The Department of Forestry has brought to our attention that someone besides the City of Pittsburgh or a trained Tree Tender has pruned some trees on City land in the Highland Park neighborhood. They ask that residents please keep in mind that not only can improper pruning be detrimental to a tree's health, but un-permitted pruning of public trees is considered to be an act of vandalism as it is damaging City property.

In this recent situation, the trees that were improperly pruned were not in front of a resident's home. However, should the street tree in front of a home be in need of pruning, the owner of that property may hire an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and s/he will apply to the City for a permit to prune a tree in the public right of way. The Department of Forestry will investigate each request before approval in order to make sure that this public asset is properly maintained.