Shade Tree Commission approves PHS spring order, authorizes up to $1,500

The Narberth Shade Tree Commission voted to place a preorder with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) for 10 trees and authorized spending not to exceed $1,500 to secure the order.

Commissioners said the PHS deadline for orders is Feb. 11 and that PHS bare‑root stock is popular with volunteers. Rick (Shade Tree Commission member) said he would place the order and hold the trees until the commission approved payment: “I can put in the order, I’ll hold the trees, and send a bill, and I have to approve the payment before the bill,” he said.

The commission discussed species choices, including serviceberry, persimmon, magnolia, elm and others on the PHS spring list. Members noted that tree authority nurseries offer a much larger species list but do not generally supply bare‑root stock; commissioners discussed preordering common species (for example, two of each of five species) so volunteers can match plantings to sites. Commissioners also discussed program logistics: volunteers, fallbacks on availability, and concerns about planting in park areas subject to future park‑redesign plans.

Commissioners approved a motion to authorize the PHS order not to exceed $1,500. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Commissioners agreed Rick would submit the order and the commission would formally approve payment once a bill is received.

The commission also discussed outreach and sign‑up rates; members said volunteer sign‑ups were low at the time of the meeting and encouraged continued promotion via the borough blast and social media. One commissioner noted typical PHS tree prices “$75 minimum, $110 maximum” and recommended a budget cap to cover variability.

The commission left planting details (exact species at each planting site) to follow‑up work and volunteer coordination ahead of planting day.