Haverford Township
Tree Tenders Program
Many of the largest trees in Haverford Township have been lost over the past 20 years. For the most part, they have reached the end of their expected life cycle, since most were planted 75-100 years ago when our Township neighborhoods were developed. While the Township has planted replacement street trees over the years, the species have generally been small and medium-sized varieties, such as the Bradford Pear, Flowering Plum, Crabapple, and Kwanzan Cherry.
Large-species trees enhance the environment exponentially over smaller varieties. Every leaf on a tree creates oxygen and filters pollutants in the air. Each foot of shade-providing canopy reduces the work of air conditioners in the summer. Each inch of root mass improves storm water management and the filtration of water-borne pollutants. In addition to environmental benefits, the grandeur of large trees creates a sense of history and place for the Township, enhancing the quality of life and raising property values.
In order to protect our tree cover, Haverford Township Tree Tenders, an all-volunteer tree planting group has been working with the Township on replacing those largest trees. Every year in April, we offer free trees to residents who will plant the largest sized shade trees (50’ or taller at maturity) in their front yard.
- Trees are subject to availability and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis – usually one per address.
- Free trees are large-species trees only. The Tree Request Form and a list of the trees offered will be available in January for the spring planting.
- Trees must be planted on the lawn side of the sidewalk unless your planting strip is 48” or wider.
- Trees may not be planted directly under wires, but may be set back into the lawn if wires are present.
- Resident must agree to water the tree once a week in mild to hot weather when we don’t have significant rainfall that week. After planting, trees should be watered weekly until November, and again in the following spring, summer, and early fall.
Click below to download the Spring 2018 Tree Request Form and the Tree Selection Guide.