Trees

Tree Planting Program

West Chester Borough has an aggressive tree planting program, planting two trees for every one tree removed. From 1989 to the present, the Borough has planted over 4,063 through our tree program.

Please call the PA-1-CALL for utilities at 1-800-242-1776 if you are cutting a tree-well in a concrete sidewalk or for stump grinding.

Requirements

Please water your tree the day that it is planted and then once per week in dry spells during the first summer and autumn. A good soaking with a garden hose for one to two hours will supply enough moisture to the roots, which extend about 18 inches into the soil. The hose should be moved to several positions to distribute water uniformly to all roots, thus preventing leaf wilt. It takes 3 years for a tree to become established. Homeowners are responsible for watering the tree once a week and more frequently during dry spells.

Tree orders for the spring planting season should be placed no later than March 1st and orders for the fall planting season no later than by October 1st. The Borough's Tree Planting Program will pay to plant your street tree and the homeowner is responsible for cost of the tree. The earlier you place your order, the sooner the borough can plant your tree and the better selections you will have from the nursery.

If you have a concrete sidewalk and want a tree planted, it is your responsibility to have the sidewalk cut for the tree. All stumps are to be ground out to a depth of 3 - 4 feet. The ideal tree pit is 3x4 or 4x4. The borough is not responsible for any trees that are vandalized or have died.

Suitable Street Planting Trees

The following are a list of trees that are best for street planting. If you want to order a tree and it is not on our list, call Public Works to see if it should qualify as a street tree.