Do you need a tree removal permit in Pittsburgh, PA?

We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Pittsburgh. Call the city before removing a large tree. In Pittsburgh, the city Forestry Division owns and cares for trees in the public right-of-way and parks, and you need a city permit to plant, prune or remove one. We could not confirm a city rule for trees on private land. Call 311 before removing a large tree near the street. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Trees in the public right-of-way and city parks are city trees. We could not confirm protection for trees on private land.

The Forestry Division cares for right-of-way and park trees, and all work requests go through 311. To plant, prune or remove one yourself you need a permit. A private tree company needs a tree work permit, must pay the fees, and all work must be supervised by an ISA Certified Arborist. A tree you pay to plant in the right-of-way becomes city-owned; the neighbor waters it for the first 2 to 5 years. Only approved species may be planted.

Under section 483.05 (Hazardous Trees in Public Areas), a street tree the city judges a hazard can be removed without notice or appeal. Other street tree removals are posted, and neighbors can appeal within 21 days of the posting date.

Call 311 (412-255-2621) or use the city's 311 online portal for work on city trees. For your own contractor, file the Request for Permit (tree planting, removal and pruning) with the Forestry Division.

The city says penalties may be imposed for improper pruning, ranging from restoration pruning costs to mitigation payments for tree removal.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.