Pittsburgh's Urban Forest Master Plan and CAP 3.0 prioritize tree canopy investment in low-canopy and environmental-justice neighborhoods such as Hill District, Hazelwood, and Homewood, partnering with Tree Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Pittsburgh's Urban Forest Master Plan adopted by the Department of Public Works and the Shade Tree Commission identifies low-canopy neighborhoods including Hill District, Larimer, Hazelwood, and parts of Homewood-Brushton. Title 9 Chapter 923 protects heritage trees. The Forestry Division partners with Tree Pittsburgh on plantings prioritized in environmental-justice areas. Property owners on tree-lined blocks must permit Forestry Division pruning of street trees. Private removal of street trees without a permit is prohibited under §471.04. The Shade Tree Commission reviews appeals.
Removing a city street tree without a Forestry Division permit can incur $500-$2,500 replacement fines plus restitution at appraised tree value. Damaging heritage trees triggers higher penalties under Title 9 §923.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh adopted Climate Action Plan 3.0 in 2018 committing the city to carbon-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with 2030 interim targets covering bu...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree ordinance. Large and mature trees may receive consideration during development review. The city's...
See how Pittsburgh's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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