Wilkes-Barre is the Luzerne County seat on the Susquehanna River, about 20 miles south of Scranton. Its neighborhoods, from the Heights, Parsons and Miners Mills to South Wilkes-Barre and the river-front streets near Kirby Park, have many large old street and yard trees.
Common tree problems here
- Big, aging street and yard trees on older blocks.
- Wet soil near the river after heavy rain, making storm uprooting more likely.
- Ash decline (PA DCNR: emerald ash borer); Luzerne County is in the spotted lanternfly quarantine (Penn State Extension: spotted lanternfly).
Permits and local contacts
Wilkes-Barre has a Shade Tree Commission. In 2019 commission members asked City Council to require approval for removing tree-lawn trees (Citizens' Voice). We couldn't confirm whether that rule was adopted, so call the city before removing any tree between the curb and sidewalk.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for a written quote that says whether stump grinding, log removal and cleanup are included.
- Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and workers' comp. In Scranton, tree businesses must carry at least $500,000 bodily injury / $100,000 property damage liability and workers' comp, and register with the PA Attorney General (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees) §434-6).
- Check their PA Home Improvement Contractor registration number (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration).
- Get two or three quotes for non-emergency work.