Tree care · Mid-Atlantic
Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Hardwood forests of oaks, maples and black cherry cover the hills, and hemlocks and white pines grow in cooler areas. Summer thunderstorms, wet snow and invasive pests drive most tree work.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Acer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer saccharum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus montana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesPrunus serotina
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiriodendron tulipifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTsuga canadensis
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus strobus
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesFagus grandifolia
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPlatanus occidentalis
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Thunderstorms and the remains of tropical storms are most common from June to September. Heavy wet snow and ice from December to March can break limbs and bring down whole trees.
Main storm months: June to September for thunderstorms and tropical remnants; December to March for snow and ice
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Most trees can be pruned in the dormant season, from late fall to early spring. Dead or storm-damaged limbs can be removed any time, and oaks are often best left alone in the warm months. Ask an arborist about your species.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Many Pennsylvania boroughs, townships and cities have tree rules for street trees, protected trees or work near construction. Check with your local office before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Pennsylvania, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Pennsylvania. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Pennsylvania state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Pennsylvania?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
We found no state license just for tree work. Pesticide work is licensed by the state, and home improvement contractors may need to register with the Attorney General. Check the state rules page and ask for proof of insurance. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Pennsylvania has spotted lanternfly quarantine rules that apply in some areas, and they can cover businesses that move wood and equipment. Check the state Department of Agriculture for the current map and rules, since they change.
Dead ash trees get brittle and can drop limbs without warning. Emerald ash borer has killed many ash trees in the eastern states, so ask an arborist or your extension office about it in your area. Do not climb or cut a dead ash yourself.
Late fall through early spring, while trees are dormant, works for most trees. Dead limbs can be removed any time. Ask a certified arborist about your species.
Keep away from downed lines and call the utility. Do not shake or cut limbs that are bent under snow, as they can spring back. Call an insured pro for broken or hanging limbs.
It depends on your borough, township or city. Many have rules for street trees and protected trees. Call your local office before booking and ask the tree company if they handle permits.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.