Shade Tree Commission reports fall planting plans, rising nursery costs and watering challenges

The borough's Shade Tree Commission updated the Public Health and Safety Committee on its fall planting plans, recent increases in nursery costs and ongoing challenges getting newly planted trees watered.

"We plant in April and in November every year," said Carson, the commission's representative to the committee, noting the group averages about 40 trees per planting (roughly 80 trees annually). Carson said the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has raised the per-tree cost the commission pays for bare-root trees from about $90 to $120 due to funding cuts.

Commission members said they have begun outreach using the borough's email system and received 17 tree requests in two days after an informational mailing. Carson said the commission works with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and is assisting that nonprofit in improving data collection so it can secure grant funding.

Members also flagged a recurring problem: newly planted trees are not being watered by property owners and volunteers have limited capacity to reach all sites. Carson said some trees at the train station are dying from lack of watering and that past "adopt-a-tree" efforts and volunteer pledges have been unreliable.

The commission asked for continued staff assistance with outreach and volunteer coordination; staff said they would promote the Nov. 15 planting date and help publicize volunteer opportunities. The commission also discussed working with schools and other groups for planting and watering support but said those arrangements can be inconsistent.

No formal committee action was taken; the commission will supply budget requests if additional funding is required.