Scranton Tree Removal Permits and Rules (City Code Ch. 434)

Summary of the City of Scranton's tree ordinance as published online (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)). Ordinances change; confirm with the city before work. This is not legal advice.

Scranton regulates trees in the public right-of-way, mainly street trees, and the businesses that work on trees in the city. Trees fully on private property are generally your call, but the contractor you hire still has to follow the rules.

Street trees: get permission first

Under Chapter 434, planting, removing, or doing major work on trees in the public right-of-way requires permission from the city's Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester. The right-of-way usually includes the strip between curb and sidewalk (the "tree lawn"), and can extend further depending on the street. Violations can bring fines of up to $250 per violation (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)).

Not sure whether the tree in front of your house is yours or the city's? Measure from the curb and check your deed or a survey, or ask the Shade Tree Commission (Scranton Shade Tree Commission, 570-348-4105).

Topping is prohibited

The ordinance makes it unlawful, as a normal practice, to top a tree, meaning to cut the main limbs back to large stubs and remove the normal canopy, except in limited situations approved by the Shade Tree Commission or City Forester (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)). Ask for crown reduction or thinning instead; see trimming vs. removal.

§434-6: tree businesses must register and carry insurance

Section 434-6 requires businesses that do tree work in Scranton to be registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General under the state's home improvement contractor law (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration) and to carry liability insurance of at least $500,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, plus workers' compensation (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)).

For homeowners this is a simple, powerful filter. Before anyone starts work, ask for:

• Their PA HIC registration number. You can look it up on the Attorney General's site.
• A certificate of liability insurance showing at least the limits above.
• Proof of workers' compensation coverage. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, it can become your problem.

Ask for the certificate to come straight from their insurance agent, with you listed as certificate holder.

Private trees: what still applies

• Utility lines. Trees near lines on poles: contact the electric utility. Work near energized lines requires qualified line-clearance crews.
• Digging and stump grinding: call 811 first (PA One Call (811)).
• Neighbors: know your property line and get permission before going on a neighbor's land. See our neighbor tree guide.
• Debris on the street: keep sidewalks and the street passable; ask the crew how they'll handle it.

Dangerous trees and help for homeowners

The city has run a program to help eligible low-to-moderate-income homeowners remove dangerous trees. See City of Scranton: help removing a dangerous tree for current eligibility and availability.

Nearby towns

Rules differ outside the city. Clarks Summit, for example, requires a Shade Tree Commission permit for borough street trees with at least 15 days' notice; see Clarks Summit. For other boroughs, check with the borough office; our service-area pages note what we could and couldn't confirm.

Quick checklist

1. Is the tree in the right-of-way? If yes or unsure, contact the Shade Tree Commission before work.
2. Is it near wires? Utility first.
3. Does the company have PA HIC registration, $500k/$100k liability and workers' comp?
4. Is the plan crown reduction, not topping?
5. Stump grinding? 811 first.

Storm Limb Help is a referral service, not a tree company. Call (570) 565-1102 and we'll connect you with an independent local tree service; ask them for the proof above.

Quick answers

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Scranton?

For a tree fully on private property, generally not under the city tree ordinance. For trees in the public right-of-way, such as between curb and sidewalk, you need Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester permission.

What insurance must tree companies carry in Scranton?

Under City Code §434-6, at least $500,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage liability, plus workers' compensation, and registration with the PA Attorney General.

Is tree topping allowed in Scranton?

No, the ordinance prohibits topping as a normal practice except in limited cases approved by the Shade Tree Commission or City Forester.

More guides

• Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm in NEPA: What to Do
• Stump Grinding Cost in Scranton, PA: Typical Prices and What Changes Them
• Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Pennsylvania?
• Tree Fell on My House or Car: What to Do, Step by Step
• Neighbor's Tree Fell: Who Is Responsible in Pennsylvania?
• Dead or Dying Tree Warning Signs (Including Emerald Ash Borer in PA)
• Tree Trimming vs. Removal: How to Decide

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. General information only; sources linked inline.