Reading, PA Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Reading's tree-replacement framework operates at two levels. For street-tree removals authorized by the Shade Tree Commission (Bill No. 42, Sept. 12, 1973), the Commission's policy generally requires one new street tree planted for each tree removed, with the City Arborist (610-655-6035) specifying the species, planting location, and standard. Replacement species are typically drawn from the City's approved street-tree list (predominantly native or proven non-invasive species suited to urban conditions in southeastern Pennsylvania). For tree removal on land-development or subdivision sites, Reading's land development ordinance — incorporated into the City Code at https://ecode360.com/RE1294 — applies a sliding-scale replacement requirement: smaller trees (under approximately 10 inches DBH at breast height) are typically replaced at 1:1, mid-size trees (10–20 inches) at 2:1, and mature specimens (20+ inches) at 3:1. Replacement trees must usually meet a minimum 2 to 2.5 inches caliper at planting, be drawn from an approved species list, and survive a two-year warranty/maintenance period. Where on-site planting is infeasible, the Commission may accept a cash-in-lieu contribution to the City's tree fund calculated based on installed cost per replacement tree. The Pennsylvania PA DCNR Community Forestry program supports Reading's Tree City USA community-forestry standard, which requires per-capita tree expenditures and active community-forestry programming.