Planting a Tree

How to Plant a Tree in the City of Pittsburgh

Are you planting a tree you purchased yourself?

Before you begin, please note that a resident must obtain a permit from the City of Ptitsburgh Forester before planting a street tree. Download a permit request form here.

Once you submit the permit request, the Forester will follow-up with a site visit to determine the appropriate species and reccomend one for your purchase. You will need to call PA One-Call to make sure you know where all underground utilities are before you begin digging. Also, to plant in a sidewalk pit, you may need to get some of the concrete cut.

Do you want the City to plant a tree for you or are you applying to TreeVitalize Pittsburgh for trees?

You will first need to fill out a Tree Request Form. The City of Pittsburgh is not currently planting street trees, but you can submit a tree request form to add your name to the list for future planting events. Download the tree request form here.

How to Properly Plant a Tree

The National Arbor Day Foundation is a trusted source for tree care information, and below you will find their reccomended planting strategy.

If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted.

Ideally, dig or roto till an area one foot deep and approximately 5 times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree.

In transplanting, be sure to keep soil around the roots. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by the trunk or branches. Don't let the root ball dry out. Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball.

After placing the tree, pack soil firmly but not tightly around the root ball. Water the soil and place a protective 3-foot circle of mulch around the tree.

Mulching will help your tree to grow!

Proper mulching is important because mulch insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street. Remove any grass within the mulch area which should average 3 to 10 feet in diameter, depending on tree size. Pour well-composted mulch 2 to 4 inches within the circle, but not touching the trunk.

Illustrations - c) 1998, 2004 International Society of Arboriculture. UPDATED JULY 2005

Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact:
ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.
E-mail inquires: isa@isa-arbor.com