Who To Call When... - Tree Pittsburgh

Have a tree question? We’ll do our best to answer it here.
If you still have questions, email info@treepittsburgh.org and we’ll help you out.

Who do I call when street trees conflict with signage, buildings, etc.?

For City of Pittsburgh residents concerned about a street tree, call 311 and request an assessment of the trees. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html).

For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

Who do I call when trees conflict with electric utilities?

If the tree is in conflict with power lines, call Duquesne Light or West Penn Power.

Who do I call when I want permission to plant a street tree between the sidewalk and the curb adjacent to my property?

For City of Pittsburgh residents, call the City Forestry Division (412/665‑3625) to obtain the needed permits. For residents outside of the city, call your borough manager or shade tree commission to find out what the tree planting ordinances are in your town.

Who do I call when I want a street tree to be removed from the sidewalk adjacent to my property? What if I want to pay for street tree removal or care of a public street tree?

For City residents, call 311. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html). For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission to find out what the tree removal ordinances are in your town.

Who do I call when my neighbor’s tree is infringing/damaging my property?

Talk to your neighbor first. Have an ISA-certified arborist come look at the tree to determine options. Often times arborists are well informed regarding property lines, laws, etc., and can advise the best course of action for private property tree issues. If your neighbor is uncooperative or hostile, calling your attorney may be the best bet. Tree Pittsburgh does not consult or perform work on private property trees.

Who do I call when I see public street tree damage?

If you witness an act of vandalism, call police to report the misdemeanor.

Who do I call when I see someone vandalizing or removing a public tree?

Call the Police.

Who do I call when a tree is struck by a vehicle?

Call the Police.

Who do I call for code enforcement?

Call 311. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html) or call your City Councilperson. To learn more about the tree codes, visit the City’s code website. For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

Who is responsible for tree debris?

For street tree debris: City residents, call 311. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html). For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

For private property tree debris: City residents are responsible for picking up tree debris on their property. The City holds yearly yard debris pickup days in the spring and fall. All material should be in compost bags or bundled in 4‑foot sections. No vegetation should be in garbage bags. City residents can also drop off yard debris at collection centers. More information is available on the City of Pittsburgh website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/enviromental-services.html). For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

Who do I call for tree issues on vacant lots and paper streets?

For City residents, call 311 for vacant lots. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html). Please see the City of Pittsburgh’s policy on paper streets.
For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

Who do I call regarding sidewalks?

For City residents call the Department of Public Works. For residents outside of the city contact your local municipality.

Who do I call for personal property damage caused by a public tree?

For emergencies, call 911. Otherwise, call 311 to have the incident reported to the Forestry Division. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html). For non-City residents, call your Borough Manager.

I got a notice from the City that trees in front of my home will be cut down. They haven’t been cut down yet. What do I do?

Call 311 to contact the Forestry Division. Be sure to write down your incident number so you can follow up with 311 if necessary. You can also fill out the 311 form on Pittsburgh’s website (http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/311.html).

For residents outside the city, call your Borough Manager or Shade Tree Commission.

Can Tree Pittsburgh come cut down the tree in my backyard?

While Tree Pittsburgh has ISA Certified Arborists™ on staff, we do not perform private property consultations. Please check the Pennsylvania Delaware Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture for a list of certified arborists (http://www.penndelisa.org/find-an-arborist) in the area.

Can Tree Pittsburgh come prune trees on my property?

While Tree Pittsburgh has ISA Certified Arborists™ on staff, we do not perform private property consultations. Please visit the ISA Website to find a Certified Arborist near you.

32 62nd Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15201 | (412) 781-TREE (8733) | info@treepittsburgh.org

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