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

Scranton's tree-replacement framework operates through two channels. First, the Shade Tree Commission and City Forester, in approving removal of any right-of-way, park, or City-owned tree under Chapter 434 Article I (https://ecode360.com/11608793) and Chapter 358 (https://ecode360.com/11603607), routinely impose replacement-planting conditions, drawing on species lists appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zone 6a (the Pocono Plateau / Lackawanna Valley climate). Common Capital-Region and Northeast-PA practice in municipalities of Scranton's size applies a sliding scale based on diameter at breast height (DBH): typically 1:1 for small-caliper trees, 2:1 for mid-size, and 3:1 for mature specimens, with replacement caliper of 2 to 2.5 inches and a one- to two-year survivability warranty. Species are typically drawn from native or proven non-invasive lists - oaks (red, white, swamp white), red maple cultivars, river birch, hackberry, serviceberry, and disease-resistant elm cultivars are common Scranton-area choices. Second, the City Planning Commission, during subdivision and site-plan review under the Scranton Zoning Ordinance and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.), may condition approval on tree-preservation and replacement plans. Land-development projects disturbing one acre or more must comply with the PA DEP NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit (PAG-02) under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, administered through the Lackawanna County Conservation District. State-funded support for replacement plantings is available through the PA DCNR Urban and Community Forestry program (formerly TreeVitalize) and TreePennsylvania; the City of Scranton was awarded $7,500 in site-prep funding and $30,000 to plant 250 bare-root trees through TreePennsylvania's PA Environmental Justice Forests program. The annual Arbor Day observance (required for Tree City USA designation) supports community planting events coordinated by the Shade Tree Commission and City Forester.