By Marta Rusek 

Philadelphia’s tree canopy is shrinking, and one of the best ways to reverse the trend is by planting more trees across the city. The benefits of building urban tree canopy are many, from reducing air pollution and urban heat island effects to lowering the risk for cardio-metabolic disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Science has also proven that trees make neighborhoods safer. When the air outside is cleaner and cooler, neighbors are more likely to come outside, socialize and get to know the people around them, helping to build community bonds and safety 

So why do many Philadelphians have reservations about getting trees on their block? The short answer is misconceptions around how to apply for a tree, who takes care of it and what impact trees could have on sidewalks, pipes and more.  

As PHS and Tree Tenders groups prepare to plant over 1,200 trees in the Greater Philadelphia area this November, let’s look at the biggest myths about Philly street trees and debunk them. 

Myth: Trees will damage my pipes, sidewalks, or powerlines!  

The truth: Tree roots only reach 18 inches below the surface, while Philly sewer laterals are buried 6 feet deep. Additionally, PHS works with you and your neighbors to identify the best trees to plant on your street and selects only trees of an appropriate size for an urban environment, helping prevent challenges like tree root damage. 

“We know that there's a history of the wrong trees being planted and trees being poorly maintained in the city,” explains Matt Rader, President of PHS. “We work really hard to plant the right tree, so it doesn't heave the sidewalk, is small enough to not interfere with overhead utility lines and has a growing pattern that works with the street width.” 

Myth: Getting a street tree is difficult and expensive.  

The truth: You can apply for a FREE tree for your street in Philadelphia through our simple online application (it takes a few short minutes to fill out). PHS or your local PHS Tree Tenders group will help with filing and approving tree permits, cutting sidewalk pits, education on maintenance, and getting the tree to your neighborhood. Trees are planted by trained PHS Tree Tenders and other volunteers. 

Myth: Once I get a tree on my street, I'll have to take care of it by myself.  

The truth: PHS staff will coordinate cutting the sidewalk, volunteers will plant the tree and PHS provides advice on how to maintain it and rally neighbors to share in caring for your new tree. PHS also strives to serve as a long-term partner to communities where new trees are planted, offering encouragement while connecting neighbors with the resources, hands-on support and education needed to successfully build tree canopy in their neighborhood. 

Myth: The wrong trees will be planted on my block.  

The truth: A city arborist visits all planting sites to ensure that all trees in the area are the appropriate species and size for the environment. By being strategic about what types of trees are planted in an urban setting and selecting trees that won’t damage sidewalks, pipes or more, many of the infrastructure and care challenges Philly homeowners may worry about with trees are taken care of. 

Myth: I can’t plant a tree if I don’t have a PHS Tree Tenders group near me.  

The truth: You can gather two people in your community who are interested in becoming PHS Tree Tenders, take our basic training course and start your own group! PHS works to train hundreds of new PHS Tree Tenders every year, so you’ll be part of a growing and innovative urban tree movement. Take the first step to becoming a PHS Tree Tender.