Why trim
- Remove dead limbs before winter storms and heavy snow bring them down.
- Clear branches off the roof, gutters and siding.
- Raise low limbs over driveways and sidewalks.
Don't "top" your tree
Scranton's ordinance makes it unlawful as a normal practice to top a tree, meaning cutting limbs back to stubs over 5 inches and removing the normal canopy, with limited exceptions decided by the Shade Tree Commission or City Forester (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)). Ask for crown thinning or reduction instead.
Cost
Published estimates: about $270–$1,300 per tree in Pennsylvania (Tree Estimator Pros, Pennsylvania tree service costs); $250–$900 per tree nationally (TreeOps USA, 2026 cost guide (national)).
Trees near power lines
Don't trim near lines yourself. Contact your electric utility about lines on poles; work near wires calls for line-clearance-qualified crews.
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.