Glenolden Shade Tree Commission

07/28/2026

“The American elm is remarkable. Its branches arch upward and outward, forming a cathedral-like canopy of green that can stretch more than 100 feet above the forest floor. Each autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant golden-yellow. “The elm is a tree which can be distinguished farther off perhaps than any other,” 19th-century naturalist Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal. “It is beautiful alike by sunlight and moonlight.””

“American elms also help mitigate flooding, which climate change is making more frequent, intense, and devastating.”

Researchers in Vermont infected 5,300 American elms with a lethal dose of Dutch elm disease. Those that survive could help them build the most genetically diverse, disease-resistant population yet.

07/17/2026

We’ve all seen the hazy skies lately from the Canadian wildfires, and it’s a good reminder of how connected our environment really is. Even though the fires are far away, it’s worth thinking about what that means for our local trees here in Glenolden.

Does all that smoke bother our trees?

Actually, yeah. Even at this distance, it can have an impact: The thick smoke acts like a filter, blocking the direct sunlight that trees need to make energy and grow properly. Just like it can be tough on us, the poor air quality can stress trees out and drain their energy, which might affect their health for a while after the haze clears.

On a larger scale, fires like this are a huge deal because they release a ton of carbon dioxide and wipe out massive amounts of forest habitat. Since these fires are happening more often and getting more intense, it makes it that much harder for nature to bounce back the way it normally would.

It just goes to show how important our local tree canopy is! By keeping up with planting native trees and taking good care of the ones we already have, we’re doing our part to keep our community healthy and strong.

Thanks to all our volunteers, past and present for helping us Keep Glenolden Green & Clean!

Photo Credit: NBC News

04/20/2026

Huge shoutout to all the volunteers who spent their Saturday helping us plant new trees! It’s community spirit like yours that keeps Glenolden ‘Green & Clean.’ 🌳 We would also like to thank Aldan Tree Tenders for their continued partnership as well! PHS Pennsylvania Horticultural Society