This is from the 2024 Rain Barrel Workshop.
Shade Tree Commission
The Shade Tree Commission of Allentown, NJ, encourages and regulates arboriculture, and is responsible for planting, pruning, protection and overall maintenance of shade and ornamental trees on the Borough property, Borough’s right-of-way and in public parks. If there is concern about the safety of a certain tree, contact the Commission and a recommendation for removal will be made to town council. This work is put forth to emphasize the importance of long-term investment in the aesthetic beauty, biodiversity and historic value of the borough of Allentown. Please contact Borough Hall with any concerns regarding a Borough Tree to be put in touch with a Shade Tree representative.
The Allentown Shade Tree Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00PM in Borough Hall at 8 N Main St, Allentown NJ. The Commission consists of six members appointed for four year terms.
As part of this year's Arbor Day celebration the Shade Tree Commission has developed a Commemorative Tree Donation Program to enhance the beauty and sustainability of our parks and community. Trees help contribute and build a sense of community, consider donating a tree today and know it will beautify Allentown for years to come. This program offers an opportunity to honor or remember an individual or to celebrate a special occasion in a unique way. Consider buying a living gift of a tree to honor the memory of a loved one, pet, fallen soldier, honor a special event like a birth, birthday, wedding or family celebration. For details, please click here or contact the Shade Tree Commission email at ShadeTree@AllentownBoroNJ.com.
Also as part of this year's Arbor Day celebration the Shade Tree Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, has planted 13 trees in Heritage Park, 4 Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica), 4 Kwanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'), 4 Red Maple 'October Glory' (Acer rubrum) and 1 Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). For details of tree plantings planed for Heritage, click here.
The Shade Tree Commission has a new website! It contains information about the Commemorative Tree Donation Program, maps and lists of borough trees, and information about the Main Street and Heritage Park tree trails. We are just finishing up with the first phase of the Heritage Park tree trail, with 61 trees tagged and mapped with descriptions and images. Check it out here.
Interested in hiking and nature walks? Check out this tree identification guide offered by the Tree Musketeers. It is available here.