Lower Paxton, PA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Planting along Lower Paxton Township streets is controlled by Chapter 162 and administered by the five-member Shade Tree Commission. Under § 162-5, no one can plant a shade tree under Township jurisdiction without written approval from the Commission, and § 162-24 prohibits planting any species in the right-of-way other than those the Commission approves. The Commission maintains a list of approved trees, available to the public through the Township Office, and anyone who wants a species that does not appear on the list must apply to the Commission for approval.

Location comes first. In areas where tree lawns exist, the planting setback is a point halfway between the curb and sidewalk. In rural or undeveloped areas without sidewalks and curb, the setback is eight feet from the edge of the cartway (§ 162-6). In either case no tree can be planted within the line of sight. Section 162-16 sets spacing between newly planted shade trees at not less than 25 feet nor more than 40 feet, and no shade tree can be planted less than 15 feet from a fire hydrant or light standard.

Stock size is fixed by § 162-17. Measured at a point six inches above planting level, trees must be 1/2 inch to two inches in caliper, with no branches below a height of five feet measured from ground level. Under overhead utilities, § 162-18 requires a species that will not obstruct, grow into or come into contact with the wires, either a small or medium tree according to utility height, as specified by the Commission. The chapter defines small trees as those attaining a height of 15 feet to 30 feet at maturity. Section 162-19 lets the Commission require root control devices or material to minimize the effect of root growth on sidewalks, curbs or underground utilities.

Cost and follow-through also matter. The Township can require that the cost of tree planting, transplanting, trimming and removal of street trees in the tree lawns be paid by the owner of the abutting real estate (§ 162-6). Replacement planting after a removal must be completed within six months (§ 162-15). The Commission recommends to the Board of Supervisors the type and size of trees to be planted on Township streets (§ 162-4).