until the permit is granted, and the permit designates where the tree goes. Council can refuse a permit for any species that, in its opinion, is not suited to the location.

Section 25-105 then fixes the geometry. Trees along a highway line up with the existing trees on the same highway. They go in from 25 feet to 30 feet apart where practicable, and must be sound, straight and symmetrical. Each tree sits in a pit three feet square filled with good top soil otherwise enriched, with open ground outside the trunk of not less than four feet square where practicable so water and air reach the roots. Every tree must be a tree approved by Council.

Related sections protect the planting afterward. Section 25-108 requires a permit before anyone places stone, cement or any other substance that impedes water and air to the roots, unless an open space of not less than four feet square surrounds the trunk. Where an owner removes a shade tree under § 25-102, a replacement tree must be planted in the same location at the owner's expense.