Dormont Shade Tree Commission Meeting – October 16, 2025

The Dormont Shade Tree Commission met at 12:00 PM on October 16, 2025, to discuss a donated giant sequoia tree, evaluate tree survival from a previous planting event, address a resident's concern about stump removal costs, and adopt a set of short-term, mid-range, and long-term goals for the commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rachel Macateer called in to follow up on her request for stump grinding of a street tree. She expressed disappointment that the commission had not communicated that, per their reading of the ordinance, the homeowner is responsible for removal costs. She urged the borough to consider funding stump removal in the future, particularly for aging street trees. Commissioners acknowledged her concerns and noted that the ordinance may need revision.

Discussion Items

• Giant Sequoia Donation: Ken reported that Keystone Elementary donated a giant sequoia (1–2 feet tall) for park planting, which council approved. The commission discussed potential locations, favoring a visible, well-drained spot such as the hillside above the steps or the old playground area. They will consult Davy, the borough arborist, for a recommendation on suitable sites.
• Tree Survival from Fall 2024 Planting: The commission reported a high survival rate from the previous fall's community tree planting. Most trees are showing new growth; only two river birches failed. The success was attributed to the planting event despite many novice volunteers. About eight to ten losses out of a larger number were considered acceptable.
• Stump Removal and Ordinance Review: Commissioners reviewed the current tree ordinance, which they found has inconsistencies. The ordinance assigns responsibility for stump removal to the abutting property owner, but historically the borough only cuts trees to ground level. The commission will ask the borough solicitor to clarify the language and consider amendments, such as creating a formal permit system and possibly funding stump grinding as part of future tree maintenance.
• Canopy Alliance & Training: A staff member shared resources from the recent Canopy Alliance networking event, which covered tree risk assessment, utility coordination, and education. The member will connect the commission with Rebecca at Connect for follow‑up consultations. Upcoming tree maintenance tours were noted.
• Goal Setting (Short‑, Mid‑, and Long‑Term): The commission reviewed draft goals from a previous working session. Short‑term goals (1–2 years) include achieving Tree City USA designation, hosting an educational workshop on native plants, updating the GIS tree inventory, and developing shade‑tree‑commission branding (shirts, banner, webpage). Mid‑range goals (5 years) include amending the tree ordinance, continuing invasive‑plant removal, and applying for grants. Long‑term goals (10–25 years) include doubling the tree canopy, exploring residential street diets (e.g., SP north of Potomac) to add planting strips, and providing regular annual reports to borough council.
• Communications and Outreach: The commission discussed increasing public awareness through the borough newsletter, tabling at events (e.g., Art in the Park, library garden tour), and creating a dedicated webpage for the commission.
• Chainsaw Art: Ken proposed contracting a chainsaw artist to carve fallen tree stumps into public art if the remaining trunk is at least six feet tall.

Key Outcomes

• The commission will request site recommendations from the borough arborist for the giant sequoia.
• Regarding stump removal, the existing ordinance will be followed until revised; the homeowner currently bears the cost. The commission will pursue a potential ordinance amendment to allow the borough to fund stump grinding in the future.
• The short‑, mid‑, and long‑term goals for the shade tree commission were accepted in draft form; members will submit final edits before formal adoption.
• The commission will connect with Canopy Alliance resources and is tentatively planning a fall tree planting event, to be communicated via the borough newsletter.
• No formal votes were taken during the meeting; decisions were reached by consensus.