Shade Tree Commission

• Stimulate and organize tree planting and maintenance.
• Develop and implement urban forest inventories, management plans and ordinances.
• Lessen liability by arranging to remove hazardous trees.
• Settle community disputes caused by tree removal, planting or maintenance.

In Pennsylvania, a tree commission created by municipal ordinance as a decision-making body has exclusive control over a community’s shade trees. No tree can be planted or removed within the public right-of-way except under the auspices of the tree commission. This includes public trees that may be planted or removed in conjunction with subdivisions or approved development plans. The tree commission also has control over all public trees such as trees within community parks.

Tree commissions can have a great impact on a community’s appearance and image as well as its public safety and comfort. Commissions help champion and coordinate a comprehensive and expert program to manage and sustain public trees. They provide long-term, stable management for a valuable, long-lived resource. A tree commission can help improve the attractiveness of the community and the quality of life and environment.

To view Bartlett Tree Experts interactive West Reading Borough Tree Inventory on ArborScope click here.