Tree Removal Permits in Reading, PA

Verified against Reading city sources · last checked 2026-08-06

Do you need a permit?

It depends on the tree

Reading's answer turns on a definition, not a diameter. A "shade tree" is any tree in a public area OR any tree "which at maturity would protrude into a public area," and no shade tree may be cut or removed without a written permit from the City Arborist. So a tree standing on your own lot can still need a permit if it will eventually reach over the sidewalk or street. There is no size threshold at all, permits run up to six months, and every removal has to be replaced within a year or paid for in lieu. If your tree is well back from the right-of-way, nothing in Chapter 555 or the zoning code requires a permit to take it down.

Size threshold

None. Chapter 555 sets no diameter trigger — the test is location and future canopy. The only 8-inch figure in Reading's code sits in the Steep Slope Overlay and is a development rule: sections 600-819E(8) and 600-819F(7) each provide that "No trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight inches or more shall be removed from moderately steep slope areas [and, in F(7), very steep slope areas], except in accordance with a plan for the property developed in accordance with sustainable forestry management practices submitted by the applicant." Both subsections are headed "The following regulations apply to new development, and, to the extent feasible, to redevelopment." Moderately steep is a grade of at least 15 percent but less than 25 percent; very steep is 25 percent or greater.

What's protected in Reading

Shade trees, defined at section 555-103B as "Any tree located in any public area, herein defined, or which at maturity would protrude into a public area, or to any tree located on property of special interest to the City by right of Chapter 600, Zoning, or any other ordinance."
Public areas, defined as "Any public right-of-way, park or other publicly owned property or easement under the control of the City."
Trees 8 inches DBH or more in any steep slope area — moderately steep (15 percent to under 25 percent) or very steep (25 percent or greater) — where a new development or redevelopment proposal is in play.

How to apply in Reading

1
Work out whether your tree is a shade tree. It is if it stands in a public area, or if at maturity it would protrude into one. If you are not sure, call Public Works at 610-655-6035 before scheduling anything.
2
Get the Shade Tree Work Permit Application from the Shade Tree Commission page. The form covers Pruning, Removal, Planting and Stump Grinding.
3
If a contractor is doing the work, the form requires their ISA Certified Arborist number and their City of Reading Business License number.
4
Section 555-106E: the application is made by the owner or lessee of the real estate the tree stands on, or, for a tree in the right-of-way, by the owner or lessee of the nearest real estate.
5
The City Arborist reviews and approves every application (section 555-106C(1)).
6
Finish the work within the period specified on the permit, which cannot exceed six months from issue unless the City Arborist extends it.
7
Replace the tree. Section 555-106D(1): "All shade trees removed by permit shall be replaced within a period of one year from the date of removal." In lieu of replanting you may pay a fee equal to the replacement value set by the City Arborist from the current year average retail cost, but only where circumstances prohibit replanting in the same spot.
8
If you are not replacing the tree, section 555-106D(2) requires you to have the stump removed immediately and to repair the sidewalk at your own expense.
9
To appeal a notice of violation or a tree risk assessment, file in writing within 10 days and state whether you want to appear before the Shade Tree Commission.

Fees, penalties, and the ordinance

Fee: Section 555-106I: "The fee for the shade tree permit, if any is deemed necessary, shall be set by ordinance of Council; see Chapter 212, Fees." The city's own Shade Tree Work Permit Application states no fee.
Penalties: Section 555-114D(1): any person who violates the Part, fails to comply with its requirements, works in violation of a permit, works without a required permit, or "shall willfully, maliciously or negligently destroy or injure any shade trees shall be, upon conviction thereof, sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense." Penalties are credited to the Shade Tree Commission.
Ordinance: Code of the City of Reading, Chapter 555 — Trees, Part 1, Shade Trees, sections 555-101 through 555-114. Sections 555-103 (Definitions) and 555-106 (Permits) were both amended 11-24-2025 by Ord. No. 77-2025. Section 555-107 (Requirements for tree work contractors) was added 6-13-2011 by Ord. No. 26-2011. Section 555-114 (Violations and penalties) was amended 8-24-1983 by Ord. No. 32-1983 and 5-29-2001 by Ord. No. 14-2001. The chapter cites 53 P.S. section 12416 as its state-law reference. Chapter 600 (Zoning) was adopted 7-26-2010 by Ord. No. 47-2010; the Riparian Buffer Overlay at section 600-818 was added 10-26-2015 by Ord. No. 57-2015 and the Steep Slope Overlay at section 600-819 was added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 59-2017. Chapter 515 (Subdivision and Land Development) was adopted 10-12-1977 by Ord. No. 39-1977. The code is current through July 13, 2026 (2026 S-8).

