Approval necessary for planting or disturbance of trees on public property
Without the Township's prior written consent, no private individual or organization is permitted to plant, remove, chop above ground, top, clear cut, or disturb any trees on any public lands, including parks and streets. Before granting or rejecting the request, the Township may consult the Shade Tree Commission's recommendations. If clearance is given, the individual who gets the permission must abide by all requirements stated in the written approval as well as the guidelines outlined in this chapter. To oversee and uphold this clause, the Shade Tree Commission will collaborate with the Department of Public Works.

When a tree is infected or infested:

1. The Shade Tree Commission will arrange for the owner of the property where the diseased or infested tree is located to receive written notice via certified mail with a request for a return receipt. 

2. If any private property owner disregards this notice, the Shade Tree Commission may ask the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors to approve the removal of the affected trees by Township employees. The Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township may also issue an order for the removal of the affected trees.

The violations and penalties can be found in Whitpain Township’s ecode.

Commission for Shade Trees

The responsibility of maintaining and improving Whitpain Township's tree population, including both individual trees and the wooded areas on Township land, falls to the Shade Tree Commission (STC). Furthermore, the Commission will represent all trees in Whitpain Township.

The Commission's duties include maintaining the well-being of all trees on Township property and rights-of-way and encouraging initiatives to increase and improve the Township's priceless natural resources and tree canopy. The Commission's duties include encouraging arboriculture education, tree planting, and management throughout the Township to save and manage our trees and natural resources.