Sustaining the Legacy of Frontier Place 

An essential component of the value and charm of the Frontier Place Neighborhood is the trees that line our streets and boulevards as developed in 1922. Caring for the trees that exist and planting new trees where needed is something every homeowner in the neighborhood is responsible for. The Frontier Improvement Association aims to ensure the continuing appeal and integrity of our neighborhood, and your Board seeks to provide leadership and direction on this path.

The following information from the City of Erie and the Office of the City Arborist is reprinted below for your information. These ordinances have been in effect for many years and your heightened awareness of them will help your community in many ways.

Definitions:

·       Tree Lawn (Right Of Way edge) is that part of a street or highway, not covered by sidewalk or other paving, lying between the property line and that portion of the street or highway usually used for vehicular traffic.

·       Public Trees shall include all shade and ornamental trees now or hereafter growing on any street or on any public land (includes boulevards).

City Policy on Trees in the “Right of Way” (Tree Lawns/Boulevards):

[see also Article 165 (Urban Forest Committee) of The City of Erie]

The owner of properties in the City of Erie abutting upon the streets and highways of the City shall be responsible of the care and maintenance of all trees located between the front property line of such property and the traveled portion of such streets and highways in the area between the extensions of the side boundary lines of such properties. Such owners shall be responsible for the performance of trimming, treatment, removal, planting, and trimming or removal to prevent hazards. 

The practice by the City of removing trees is a courtesy. City funds for tree pruning and removal are limited and are not guaranteed. Property owners requesting that the City remove a tree will be placed on the Tree Removal List which (as of 2008) has an estimated four year wait time with no ultimate guarantee of removal. The City is under no legal obligation to perform removals or pruning and any liability for failure to adhere to Ordinance 11-1961-4 rests with the abutting property owner.

The City Arborist may issue a written order to the owner or occupant of any property abutting the public streets in the City where trees are located (i.e., Tree Lawn or Boulevard) to remove, abate or correct any dangerous or hazardous condition, infestation or disease of any tree located thereon.  Should the party to whom the order is directed fail to comply, the City is authorized to undertake such action through its agents or employees or to contract with others for such purpose, and the charges and costs of same shall be charged against the property which abuts the location where such condition exists (i.e., a lien).

No person shall plant, maintain, remove or disturb any tree or shrub on any street or municipal owned property (i.e., Tree Lawns and Boulevards) without filing an application and procuring a permit from the City Arborist. Upon obtaining the necessary permit, the owners of properties abutting the streets of the City shall be permitted to plant, maintain, and remove trees on the Tree Lawns and Boulevards only in accordance with the terms and provisions of Article 165 and any rules and regulations of the Urban Forest Committee (79-2005).

For instance, trees must be of the proper species for the space intended.  Trees in the Tree Lawns are tall shade trees that reach a mature height of 70 to 90 feet tall. Trees in the boulevards are shorter (20-40 feet) ornamental trees that thrive in under story shade and that do not block the view of vehicular traffic or pedestrians. The approved list of trees for the Tree Lawns and Boulevards in Frontier can be obtained from a Frontier Improvement Association Board Member.

The clearance height for all tree limbs that hang over the sidewalk or street is nine feet.

All foliage placed the Tree Lawns and Boulevards shall consist of live natural plant life.

For more information contact the office of the City Arborist 870-1355, 626 State Street, Room 507. City ordinances and articles can be found at www.erie.pa.us.