Wilmington, Delaware
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Wilmington
Wilmington draws a clear line. Work on a street tree needs a city permit, even for pruning a branch over two inches thick. A tree on private property needs none. Knowing which side of the sidewalk your tree is on settles most questions.
- County
- New Castle
- Tree rules
- City of Wilmington Urban Forestry Program, Department of Public Works
- Key local rule
- Permit required to plant, remove or prune branches over 2 inches on any street tree
- Electric utility
- Delmarva Power
- Main hazards
- Thunderstorm wind, tropical remnants, nor'easters
When does Wilmington require a tree permit?
For street trees only. Planting one, removing one, or pruning any branch larger than two inches in diameter requires a permit from the city. Trees on private property do not need a permit.
- Who issues it
- The city's urban forestry staff review the request.
- Process
- The city inspects the site first. Allow about two weeks.
- Replacement
- A removed street tree is normally replaced with a species the city approves.
Rowhouses, hills and the Brandywine
Wilmington is small and varied. The flats near the Christina River are dense rowhouse blocks where the only trees are in the sidewalk. A mile north the land climbs into the Highlands, Forty Acres and Trolley Square, where large oaks, tulip poplars and London planes shade twin and detached houses.
Brandywine Park and the creek valley cut through the middle of the city with steep, wooded banks. Houses along the rim have big trees leaning toward the open valley, and removals there are done from above with ropes because no truck can get below.
In rowhouse neighborhoods, a rear-yard tree is usually reached through the house or over a party wall. Tell the company up front how the yard is entered.
Street trees, private trees and the right-of-way
The city's Urban Forestry Program, part of Public Works, issues street tree permits. A street tree is one growing in the public right-of-way, which usually means the sidewalk area, even though the adjoining owner often has responsibilities for it under city code.
The permit covers planting, removal and significant pruning. Minor pruning of twigs and small branches does not need one. The city publishes guidance on telling a private tree from a right-of-way tree, and staff will confirm on site.
Delaware does not license tree companies. For work on a street tree in particular, use a firm that can show insurance and is familiar with the city's permit conditions.
Wilmington trees by setting
| Setting | Common trees | Typical concern |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk plantings | London plane, honeylocust, red maple, callery pear | Sidewalk heaving, low limbs, split pears |
| Highlands and Rockford Park area | White and red oak, tulip poplar, beech | Very large trees over roofs. Scorch in oaks. |
| Brandywine and creek banks | Sycamore, tulip poplar, boxelder | Leaning trees on eroding slopes |
| Alleys and rear yards | Tree-of-heaven, mulberry, Norway maple | Trees growing into walls, wires and garages |
Storms that bring down Wilmington trees
- Tropical remnants
- Isaias in 2020 and Ida in 2021 brought wind and flooding. The Brandywine reached record levels during Ida.
- Summer squall lines
- The most frequent cause of calls, with gusts of 50 to 70 mph.
- Nor'easters
- Long, wet wind events that tip trees on saturated slopes.
- Ice and wet snow
- Occasional, and hard on callery pears and pines.
Signs a creek-bank or hillside tree is moving
The lean has increased since last year
Compare photographs if you have them.
Roots exposed on the downhill side
The bank is eroding from under the tree.
A crescent crack in the soil uphill of the trunk
The root plate is starting to lift.
Dead top in a sycamore or poplar
Root loss or decay. See tree leaning toward the house.
Wilmington, DE tree service questions
Do I need a permit to trim the tree in front of my Wilmington house?
If it is a street tree and the branch is over two inches in diameter, yes. The permit involves a site inspection.
Is a permit needed for a backyard tree in Wilmington?
No. The city does not require a permit for trees on private property.
How long does a Wilmington street tree permit take?
About two weeks in normal conditions, because the city inspects the tree first.
Who replaces a street tree that is removed in Wilmington?
Replacement is generally a condition of the permit. The city approves the species and location.
Reach a tree service in Wilmington
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Wilmington area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day