Worth knowing

The phrase to watch is "which at maturity would protrude into a public area." That is the clause that pulls a private-lot tree into the permit system, and Reading is the only city in this set that draws the line by future canopy rather than by property line or trunk size.
Contractor requirements are unusually specific and are the best screen on who you hire. Section 555-107A requires public liability insurance of $500,000/$1,000,000, property damage insurance of $50,000/$100,000, and workers compensation, with proof filed with the City Solicitor. Section 555-107B requires adherence to ANSI A300 tree care standards and ANSI Z133.1 safety standards. The city permit form separately requires an ISA Certified Arborist number and a City of Reading Business License number.
Topping is banned. The permit application states "The topping of street trees is prohibited," and section 555-103B defines topping as "The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three (3) inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree."
The Shade Tree Commission is a five-member board that meets the second Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Public Works Building.
Zoning does not add a tree permit. Section 600-301A(2)(a) lists every activity that triggers a zoning permit in Reading — erecting, constructing, moving or expanding a structure, building or sign; changing or expanding a use; a new use; demolishing a building; mineral extraction or outdoor business storage; building or expanding a vehicle parking area; and increasing dwelling or boarding-house units. Tree removal, grading and vegetation clearing are not on that list, and Chapter 600 provides no permit mechanism for its own tree rules.
The R-1A district has a tree provision, but it is a replacement-and-security obligation attached to development, not a size at which removal becomes regulated. Section 600-801C(1) applies where "development in this district requiring the removal of trees" occurs and requires the developer to post security that "all trees exceeding 10 feet in height, with trunks exceeding two inches in diameter, measured at four feet from ground level, will be replaced with trees of like type." Note that the test is conjunctive — over 10 feet tall AND over two inches — and that it measures at four feet, not at the 4.5-foot DBH point used everywhere else in the code. The equivalent R-1 district section has no tree provision at all.
The subdivision ordinance does not reach a homeowner. Section 515-510A is written broadly ("no grading, excavating, removal or destruction of the topsoil, trees or other vegetative cover"), but section 515-105B limits the whole chapter to subdivisions and land developments, and the section 515-202 definition of LAND DEVELOPMENT expressly excludes converting an existing single-family or semidetached dwelling into not more than three units, and excludes adding an accessory building subordinate to an existing principal building. A shed, garage or deck on an existing house does not trigger it.
Reading has no woodland overlay and no vegetation-based conservation overlay. Be careful with the terminology: a "Conservation District" in Reading means a historic conservation district under Chapter 295, not a natural one.

What we could not confirm

We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.

— The third prong of the shade tree definition points at nothing. "Property of special interest to the City by right of Chapter 600, Zoning" is a cross-reference to a designation that does not exist — the phrase "special interest" appears zero times across all 225 sections of Chapter 600, as do "specially protected," "protected property" and "designated property." In practice the city's shade tree jurisdiction rests on the first two prongs only.
— Section 555-102A states a purpose of protecting "protected trees on private property," but Chapter 555 never defines "protected tree" and Chapter 600 supplies no such designation. What that term refers to is unknown.
— Whether your lot is inside the Steep Slope Overlay District. Section 600-819A(1) delegates the geography to "the Steep Slope Map included in the Comprehensive Plan," which is not codified and is not published with the code. The words "Mount Penn," "Neversink" and "mountain" appear zero times in all 225 sections of Chapter 600, and section 600-819A itself says "professional assistance is required to assess applicability of these regulations to the property." A homeowner cannot determine overlay status from the ordinance text.
— Whether the city applies section 600-801C(1) to a homeowner who is not a "developer." The security obligation in the text runs to "the developer."
— Whether any fee is charged for a shade tree permit. Section 555-106I defers to Chapter 212 and the city's permit application states none.
— Where to submit a completed Shade Tree Work Permit Application — counter, mail or email — and the processing time. Neither is published.
— The name of the current City Arborist, and any email address for Public Works, the Arborist or the Shade Tree Commission. All addresses on the city site are script-obfuscated.

