Dormont Shade Tree Commission Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Dormont Shade Tree Commission held a meeting on May 13, 2026, to discuss membership, street tree management, tree canopy data, educational programming, and fall planting plans. The commission recently achieved Tree City USA designation and explored ways to expand the urban canopy while improving public engagement.

Discussion Items

• Commission Membership Vacancy: The commission considered filling a vacancy with Samantha Jeffries, a library board member. Members agreed to share her contact information and, if she remains interested, recommend her appointment to council by June. If she declines, a neighbor may apply. One member gave consent to share their email and phone number with the candidate.
• Tree Canopy Research Opportunity: A member shared a Carnegie Mellon and Phipps research opportunity seeking insights on green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswales, trees, meadows). Two members expressed interest in attending a June 10 in-person session, but noted scheduling challenges during work hours. The research is regional for Allegheny County.
• Street Tree Removals and Permitting: Brent reported a mature tree removed from a borough right-of-way on Mount Pelier, likely by a homeowner, without a permit. The commission discussed the need for a tree removal permit to track canopy changes and considered a model from Forest Hills, which includes a permit fee that funds replacement trees. Members emphasized that a permit would be informational, not punitive, and help improve data on tree loss.
• GIS Tree Inventory: Staff proposed updating the GIS tree layer with commissioners' help, tagging trees with details like ID, age, height, and condition. Members agreed to collaborate with public works (Danny) to catalog street trees and identify missing trees. The update will also allow color-coding for removed trees.
• Tree Planting and Free Trees: Ken stated he can obtain 80–100 free trees for fall planting through a grant from the Washington County watershed group. The commission discussed evaluating park capacity and coordinating with council on locations, including potential hillside plantings and landscaping at the borough building. They also noted the need for stump removal; Ken offered to seek volunteer certified landscapers.
• Educational Programming: Members expressed interest in a fall workshop on native plants or naturalist training, possibly in partnership with the Bird Town committee. Staff offered logistical support for location (library or park) and advertising. The commission also discussed inviting Bird Town representatives to the July meeting to explore collaboration.
• Website Page: The commission requested a dedicated web page under Boards and Commissions on the borough website to share events, projects, and updates. Staff agreed to create the page and asked members to provide content and photos.

Key Outcomes

• Members will contact Samantha Jeffries to gauge interest; if willing and approved, she may be appointed at the next council meeting so she can join by June.
• The commission will explore adopting a tree removal permit similar to Forest Hills, with minimal or no cost, to improve data on canopy changes.
• Members will assist in updating the GIS tree inventory by surveying street trees and providing information to public works (Danny).
• Ken will investigate available free trees and shrubs for fall planting; the commission will coordinate with council on suitable locations.
• A fall educational workshop will be planned; members will propose programming and staff will handle logistics.
• A Shade Tree Commission webpage will be created on the borough website; members will submit content.