Abington, PA Shade Tree Commission

Abington, PA Shade Tree Commission A volunteer, non-profit organization. We seek to preserve and enhance Abington's urban forest and the essential ecosystem services that trees uniquely provide.

Appointed by the Abington Township Board of Commissioners, the Shade Tree volunteers seek to improve our township forest. We assist residents, business owners, township managers and commissioners to understand trees; plant and care for trees; create shade and decrease flooding.

On a hot summer day, we tend to make the same choices without thinking about it: park under the tree, cross to the shady...
08/10/2026

On a hot summer day, we tend to make the same choices without thinking about it: park under the tree, cross to the shady side of the street, find the bench beneath the canopy.

Those small choices say a lot about what trees contribute to a neighborhood. Continue reading →

https://glensidelocal.com/under-the-canopy-why-you-always-choose-the-shady-side-of-the-street-abington-shade-tree-

In the first installment of "Under the Canopy",
a new column from the Abington Shade Tree Commission.

As part of the Township’s invasive plant management plan, Shade Tree Commissioner Robin Eisman will lead a volunteer inv...
07/24/2026

As part of the Township’s invasive plant management plan, Shade Tree Commissioner Robin Eisman will lead a volunteer invasive plant removal event at Edge Hill Woods this Saturday.

Volunteers will help remove invasive plants that threaten the health of the woodland. No experience is needed. Come for an hour or stay for the full event. It is a great opportunity to support the local ecology and meet others in the community.

Edge Hill Woods WorkDay/FunDay
Saturday, July 25
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Rain or excessive-heat date:
Sunday, July 26
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Edge Hill Woods
Glenside, PA 19038

The meeting location will be emailed to registered volunteers.

Volunteers ages 13–17 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible adult.

Registration is free but required.
Registration link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA8AC28A7FBC52-64752230-edgehill #/

Questions? Contact Robin at [email protected]

Prolonged heat can be hard on young trees, especially those still getting established. A tree can look a little worn and...
07/05/2026

Prolonged heat can be hard on young trees, especially those still getting established. A tree can look a little worn and still be actively growing.

This young sweetbay magnolia, planted within the last month, is showing strong signs of life: full green leaves, fresh shoot growth, flexible stems, and developing fruit. These details show that the tree is still moving through its growing season, even after a stretch of hot weather.

For newly planted trees, the best support is simple and consistent: deep watering, a wide mulch ring, and mulch kept away from the trunk.

Summer heat can be tough on newly planted trees. While Abington’s mature trees are generally resilient, trees planted wi...
06/22/2026

Summer heat can be tough on newly planted trees. While Abington’s mature trees are generally resilient, trees planted within the last one to two years still have limited root systems and need consistent watering to get established.

If you received a tree from the STC’s spring giveaway, now is a good time to make sure it is getting what it needs.

A good rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. For most small giveaway trees, 5–10 gallons per week is a good target.

Water slowly and deeply. Set a garden hose to a slow trickle near the base of the tree for about 20–30 minute. This helps encourage roots to grow downward and outward, making the tree more resilient over time.

During heat waves or extended dry spells, watering once or twice per week is usually enough. Check the soil a few inches below the surface. It should feel moist, but not soggy.

Mulch helps reduce moisture loss from the soil. Follow our 3:3:3 guideline:

3 inches deep
3 inches away from the trunk
3-foot radius around the tree

Be sure to keep mulch off the trunk and leave the root flare exposed.

For more information about caring for your tree, visit the STC website - https://www.abingtonpa.gov/201/Planting-Caring-for-Trees

Share your tree photos with us.If you planted a tree from the Abington Shade Tree Commission tree giveaway, we’d love to...
06/03/2026

Share your tree photos with us.

If you planted a tree from the Abington Shade Tree Commission tree giveaway, we’d love to see how it’s doing. Post a photo in the comments, including any close-ups of leaves, blooms, bark, acorns, seed pods, or other details that help show the species.

This young white oak from the giveaway is already getting established, protected with a cage while it grows.

White oaks are among our most valuable native trees, supporting wildlife, shade, stormwater benefits, and the next generation of Abington’s canopy.

Learn more about the Shade Tree Commission:
https://www.abingtonpa.gov/192/Shade-Tree-Commission

Plant a Native Plant Garden at Rockwell ParkSaturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Sunday, May 17 as a rain date)Joi...
05/11/2026

Plant a Native Plant Garden at Rockwell Park
Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
(Sunday, May 17 as a rain date)

Join the Abington Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and Bird Town Pennsylvania to plant a 1,000 sq. ft. native plant garden at Rockwell Park. We will add native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, which will add both beauty and ecological value to that space. A native-plant landscaper will then maintain the garden after planting, to ensure the long-term success of the garden.

No prior gardening experience necessary! It’s a great way to help the community, learn about native plants, and meet other community members.

RSVP using this link to lend a hand: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA8AC28A7FBC52-63169383-rockwell #/ 

Join us for a series of volunteer workdays focused on invasive plant removal, tree care, and light planting across Abing...
04/21/2026

Join us for a series of volunteer workdays focused on invasive plant removal, tree care, and light planting across Abington over the next few weeks.

It’s a good chance to get outside, meet some neighbors, and spend a few hours in the parks while everything is waking up. We’ll be doing hands-on work including clearing invasive plants, opening up space around existing trees, and targeted planting where it makes sense.

No experience needed. Tools and guidance are provided. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring water.

If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is an easy way to get involved.

Full schedule and locations:

https://www.abingtonpa.gov/203/Events

Hope to see you there.

Happening Today! Join us and enjoy perfect planting weather.As part of implementing the Township’s invasive plant manage...
04/12/2026

Happening Today! Join us and enjoy perfect planting weather.

As part of implementing the Township’s invasive plant management plan, STC Commissioner Robin Eisman will be leading a volunteer “Free-A-Tree” event this Sunday at Edge Hill Woods.

Volunteers will help remove invasive shrubs and install native tree and shrub replacements to support long-term forest health.

Edge Hill Woods Free-A-Tree Invasive Plant Removal
Sunday, April 12
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Edge Hill Woods
745 Roslyn Avenue, Glenside, PA

Registration (free, required):
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA8AC28A7FBC52-63417079-edge #/

No experience needed. Tools will be provided. Join for an hour or stay for the full event.

Minors are welcome with a parent or responsible adult.

This work directly supports the health and longevity of the park’s tree canopy.

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Abington, PA

Telephone

+12675361000

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