Did you know that the trees in the borough rights-of-way are protected by ordinance? You may already know that permission from the Shade Tree Commission is necessary for the planting and or removal of these trees. However, the scope of protection goes beyond this. Article VII sections 102-33 through 102-37 requires a protective management plan for street trees during residential construction. What does this mean? During construction, a resident along with the contractor, must protect the borough street tree(s) from damage or destruction. Construction permit packets now include a street tree management plan. Residents will identify the street trees located in the right-of-way adjacent to their property, and list the specific steps outline in the plan to be taken to protect the street trees. The plan must be implemented before the construction permits can be issued. The Shade Tree Commission can help you with this process. The commission maintains a street tree inventory database which gives the location, size, species and condition of all the trees in the rights-of-way throughout the borough. The commission will be happy to help you with questions about the management plan or the street trees in the rights-of-way adjacent to your property. You can reach the commission with a call to Borough Hall. Related information: Planning construction on your house?
From the Home and School Bulletin, January, 2004
