Lower Macungie Township

Public Works - Roads - Trees: Diseased/Trimming

Tree Trimming

Due to safety concerns for larger vehicles (buses, fire trucks, delivery trucks etc.), and as a courtesy to the residents, street-side tree trimming is done routinely by the Public Works Department . This service also permits the proper maintenance of roads. Many things such as weather conditions and volume can affect the scheduled pruning. To reduce the frequency of pruning, trees are generally pruned beyond the curb or, in some cases, to the edge of the right of way or tree trunk- maintaining a minimum clearance of 12 to 14’ above the road surface. If you have concerns about township personnel performing this tree trimming service, you may trim street trees yourself or have a professional landscaper perform the work for you. Please contact Public Works if you intend to trim the street side of trees on your own. 610.966.4343 (x117) or Dfowler@lowermac.com. We will check to determine if your trimming meets these recommendations. If it does not, we will notify you so that corrections can be made. Suggested pruning methods click here.
Tree pruning \ trimming on the sidewalk or private property side of the tree is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. Clearance above sidewalks should be a minimum of 7 feet.

Starting in 2013 until completion, tree trimming will take place in the following Developments:

Ancient Oaks West - Aster Road; Ancient Oaks South - Magnolia, Larch, Manzanita; Country Downs - Sassafras, Rosewood, Maplewood Lane; Shepherd Hills - Country Club, Brassie, Par Causeway, Birdie, Sandtrap; Winding Brook Manor - Princton, N. Pewter, S. Pewter, Fresh Meadow; Ancient Oaks - Hillcrest, Linden, Laurel, Juniper; Farmington Hills - Moonbeam, Periwinkle, Silvano, Tuscany; Other LMT Roads - Hidden Valley Rd. (Lower Macungie to East Texas Rds.), Millrace Road (Lower Macungie to Shefield), Macungie Road, Creamery Road, Gun Club Road, Broad Street, Sauerkraut Lane (Millcreek to Pembrooke), Seem Road; Cross Timbers - Fall 2013

Trees – Care, Maintenance, Removal, Replacement

Trees at curbside or in the Right of Way are currently the responsibility of the abutting property owner (LMT Codified Ordinance Chapter 21, Part 4). Property “Owners shall maintain all street trees within or abutting their property to ensure that they are free of damage and disease and shall not create a risk of harm to passersby”. Street trees are not to be removed unless they are dead, diseased or at risk of collapse and only then upon receipt of a tree removal permit from the Township. Removal of street trees is subject to replacement by the abutting property owner within six (6) months at the property owner’s expense. As part of the (no fee permit) process, Lower Macungie Township personnel will evaluate the tree(s) to determine what action, if any is warranted. Replacement trees must conform to LMT specifications for approved trees. For more information, contact 610.966.4343 (x117) or Dfowler@lowermac.com.