Trees are a natural resource and improve air quality, lower air temperature, reduce stormwater runoff, raise property values, and contribute to the aesthetics of neighborhoods within the Borough of Doylestown. The Borough of Doylestown encourages the planting of trees, and particularly native trees, on properties within Doylestown Borough.

Planting Trees

Information about native trees and plants, including their uses in landscaping and optimal conditions for their success, can be found at the following links:

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

PA Native Plant Society

In addition, the Borough Shade Tree Commission has professional nursery staff, tree experts, and landscape architects available to assist property owners in making informed choices about the trees on their property.

Tree Pruning

A permit is not required to prune trees however please be aware that lately there have been issues with unprofessional pruners “topping” trees. “Topping” is cutting back all the limbs by sawing them off as if the tree was trimmed like one cuts a shrub. It is poor practice and results in trees that are weakened and have shorter lifespans.

Pruning info

Why tree topping is wrong

How to Treat Trees Covered in Vines

It's not uncommon to see trees with vines growing on their trunks. If you're questioning whether you should remove the vines, the short answer is "Yes." In many cases, the vines are invasive and can interfere with the health of the tree by depriving the tree of water and nutrients in the soil, shading the tree's inner canopy growth, and weighing down limbs. Vines can also hide structural defects in trees, which means that minor problems would be left untreated and become more substantial.

Two of the more common invasive vines in this area are Wintercreeper and English Ivy. Information about additional species of invasive vines can be found on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Tree Removal Permits

Background:

Trees are a natural resource and improve air quality, lower air temperature, reduce storm water runoff, raise property values, and contribute to the aesthetics of neighborhoods within the Borough of Doylestown. As such, the Borough of Doylestown has a Tree Removal Ordinance that regulates the removal of trees within in the Borough. This ordinance requires that prior to removal of any protected tree; the property owner shall acquire a Tree Removal Permit from the Department of Building and Zoning, located at 10 Doyle Street. There is a $15 fee for this permit.

When A Tree Removal Permit is Required:

A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove any protected tree. Protected trees are defined as:

  • Any deciduous tree 6 inches or greater in DBH.
  • Any evergreen tree 6 inches or greater in DBH.
  • Any ornamental, specimen or unique quality tree, including, but not limited to, a cherry, dogwood, Japanese maple (cryptomeria), larch, Metasequoia, cedar of Lebanon, holly, or birch tree with a five-inch or greater trunk diameter, measured as six inches above the surrounding site ground surface.
  • Dead and damaged tree removal requires a permit unless emergency removal is authorized by the police, the fire department, or Borough staff.
  • A permit is not required to remove Sumac, Box Elder, Sassafras, or Ailanthus trees.
  • A permit is not required to remove trees that are fallen or on the ground.

Process:

  • Complete the Tree Removal Permit Application and bring to the Borough Zoning and Planning Office at 10 Doyle Street with a check for 15 dollars.
  • The staff will accept your completed permit application and advise you when the next shade tree commission meeting will occur and if you need to appear at the meeting.
  • The Borough Arborist will visit the site and inspect the tree(s) proposed for removal.
  • The Shade Tree Commission will review the removal request at the monthly meeting. You should plan on attending in case the committee has questions.
  • The Shade Tree Commission will make a recommendation on approval of the permit and the Zoning and Planning officer will make a decision to grant or deny the permit based on the recommendation.
  • If you are not present at the meeting you will be notified of the outcome of the application with in two days of the meeting.
  • If the Tree Removal Permit is approved, the applicant must post the permit on-site during the removal of the tree.