Upper Makefield supervisors okay reimbursement for tree planting

Upper Makefield officials are keen to enlist residents’ help in protecting important natural resources within the township.
That’s a big reason why the municipality offers UMTree Grants, a program through which residents can receive financial compensation for planting trees that are native to Pennsylvania on their properties.
At a public meeting on Sept. 7, the board of supervisors approved allowing up to $10,000 in reimbursement for plantings made at a preserved property owned by Edgar Brick on Aqueduct Road
The grant money comes from monetary contributions made by local land developers, not public tax dollars.
Normally, the maximum reimbursement amount allowed is $975 per property, but a review by the township’s Environmental Advisory Council and supervisors determined that due to the nature and scope of the plantings a higher amount was warranted, said Township Manager Dave Nyman.

Under the program, Upper Makefield reimburses up to $50 toward the total tree cost of Pennsylvania native trees, $25 for tree planting and $6 for installing deer protection around the plantings.
UMTree Grants are limited in availability and are awarded on a first come/first served basis.
UMTree Grants target a number of areas for reforestation. They include riparian buffer areas (properties located near streams and creeks); properties impacted by severe weather and flooding; properties promoting wildlife habitat; and thermal protection of homes, such as plantings that provide shade in the summer and wind barriers in winter.
If residents have questions about tree species or size, they’re encouraged to contact the codeoffice@uppermakefield.org or attend an EAC meeting on the second Tuesday of the month to have their questions answered.

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