Narberth considers taking on periodic downtown street‑tree pruning to preserve streetscape

Staff proposed that the borough take on periodic uniform pruning and maintenance of downtown street trees that sit in the public right‑of‑way, while clarifying that ownership and replacement liability would remain with private property owners. Staff estimated the immediate work at roughly $5,000 and said trees would need maintenance every three to five years; council members said the borough has performed similar work in the past but has not formalized the practice.

Maggie said the intent was to maintain the downtown streetscape and not to assume ownership: "This is not that we would not take maintenance responsibility for everything about the tree…we would simply provide periodic maintenance of these trees on ourselves," she said. Council asked the solicitor to review indemnification language to protect the borough if pruning led to claims, and asked the Shade Tree Commission to recommend a formal approach and selection of which trees are included. Several council members also suggested exploring arboretum accreditation and other funding sources for preventive care.