Narberth commission shifts to pruning event, seeks outside funding after borough limits private‑property tree funding

Commissioners were told the borough will no longer fund trees planted on private property, prompting the Shade Tree Commission to adapt its spring plans. Chair (S2) said private-property plantings will require fundraising or donated trees, while the borough will continue to fund trees placed in the public right of way.

Members discussed a fundraising intermediary—identified in the meeting as "FOMGI," described as a separate donation-receiving entity—and reported that the Lower Merion Conservancy may have grant funds available to pay for plant material this fall. Committee members agreed to ask the conservancy how much it might contribute and when the funds must be spent.

Because of timing constraints for spring orders, the commission opted to scale back the spring planting and instead plan a public pruning and maintenance event with demonstrations. Commissioners provisionally scheduled a volunteer pruning/planting event for April 11 (with a possible 10 a.m. start), intending to host a demonstration, have a table with information, and perform a small number of plantings in public locations such as Station Circle and Sabine Park.

Commissioners also discussed practical definitions of the "right of way" for planting eligibility and suggested using a simple standard (for example, ~10 feet from the curb) and exercising judgment on species selection so trees provide public benefit. They emphasized coordination with borough public works for maps, tools and site permissions and agreed that staff (Chair/commissioners) would email borough staff and the conservancy to confirm logistics and funding.