“Learn character from trees, values from roots, and change from leaves.” -Tasneern Harneed
The Shade Tree Commission is focused on the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable management of a community’s tree canopy. Comprised of knowledgeable members, the committee assesses tree-related issues, advocates for proper care, and guides tree planting initiatives.
Joining the Shade Tree Committee as a member or attending the meeting provides an avenue for individuals to actively participate in fostering a greener, healthier community.
The Shade Tree Commission meets the first Monday of every quarter, January, April, July, and Oct at 7:00 p.m. in the Borough Hall Chambers.
Chairperson: Barry Hitchen
Board Members:
- Freya Lund
Council Liaison: Kate Transue
Helpful Tips
Plant Trees
The STC plants trees annually around the Borough, usually in the fall. Trees can also be purchased by individual owners at the Borough’s wholesale cost for placement on private property. A selection is available from the STC. Contact any member for more information.
Care For Trees
Trees on Borough property are the responsibility of the STC. Those along the Borough right-of-way are property of the Borough. By ordinance, they are to be cared for by the adjacent property owner and any removal must be approved in writing by the STC.
Provide Advice
The STC has a biologist and a graduate forester at the disposal of residents in order to provide advise on tree matters. They should be consulted before questionable tree removals.
Arbor Day
Each year, usually the last Friday in April, the STC holds an Arbor Day celebration which is publicized in a local paper.
Tree City USA
The Langhorne Borough Shade Tree Commission has qualified many times for the Tree City USA award presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Resources
Pennsylvania State Forest Districts
Natural Heritage Areas in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Chris Blaydon Commemorative Tree
The Shade Tree Commission planted a red maple at the Mayors’ Playground at the April 25, 2025 Arbor Day Celebration in honor of Chris Blaydon. The tree was selected by Chris himself and planted by Harvey Spencer and Spencer’s Landscaping, with our thanks. While Chris sadly passed away on August 8, 2025, we hope this tree will be a positive and enduring force in the Borough for many years to come, just as he was.
From the moment he became a part of the Langhorne Borough community in 1967, Chris made a name for himself as a mover and shaker. In addition to his 32-year tenure as the Chair of the Shade Tree Commission, he served for years on Langhorne Borough Council, including as Vice President, and was our Mayor from 1994 to 2013. From helping found Langhorne Open Space and preserve Heritage Farm to convincing PECO to stop cutting down Borough trees, Chris was a driving force in safeguarding our land and trees.
Arthur Sloan Commemorative Tree
At the 2024 Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27, at the Richardson House Community Park. A tree was dedicated in memory of Arthur Sloan, a longtime, much-loved Borough resident who passed away in 2009.
Art served Langhorne in numerous ways, including as a member of the Shade Tree Commission, as a member of the Historic Architecture Review Board, and as Vice President of the Historic Langhorne Association. He was the husband of Judy Sloan, owner of Judy’s Corner on S. Bellevue Avenue.
