Existing Trees under Section 156-1 and Section 168-2
If a tree is removed from the Township's public streets and highways' right-of-way, it may not be restored. State highways are not included in this restriction. The owner of the land next to the right-of-way is responsible for maintaining all such trees trimmed so that there is a minimum of nine feet between the trees and any public walkway and a minimum of fourteen feet between the trees and any public street or highway right-of-way.

However, when heavy traffic or other circumstances warrant it, the Township is now granted the authority to establish a larger clearance on specific highways. The owner of any private property must maintain any trees, plants, or shrubs that are standing and have branches that extend into or over a public highway or right-of-way trimmed so that no part of the plant or shrub extends into or over a sidewalk or right-of-way below the minimum clearance. mentioned above, or any further clearance that the Township may designate.

Suppose the owner of the property neglects or refuses to trim the trees, plants, or shrubs after receiving written notice from the Township. In that case, the Township may, following the expiration of the notice's deadline, require the owner to pay for the trimming. The full cost of the trimming will be a lien against the property and will be filed and collected by Upper Southampton Township in the same way as municipal claims.

Regulation on Tree Trimming

Tree limbs and shrubs growing over public roads and sidewalks must be controlled by property. According to township laws, all shrubs and trees must be clipped to maintain a minimum unobstructed clearance of fourteen (14) feet over public highways and nine (9) feet over walkways.

In addition to fines and penalties, noncompliance will create hazardous situations that endanger the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers of motor vehicles.

Removal of dead trees

The Shade Tree Commission may require the owner of the property to cut and remove trees in the Township that are afflicted with Dutch elm disease or other diseases that pose a threat to the health or destruction of said trees after providing them with ten days written notice. If the owner of the property is not home, the Shade Tree Commission may also require the owner or occupant to post a notice in a conspicuous location on the property and to publicly display the notice there. If the owner disregards this notification, the Township has the right to have the tree removed and to collect the associated costs.