Street Tree Trimming Guidelines

Cranberry has required the planting of trees along its roadways to create an attractive and environmentally sound community. Under Township ordinances, maintaining those street side trees is the responsibility of the property owner. It’s a public safety measure that involves trimming branches back to the 14-foot height required to keep them from brushing against vehicles or blocking drivers’ views. View Ordinance 

Good arbor practices determine the exact trimming details for each tree, but in each case it will be with a view to preserving the tree’s health and appearance, both of which are influenced by the tree’s age. The specific area of branch growth which is affected on mature trees appears in the boxed area on the right of the diagram.

TreeTrim-300px.jpgIn many cases, the same tree covers sidewalks on the residential side, which require a 9-foot clearance, shown in gray on the left side of the diagram. Maintaining those trees is a shared responsibility. The Township does the street side maintenance while homeowners handle the property side.

A contractor annually trims along the neighborhood street rights-of-way under the following conditions:

  • Prior to the annual paving program, as needed
  • Prior to the annual snow removal, as needed
  • For sight distance, as needed for safety