Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Lehigh Valley?

Tree removal regulations vary significantly across the Lehigh Valley. Some municipalities require permits for any significant tree removal; others have no requirements at all. Before scheduling work, check your local rules to avoid fines and complications.

General Principles

A few things are true almost everywhere:

• Dead or hazardous trees: Emergency removal of clearly dead or immediately dangerous trees is generally permitted without prior approval
• Your property, your trees (usually): Trees entirely on your private property are generally yours to remove, subject to local ordinances
• Street trees are different: Trees in the public right-of-way (between sidewalk and street) are typically managed by the municipality
• HOA rules may apply: Even without municipal requirements, your homeowner's association may have tree removal restrictions

By Municipality

Allentown

Allentown has relatively specific tree protection ordinances:

• Permits may be required for removal of trees above certain size thresholds
• Street trees require city approval before removal or significant pruning
• Development projects have specific tree protection requirements

Contact:

• City of Allentown Bureau of Building Standards and Safety
• City of Allentown Parks and Recreation - Street tree questions

Bethlehem

Bethlehem has tree regulations that apply primarily to:

• Trees in the public right-of-way (require city approval)
• Trees on properties undergoing development or subdivision
• Historic district considerations may apply in certain areas

For routine removal of trees on private residential property, permits are generally not required, but it's worth confirming for large or prominent trees.

Contact:

• City of Bethlehem Community and Economic Development
• Bethlehem Historic and Conservation Districts - Historic district questions

Easton

Easton's tree regulations focus on:

• Street trees (city property)
• Development-related tree protection

Private property tree removal typically doesn't require permits for individual homeowners, though notification may be appreciated for very large trees.

Contact:

• City of Easton Public Works Department
• City of Easton Code Enforcement & Planning Office

Smaller Municipalities

Many smaller townships and boroughs in the Lehigh Valley have minimal or no tree ordinances for private property. However:

• Zoning regulations may affect tree removal on certain properties
• Subdivision and land development ordinances often include tree protection provisions
• Street trees are almost always regulated

Common smaller municipalities:

• Whitehall Township
• Emmaus Borough
• Nazareth Borough
• Upper Nazareth Township

Special Situations

Historic Districts

Properties in designated historic districts may have additional requirements:

• Historic district commissions may review exterior changes, including significant tree removal
• Large, mature trees may be considered contributing to historic character
• Replacement requirements may apply

If you're in a historic district, check with the local historic preservation office before removing prominent trees.

Boundary Trees

Trees that straddle property lines are legally shared between property owners:

• Neither owner can remove the tree without the other's consent
• Both owners share responsibility for maintenance
• Disputes may require legal resolution

Before removing a tree near a property line, confirm it's entirely on your property. Survey stakes or a formal survey may be needed for borderline cases.

Utility Easements

If utility lines cross your property:

• The utility company may have rights to trim or remove trees that threaten lines
• You generally can't remove trees that would destabilize utility infrastructure
• Contact the utility before removing trees near their equipment

Environmental Protections

Certain situations may trigger environmental review:

• Wetland buffers: Trees near designated wetlands may be protected
• Riparian buffers: Trees along streams and waterways often have removal restrictions
• Steep slopes: Some ordinances protect vegetation on steep slopes

If your property includes or borders wetlands, streams, or steep slopes, check for environmental restrictions before tree removal.

HOA and Deed Restrictions

Even without municipal requirements, you may face private restrictions:

• HOA rules: Many associations require approval for tree removal, especially in front yards or common areas
• Deed restrictions: Some developments have recorded covenants protecting trees
• Architectural review: Some communities require approval for exterior changes including landscaping

Check your HOA documents and deed before assuming you can remove trees freely.

What Happens If You Remove Without a Permit

If a permit was required and you didn't get one:

• Fines: Municipalities can impose penalties for unpermitted tree removal
• Replacement requirements: You may be required to plant replacement trees
• Stop-work orders: If caught during removal, work may be halted
• Complications with future permits: Unpermitted work can complicate future projects

Penalties vary widely—from minor fines to substantial penalties for removing protected trees.

What Your Tree Company Should Know

Reputable local tree services understand local regulations and can advise you:

• They should know which municipalities have permit requirements
• They may handle permit applications as part of their service
• They'll typically refuse to do work that clearly violates local rules

If a tree company says you need a permit, believe them. If they say you don't need one for a situation that seems like it should require one, verify independently.

How to Check

To confirm requirements for your specific situation:

1. Call your municipal office: Ask to speak with zoning, code enforcement, or the building department
2. Describe the tree and situation: Size, species if known, location on property, reason for removal
3. Ask specifically about permits: What's required, what's the process, what does it cost
4. Get it in writing if possible: An email confirmation of requirements protects you

This takes 10 minutes and can save you significant hassle.

The Bottom Line

Most routine tree removal on private residential property in the Lehigh Valley doesn't require permits—but exceptions exist. Street trees, trees in historic districts, trees near waterways, and very large trees may have special requirements.

When in doubt, check. A quick phone call to your municipal office costs nothing and prevents potential problems. Your tree service company can often advise, but the responsibility for compliance is ultimately yours.