Tree Removal Permit in Allentown, PA — Complete 2024 Guide

Allentown enforces one of the stricter urban forestry ordinances in the Lehigh Valley. Before you cut down a single tree on your property, you need to understand Article 911 of the City of Allentown Code — or risk a fine of up to $1,000 per tree removed without authorization. This guide covers exactly which trees require a permit, how to apply, typical timelines, and what happens when a permit is denied.

Allentown Article 911 — The Urban Tree Ordinance Explained

Article 911 of the Allentown City Code governs all trees within City limits. The ordinance has two primary categories of protection:

Street Trees (Right-of-Way Trees)

Street trees are any trees planted within the public right-of-way — typically the strip of land between the sidewalk and the curb, but also including trees on parkways, medians, and other public land. These trees are City property regardless of where they are located relative to your front yard. Key rules:

• You cannot remove, prune, or damage a street tree without a permit from the Bureau of Parks
• Permits for street trees are free to residential property owners
• If a street tree is dead, dying, or hazardous, the City may remove it at no cost to the homeowner — but you must report it first
• Unpermitted removal of a street tree can result in fines AND a requirement to replace the tree at your expense

Private Property Trees Near Streets and Sidewalks

Trees on private property are generally regulated by private property rights — but Allentown has specific rules when a private tree could affect public infrastructure. If a tree is overhanging a public sidewalk or street, or if its roots are lifting curbs or sidewalks, the City has authority to require pruning or removal. In those cases, the cost of work typically falls to the property owner.

Which Trees Are Protected in Allentown?

Not every tree triggers a permit requirement. Here is how to determine if your tree is protected:

Size Threshold

Allentown uses DBH (diameter at breast height) as the primary size threshold. Trees measuring 6 inches DBH or greater in the public right-of-way are automatically protected. For private property trees, size matters primarily when the tree is in proximity to public infrastructure.

To measure DBH: stand at the tree and measure the trunk circumference at 4.5 feet above ground level. Divide the circumference by 3.14159 to get the diameter. A tree with a circumference of 19 inches has a DBH of approximately 6 inches and is protected.

Species Considerations

Certain native species receive heightened attention from Allentown code enforcement, particularly oaks, maples, and American sycamores — all common street trees throughout the city. The emerald ash borer has already eliminated most ash trees from Allentown streets, so ash removal is now largely automatic; however, property owners should still confirm with the Bureau of Parks before cutting.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit in Allentown

The permit process is straightforward if you gather the right information up front:

Step 1: Identify the Tree

Determine whether the tree is on public right-of-way or private property. Walk to the sidewalk — if the tree is between the sidewalk and the street, it is almost certainly a street tree and City property. If unsure, call the Bureau of Parks.

Step 2: Document the Reason

Allentown will want to know why you are requesting removal. Common approved reasons include:

• Dead or dying tree confirmed by an arborist
• Structural hazard (cracks, leaning, root failure)
• Disease (EAB, oak wilt, beech leaf disease)
• Root damage to foundation, sewer line, or sidewalk
• Construction or significant hardscape project requiring removal

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted in person at City Hall (435 Hamilton St) or by calling the Bureau of Parks at (610) 437-7628. There is no online portal as of 2024. For a street tree removal, a City forester will typically inspect the tree before granting approval.

Step 4: Wait for Inspection and Decision

Routine permits are typically issued within 5–10 business days. Emergency situations (storm damage, immediate hazard) can be expedited — call the Bureau of Parks directly and explain the situation.

What Does a Tree Removal Permit Cost in Allentown?

For street trees on public right-of-way: permit fees are generally waived for residential property owners. The City may also perform the removal itself if the tree is designated as a City tree.

For private property trees requiring review: there is typically a modest administrative fee. However, the cost of the actual removal — including stump grinding — falls entirely to the property owner.

Total cost to remove a permitted tree on private property in Allentown:

• Permit fee: $0–$50 (administrative)
• Arborist report (if required): $75–$200
• Tree removal: $400–$2,500 depending on size and complexity
• Stump grinding: $100–$400

What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit?

Unpermitted removal of a protected tree in Allentown can result in:

• Fines of up to $1,000 per tree
• A requirement to plant replacement trees (often 2:1 or 3:1 ratio)
• Stop-work orders on related construction projects
• Liens on property in cases of non-payment of fines

These penalties apply to both homeowners and tree service companies. A reputable contractor will always ask about permits before removing any tree near a street or sidewalk in Allentown.

Neighbor Trees and Property Line Disputes

If a neighbor’s tree is overhanging your property in Allentown, Pennsylvania law generally allows you to trim branches up to the property line at your own expense — but you cannot enter the neighbor’s property to do so, and you cannot kill the tree. If the tree is a hazard, document the issue in writing and consult with a licensed arborist before taking any action.

Emergency Tree Removal in Allentown

After a severe storm, the permit process can feel like a roadblock. Allentown does have an emergency provision: if a tree poses an immediate hazard to life or structures, you may remove it and apply for retroactive approval within 72 hours. Take photos before, during, and after removal to document the hazard condition.

FAQs — Tree Permits in Allentown PA

Do I need a permit to trim (not remove) a tree in Allentown?

Pruning on private property generally does not require a permit. However, trimming a street tree — even just removing a branch — requires City authorization.

My tree is dying from EAB. Do I still need a permit?

Yes. Even dead ash trees require proper documentation before removal if they are in the public right-of-way. However, EAB-related removals are almost always approved quickly because the trees are beyond treatment.

Can I keep the wood after removal?

For trees on your private property, yes — the wood is yours. For City street trees, the wood typically belongs to the City, though they may leave firewood lengths for you upon request.

How do I report a dangerous City tree?

Call the Bureau of Parks at (610) 437-7628 or submit a request through the City’s 311 system. Document the hazard with photos and keep a copy of your report in case the tree falls before the City responds.

Stone Ridge Landscaping LLC is fully licensed and insured in Pennsylvania. We handle all permit coordination for Allentown tree removals and can provide documentation required by the Bureau of Parks. Call us for a free estimate and we will let you know exactly what is required before any work begins.