Shade Tree Commission Meeting Summary - January 28, 2026

The Shade Tree Commission met on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included the election of a chairman, approval of previous minutes, review of several grading permits, a clearing permit application, old business on the Willows grant, new business on the fund balance and spring planting, and updates on ordinance amendments and annual goals. Public comments were heard, and multiple decisions were made with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes (December 2, 2025): Approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda (Application 216114 - Lot Line Change for 270, 274 Hothorpe and 772 Newtown Road): Approved as presented; no trees affected.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Havasy (neighbor to 215 S Spring Mill Road): Expressed concern over cumulative tree loss in the neighborhood, noting that several ash trees have died and that the creek floods frequently. He requested that replacement trees be planted near property boundaries to help mitigate stormwater issues.
• Amanda (also from Spring Mill Road): Thanked the applicant for preserving trees and highlighted the loss of many trees in the area due to disease and storm damage, urging retention of large trees along the stream.
• Christina Peters (429 King of Prussia Road, Radnor Conservancy): Emphasized the ecosystem services provided by mature trees and encouraged planting more native species on the slope to stabilize the stream bank. She also mentioned the Conservancy's annual tree giveaway.
• Public comment on the clearing permit for 217 Windermere Avenue: A resident suggested that the commission adopt a longer look-back period for tree removals and that the clearing permit application should clearly reflect all ordinance requirements. She also urged more rigorous enforcement of on-site replanting before allowing fees in lieu of planting.

Discussion Items

New Grading Permits

• Application 216405 - 215 S Spring Mill Road (Pool): The homeowner and builder presented a plan to remove six heritage trees (36-inch sycamore, 42-inch sycamore, 30-inch poplar, etc.) for a pool. After discussion, the applicant agreed to save the 50-inch sycamore and retain two other trees, reducing removals to two heritage trees. The commission approved the permit with conditions: removal of only the 36-inch and 42-inch sycamores, and replacement with 12 trees (8 large canopy, 4 of any type). A neighbor's request to plant replacements near the creek was noted. Vote: 5-0-1 (one abstention).
• Application 216419 - 648 Radnor Valley Drive (Demo/New House): Three trees (12-inch Norway maple, 24-inch red maple, 12-inch magnolia) to be removed out of 15 total. Replacement with honey locusts and red maples. Approved unanimously.
• Application 216453 - 446 Barclay Road (New Garage): Three trees removed (12-inch ash, two unidentified small trees). Replacement plan included. Approved unanimously.
• Application 216720 - 168 Woodstock Road (Demo/New House): Two trees removed (24-inch Norway maple with decay, declining ash). Replacement with six trees (four large shade, two flowering). Approved unanimously.
• Application 216377 - 610 King of Prussia Road (Cascia North & Founders Lot): Removal of a 60-inch oak (described as short and damaged) for a roundabout. Replacement with six trees (two honey locusts, two sweet bay magnolias, one tupelo, one willow oak). Approved unanimously.
• Application 216463 - 118-120 N Wayne Ave (Preliminary plan): No applicant present; tabled for future meeting.
• Application 216594 - 60 West (101 Bellevue): Previously approved; grading permit presented as a formality. Approved unanimously.

Tree Removal - Clearing Permits

• Application 216507 - 217 Windermere Avenue (Removal of 12 trees): The applicant lacked required documentation (tree table, total tree count, replacement calculations). The commission tabled the application, requesting a complete submission including a tree table and either a replacement plan or fee-in-lieu calculation. Tabled unanimously.

Old Business

• Willows Grant Application: Frank reported that the township applied for the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence (previously won in 2024) and a $15,000 PHS watershed grant for restoration along Abrams Run and the Willows Pond. The commission discussed spring planting: ordering 50 trees from PHS (30 for residents, 20 for the Miyawaki forest) by February 2. Fall planting to be planned later. Volunteer management needs were noted; Tim offered to assist with communications and project management.

New Business

• Shade Tree Fund Balance & Budget 2026: Current balance ~$32,462. Budgeted revenue of $15,000. The commission discussed potential corporate partnerships (e.g., Villanova, Rockwell Homes) for additional funding. Tim volunteered to lead fundraising efforts.
• Spring Tree Planting: Order of 50 trees confirmed; species list to be finalized.
• Update Recommended Tree List: Matt will update the 2017 list using current references, including Mount Cuba's revised list.
• Shade Tree Ordinance Amendment No. 2024-07: Discussion on adding criteria such as a rolling five-year look-back for cumulative tree removals to prevent builders from staggering applications. The item will be revisited at the next meeting.

Annual Goals

The commission reaffirmed goals: maintain a booth at Fall Fest, continue residential tree program, and pursue volunteer recruitment. No formal changes made.

Hazardous Trees & Trees Removed by Township

• John reported standard hazardous tree removals (verified dead/dying trees).
• Discussion on five oaks removed near the Stratford building on Eagle Road. The commission is fact-finding; a planting plan is expected from the property owner. The issue will be revisited.
• Trees removed by Radnor Township: one fallen oak (223 Iven), 28-inch sweet gum (359 Wyldhaven), 32-inch and 28-inch maples (141 Browning).

Key Outcomes

• Approved grading permits with conditions for 215 S Spring Mill Road (removal of 2 trees, replacement of 12), and unconditionally for 648 Radnor Valley Drive, 446 Barclay Road, 168 Woodstock Road, 610 King of Prussia Road, and 60 West.
• Tabled clearing permit for 217 Windermere Avenue pending complete application.
• Willows grant: Proceed with ordering 50 trees for spring; volunteer coordination to be assigned.
• Ordinance amendment: Further discussion scheduled for next meeting.
• Fundraising: Tim to develop a corporate partnership plan.
• Tree list update: Matt to begin revisions.
• Eagle Road oaks: Continue investigation; await property owner's mitigation plan.
• Public participation: Comments recorded and considered.