Sources

Who to contact in Reading

Department of Public Works, City of Reading (City Arborist and Shade Tree Commission)

610-655-6035 (Public Works, per the Shade Tree Work Permit Application). Shade Tree Commission liaison, Public Works Operations Division Manager: 610-655-6027. Official page

815 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601

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Size threshold

What's protected in Reading

Shade trees, defined at section 555-103B as "Any tree located in any public area, herein defined, or which at maturity would protrude into a public area, or to any tree located on property of special interest to the City by right of Chapter 600, Zoning, or any other ordinance."

Public areas, defined as "Any public right-of-way, park or other publicly owned property or easement under the control of the City."

Trees 8 inches DBH or more in any steep slope area — moderately steep (15 percent to under 25 percent) or very steep (25 percent or greater) — where a new development or redevelopment proposal is in play.

How to apply in Reading

1
Work out whether your tree is a shade tree. It is if it stands in a public area, or if at maturity it would protrude into one. If you are not sure, call Public Works at 610-655-6035 before scheduling anything.
2
Get the Shade Tree Work Permit Application from the Shade Tree Commission page. The form covers Pruning, Removal, Planting and Stump Grinding.
3
If a contractor is doing the work, the form requires their ISA Certified Arborist number and their City of Reading Business License number.
4
Section 555-106E: the application is made by the owner or lessee of the real estate the tree stands on, or, for a tree in the right-of-way, by the owner or lessee of the nearest real estate.
5
The City Arborist reviews and approves every application (section 555-106C(1)).
6
Finish the work within the period specified on the permit, which cannot exceed six months from issue unless the City Arborist extends it.
7
Replace the tree. Section 555-106D(1): "All shade trees removed by permit shall be replaced within a period of one year from the date of removal." In lieu of replanting you may pay a fee equal to the replacement value set by the City Arborist from the current year average retail cost, but only where circumstances prohibit replanting in the same spot.
8
If you are not replacing the tree, section 555-106D(2) requires you to have the stump removed immediately and to repair the sidewalk at your own expense.
9
To appeal a notice of violation or a tree risk assessment, file in writing within 10 days and state whether you want to appear before the Shade Tree Commission.

Fees, penalties, and the ordinance

Fee

Section 555-106I: "The fee for the shade tree permit, if any is deemed necessary, shall be set by ordinance of Council; see Chapter 212, Fees." The city's own Shade Tree Work Permit Application states no fee.

Penalties

Section 555-114D(1): any person who violates the Part, fails to comply with its requirements, works in violation of a permit, works without a required permit, or "shall willfully, maliciously or negligently destroy or injure any shade trees shall be, upon conviction thereof, sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense." Penalties are credited to the Shade Tree Commission.

Ordinance

Code of the City of Reading, Chapter 555 — Trees, Part 1, Shade Trees, sections 555-101 through 555-114. Sections 555-103 (Definitions) and 555-106 (Permits) were both amended 11-24-2025 by Ord. No. 77-2025. Section 555-107 (Requirements for tree work contractors) was added 6-13-2011 by Ord. No. 26-2011. Section 555-114 (Violations and penalties) was amended 8-24-1983 by Ord. No. 32-1983 and 5-29-2001 by Ord. No. 14-2001. The chapter cites 53 P.S. section 12416 as its state-law reference. Chapter 600 (Zoning) was adopted 7-26-2010 by Ord. No. 47-2010; the Riparian Buffer Overlay at section 600-818 was added 10-26-2015 by Ord. No. 57-2015 and the Steep Slope Overlay at section 600-819 was added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 59-2017. Chapter 515 (Subdivision and Land Development) was adopted 10-12-1977 by Ord. No. 39-1977. The code is current through July 13, 2026 (2026 S-8).

