The trees located within the right-of-way are the responsibility of the Township to maintain. Trees located outside the right-of-way are the responsibility of the property owner. Upon request, the Township Arborist will inspect a tree to determine if it is located within the right-of-way.

The right-of-way consists of the street plus a strip on each side for curbs, sidewalks and utilities such as electric cables; telephone, water and gas lines; and sewers. For shade trees, the important dimension is the distance from the curb to the edge of the right-of-way. This distance varies from street to street and also sometimes within the same street. A property owner who wishes to determine whether a specific tree is within the right-of-way may obtain this information from the Township Arborist at 610-726-7141.

You may contact the Shade Tree Division at 610-726-7141 and leave your name, address, telephone number and a brief message. The Township Arborist will investigate your request and contact you once the inspection is complete. As the Public Works Department receives numerous requests for tree plantings and maintenance, several days may elapse before the Arborist can provide you with any information.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair and/or replacement of sidewalk and curb abutting their property. A permit from the Public Works Department is required for any work done within the right-of-way.