Scranton's housing stock is old, much of it built close together on narrow lots and steep streets, with mature street trees between curb and sidewalk. That combination makes removals here more often a climbing-and-rigging job than a simple drop, which tends to push quotes up.
Neighborhoods we get requests from
Green Ridge, the Hill Section, North Scranton, the West Side, South Side, Minooka, Bellevue, Pine Brook and areas near Nay Aug Park.
Common tree problems here
- Large old maples and oaks over houses and garages on tight lots.
- Dead and dying ash from emerald ash borer (PA DCNR: emerald ash borer).
- Tree of heaven in alleys and vacant lots. It's the spotted lanternfly's favorite host, and Lackawanna County is under quarantine (Penn State Extension: spotted lanternfly).
Scranton rules to know
- Street trees: removing or planting a tree in the public right-of-way (usually between curb and sidewalk) needs permission from the Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester. Fines run up to $250 per violation (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)). Contact: Scranton Shade Tree Commission, 570-348-4105.
- Topping is banned as a normal practice (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)).
- Tree businesses must register with the PA Attorney General and carry required liability and workers' comp insurance (§434-6, Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)). Ask any company for proof.
- Help for dangerous trees: the city has run a removal-assistance program for eligible low-to-moderate-income homeowners. See City of Scranton: help removing a dangerous tree.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for a written quote that says whether stump grinding, log removal and cleanup are included.
- Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and workers' comp. In Scranton, tree businesses must carry at least $500,000 bodily injury / $100,000 property damage liability and workers' comp, and register with the PA Attorney General (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees) §434-6).
- Check their PA Home Improvement Contractor registration number (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration).
- Get two or three quotes for non-emergency work.