Worth knowing

The phrase to watch is "which at maturity would protrude into a public area." That is the clause that pulls a private-lot tree into the permit system, and Reading is the only city in this set that draws the line by future canopy rather than by property line or trunk size.
Contractor requirements are unusually specific and are the best screen on who you hire. Section 555-107A requires public liability insurance of $500,000/$1,000,000, property damage insurance of $50,000/$100,000, and workers compensation, with proof filed with the City Solicitor. Section 555-107B requires adherence to ANSI A300 tree care standards and ANSI Z133.1 safety standards. The city permit form separately requires an ISA Certified Arborist number and a City of Reading Business License number.
Topping is banned. The permit application states "The topping of street trees is prohibited," and section 555-103B defines topping as "The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three (3) inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree."
The Shade Tree Commission is a five-member board that meets the second Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Public Works Building.
Zoning does not add a tree permit. Section 600-301A(2)(a) lists every activity that triggers a zoning permit in Reading — erecting, constructing, moving or expanding a structure, building or sign; changing or expanding a use; a new use; demolishing a building; mineral extraction or outdoor business storage; building or expanding a vehicle parking area; and increasing dwelling or boarding-house units. Tree removal, grading and vegetation clearing are not on that list, and Chapter 600 provides no permit mechanism for its own tree rules.
The R-1A district has a tree provision, but it is a replacement-and-security obligation attached to development, not a size at which removal becomes regulated. Section 600-801C(1) applies where "development in this district requiring the removal of trees" occurs and requires the developer to post security that "all trees exceeding 10 feet in height, with trunks exceeding two inches in diameter, measured at four feet from ground level, will be replaced with trees of like type." Note that the test is conjunctive — over 10 feet tall AND over two inches — and that it measures at four feet, not at the 4.5-foot DBH point used everywhere else in the code. The equivalent R-1 district section has no tree provision at all.
The subdivision ordinance does not reach a homeowner. Section 515-510A is written broadly ("no grading, excavating, removal or destruction of the topsoil, trees or other vegetative cover"), but section 515-105B limits the whole chapter to subdivisions and land developments, and the section 515-202 definition of LAND DEVELOPMENT expressly excludes converting an existing single-family or semidetached dwelling into not more than three units, and excludes adding an accessory building subordinate to an existing principal building. A shed, garage or deck on an existing house does not trigger it.
Reading has no woodland overlay and no vegetation-based conservation overlay. Be careful with the terminology: a "Conservation District" in Reading means a historic conservation district under Chapter 295, not a natural one.

What we could not confirm

We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.

— The third prong of the shade tree definition points at nothing. "Property of special interest to the City by right of Chapter 600, Zoning" is a cross-reference to a designation that does not exist — the phrase "special interest" appears zero times across all 225 sections of Chapter 600, as do "specially protected," "protected property" and "designated property." In practice the city's shade tree jurisdiction rests on the first two prongs only.
— Section 555-102A states a purpose of protecting "protected trees on private property," but Chapter 555 never defines "protected tree" and Chapter 600 supplies no such designation. What that term refers to is unknown.
— Whether your lot is inside the Steep Slope Overlay District. Section 600-819A(1) delegates the geography to "the Steep Slope Map included in the Comprehensive Plan," which is not codified and is not published with the code. The words "Mount Penn," "Neversink" and "mountain" appear zero times in all 225 sections of Chapter 600, and section 600-819A itself says "professional assistance is required to assess applicability of these regulations to the property." A homeowner cannot determine overlay status from the ordinance text.
— Whether the city applies section 600-801C(1) to a homeowner who is not a "developer." The security obligation in the text runs to "the developer."
— Whether any fee is charged for a shade tree permit. Section 555-106I defers to Chapter 212 and the city's permit application states none.
— Where to submit a completed Shade Tree Work Permit Application — counter, mail or email — and the processing time. Neither is published.
— The name of the current City Arborist, and any email address for Public Works, the Arborist or the Shade Tree Commission. All addresses on the city site are script-obfuscated.