Planting marks first fruit of Penn Hills Shade Tree Commission's labor

Penn Hills Shade Tree Commission recently did its first work to beautify an area of the municipality.

With the help of Cub Scout Troop 817, other students and residents, the commission planted five crabapple and 10 tulip trees around the perimeter of Penn Hills Elementary School, each fenced to protect them from deer. The scouts have been tasked with keeping the trees watered as they grow.

“I was so impressed with the children who were so engaged and well-behaved,” said commission President Kathy Raborn.

Penn Hills council created the commission in June. The commission seeks funding for projects, develops a shade tree inventory and a resource file on species, and make suggestions for locations and planting. It also will recommend regulations to council and the planning department, provide resource information to municipal officials and plan educational programs.

Raborn said she and the other four commission members have been meeting twice a month to formulate strategic tree management and inventory plans. They also are working to secure funding and to build a volunteer base, she said.

“We eventually want to open our meetings to residents,” she said. “We will want their help in finding neighborhoods where they want trees so we can plant them at no charge, or at a steeply discounted rate.”

Dillon Carr is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-871-2325.