Shade Trees

Shade Tree Care and Maintenance

Property owners, please care for your trees! Tree-lined streets add beauty to our community and stability to our ecosystem. A little regular maintenance will keep your trees healthy and beautiful. The Carlisle Borough reminds property owners of their responsibility to maintain street trees according to the Shade Tree Ordinance

  • Dying trees, dead branches and stumps must by removed.
  • On mature trees, limbs must be elevated to eight feet over the sidewalk and fourteen feet over the street. This will keep your sidewalks safe for pedestrians and prevent tree branches from interfering with large trucks and buses.
  • FREE permits are needed for pruning and planting.

The Borough of Carlisle’s Shade Tree Ordinance prohibits the removal of healthy, vibrant shade trees without first obtaining an approved permit issued by the Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department. There is no fee to obtain the permit; however, in extreme cases, failure to do so could result in a fine up to $300 per offense.  Please help us keep Carlisle greener by following the shade tree permit process and informing us at 717-243-3318 of any suspicious tree removal you may observe in your neighborhood.  

2024 Street Tree Planting

Each year, Carlisle Parks and Recreation plants about two dozen free street trees for borough property owners, as funds are available. Complete a planting application if you would like the Borough to plant up to two street trees at your property, at no cost. Sidewalk cuts included. Only property owners may apply.  Funds are limited.  Spring Street Tree Planting application deadline is March 1, 2024 and the Fall application deadline is September 1, 2024. Click on links below for more information.

2024 Street Tree ApplicationArbor  DAY - fb

Approved Street Tree Planting List 

Tree Planting Regulations

Tree Pruning Regulations

PPL Distribution Line Vegetation Management Brochure 

Sidewalk vs Street Trees

Street Tree Ordinance

Carlisle Community Walkable, Welcoming,
Vibrant, Bikeable, Active, Fun
CARLISLE PARKS & RECREATION 415 Franklin Street
Carlisle. PA 17013
717-243-3318 MON - FRI 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM