BUREAU OF PARKS MAINTENANCE

Shade Trees Information

The Bureau of Parks Maintenance is directly responsible for the trimming of more than 50,000 shade trees located between the sidewalk and the curb of city streets. The City through a permit process does tree trimming for free. Tree removal is not performed by the City, but a permit needs to be obtained before removing a tree between the sidewalk and the curb.

The City of Harrisburg will not service trees on private property.

To have a tree trimmed, or obtain a permit to have a tree removed, please do the following:

1. Make sure the tree is a “street tree.”

2. A street tree is any tree at the front or side of your property located between the sidewalk and the curb.

3. Call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 717.255.3020. Have available:
4. • Your name
   • Your daytime phone number
   • Address of the tree
   • The problem with the tree.

If you want the tree to be trimmed, we will put you on a list and a City crew will trim the tree in the order the tree was put on the list.

You may trim the tree yourself by obtaining a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation for a fee of $5.00. Follow steps 1 & 2, and a permit will be completed for you.

If you want the tree removed, please follow steps 1 & 2. Our Parks Maintenance Director will inspect the tree to determine if the tree needs to be removed. Trees will only be approved for removal if they are dead or diseased. If your tree is approved for removal you will be notified by phone and will be asked to pick up a tree removal notice for a fee of $5.00.

If you would like to plant a tree between the sidewalk and the curb, call the Department of Parks and Recreation and you will be placed on a list of tree plantings. Our Parks Maintenance Director will visit the planting site to determine if it is appropriate to plant a tree there. Once approved, you will be issued a tree planting permit for $5.00 and given a list of City approved trees to plant at your site.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to call us at 717.255.3020.