Ask The Manager: What's The Borough Tree Policy?

A Pottstown Patch reader asked:

"Seems it is (a resident's responsibility) to trim (a borough tree) and ... get the permit to do so ... Yet, if you want it removed you can't get rid of it because it's a borough tree."

Pottstown Manager Jason Bobst said,

"The topic of street trees has long been a contentious issue for the borough since they were planted in the early 1980s.

Because we are now seeing a vast majority of these trees hitting their maturity, we face the issues associated with their growth.

Many of the issues we see center around lifted sidewalks, damaged water or sewer lines, interference with utility lines and disease. 

The borough recognizes the value and benefits derived from the beauty and enjoyment of street and shade trees.

However, we do understand the impact it has on property owners and realize that there is a balancing of priorities when it comes to maintenance and care.

In recognizing this issue, Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2080 in an attempt to streamline and address the concerns we have heard from residents.

Sections 103 (Jurisdiction) and Section 105 (Tree Maintenance)  further clarified the roles of the borough and owner when it comes to the maintenance of these trees.

Additionally, Section 106 (Tree Removal) outlines the process and procedure used by the Public Works Director in determining whether a tree should or can be removed from the public right-of-way.

Recognizing the fact that there will be disagreements, Section 107 (Appeals) allows for any action of the Public Works Director to be appealed to and heard by the Tree Appeals Board. 

Also, Ordinance 2080 abolished the longstanding Shade Tree Commission in order to streamline process for the residents of the Borough.

This allows for direct interaction with staff to discuss the matter and provide quicker answers and dialogue. 

The first trees were planted in the spring of 1984. After tentative tree planting locations were identified, letters were sent to affected property owners to ascertain if they would accept a free street tree.

Since the trees were planted, properties were sold and the new owners inherited the trees and unfortunately the issues that come with them.

Each situation is unique and we try to work with the residents as much as possible but we must consider the positive impact (trees) bring to our community when reviewing the negatives."