Shade Tree Commission

Commission Duties

The Shade Tree Commission of Whitemarsh Township consists of 5 members appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve overlapping 5-year terms with administrative responsibility of Chapter 55, Tree Protection Standards, of the Code of the Township of Whitemarsh. The Shade Tree Commission is established to:

Preserve, protect and maintain existing trees in Whitemarsh Township and to increase the overall tree canopy and under-story on both public and private lands therein.
To preserve, protect and encourage the replacement of native species with native species.
Review and provide recommendations on landscaping required for subdivision and land development projects and ensure the selection of proper and suitable plant materials.
Regulate the planting, removal and maintenance of vegetation within the ultimate rights of way of streets and highways within the township.

Tree Donations

Many residents have expressed an interest in donating a tree for planting in parks and open spaces. While the Township cannot provide a tax-deductible receipt for donations, our friends at Colonial Canopy Trees can! Colonial Canopy Trees is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving the PlyMar area. Donors have the option to restrict donations for use in Whitemarsh Township.

Visit the Colonial Canopy Trees website HERE.

Be sure to check this page and the Weekly Newsletter for announcements for volunteer planting opportunities. Most take place in the Fall months when conditions are ideal for tree planting.

Miles Park Tree Survey Report

In 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized a Tree Survey Report for Miles Park. The report was issued by John Hosbach, a consulting arborist with Rockwell Urban Forestry. The attached report details the condition of the parks' trees, some of which require maintenance and removal.

The Tree Assessment Matrix and Maps detail which specific trees are recommended for removal, and why. The Shade Tree Commission will also host a public walk through of Miles Park with the consulting arborist on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:00PM. No registration is required, and the walk through will begin at the Miles Park Pavilion promptly at 6:00 PM and is expected to last one hour.

If you cannot attend, but would like to ask a question about the Tree Survey Report, please address your question to the Whitemarsh Shade Tree Commission. Mail correspondence may be sent to:

Whitemarsh Township Shade Tree Commission
616 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444

Email correspondence may be sent here.

Tree Survey Report Documents:

MIles Park Summary Report

Miles Park Tree Matrix

Miles Park Map

Miles Park Tree Location Map

Tree Fact Sheet