Common reasons people remove trees here
- Dying ash trees. Emerald ash borer is now found statewide and usually kills ash 3–5 years after infestation. Signs: thinning crown, bark splits, D-shaped exit holes, heavy woodpecker damage (PA DCNR: emerald ash borer). Dead ash becomes brittle, so removal gets riskier the longer you wait.
- Trees leaning toward the house after soil is saturated or roots are damaged.
- Tree of heaven, the preferred host of the spotted lanternfly. Lackawanna and Luzerne counties are both in the state quarantine (Penn State Extension: spotted lanternfly).
- Roots lifting sidewalks or driveways, or trees crowding the foundation.
What affects the price
Height and trunk diameter, how close the tree is to the house or wires, whether a bucket truck or crane can reach it, and whether stump grinding and hauling are included. Published PA estimates: routine removal about $578–$1,512, hazardous tight-access removal about $1,672–$5,053 (CostFigure, Pennsylvania tree removal cost (2026)). Full cost guide.
Do you need a permit?
For a tree on your own private property in Scranton, the city tree ordinance generally doesn't apply. Trees in the public right-of-way (usually the strip between curb and sidewalk) need permission from the Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester, with fines up to $250 per violation (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees); Scranton Shade Tree Commission). Rules differ by town; see each service-area page.
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.