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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):



What’s the difference between a street tree and a yard tree?
Street Tree

A street tree (left) is a tree planted in the sidewalk or a planting strip in the public right-of-way. A yard tree (right) is planted in the ground on private property.



How do I get a yard tree?

You can get a yard tree three ways. Pick one of the three methods and learn about yard trees here.



How do I get a street tree? When will I get my street tree?

You can get a street tree three ways. Pick one of the three methods here. For questions about these processes or to get an update on the status of a street tree planting or removal request, contact Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Street Tree Management Division by calling (215) 685-4363 or (215) 685-4362 between 7 and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.

Get more information about street trees
here.




How do I get a street tree pruned or removed?

Parks & Recreation prunes and removes hazardous street trees for free. You can request service online by clicking here or by calling The Street Tree Management Division at (215) 685-4363 or (215) 685-4362. Parks & Recreation does not prune or remove trees on private property, in vacant lots, or in alleyways. We are also not able to remove living, healthy trees. Property owners are able to hire certified arborists to do this work at their own expense.

Get a list of Parks and Recreation approved contractors
here.




How do I get a yard tree pruned or removed?

TreePhilly and Parks and Recreation do not prune or remove trees on private property, including alleys. Property owners are responsible for their yard trees. If you are a property owner looking for an arborist, check out the International Society of Arboriculture.

Learn about yard tree care here.




Will tree roots get into my house’s pipes?

Tree roots can find their way into a sewer pipe, but normally that occurs only after the lateral has begun to deteriorate as a result of age, settlement, or other factors. Most of a tree’s roots are in the one or two feet of soil directly beneath the sidewalk. A home’s sewer lateral is an average of six to seven feet below the sidewalk. There is a barrier of soil and fill between the lateral and the tree.

Read more about trees and pipes from Philadelphia Water here.



I have a legal question about trees.

TreePhilly and Parks and Recreation do not and cannot answer legal questions about trees. Our team are not legal experts. Contact a legal expert for questions about tree law.