To aid homeowners, business owners, land developers, and stewards of natural areas, the Shade Tree Commission has compiled a list of recommended trees that are appropriate for Abington Township.

• Click here to view the full list of trees as a printable PDF, and click here to view it as a sortable Excel spreadsheet.

For your convenience, the full list has been split into smaller PDFs for each of the following categories of trees:

• Shade trees.
• Understory/small ornamental trees only.
• Street trees (those appropriate to plant along roadways).
• Flowering trees.
• Evergreen trees.

This list of recommended trees consists mostly of native tree species, and we encourage the planting of native trees whenever feasible to provide ecological value. The selections reflect the growing conditions (soil, climate, etc.) within the Township, while also ensuring a diverse variety of tree species that provide shade, flowering impact, and winter interest. The list is based in part on the latest research from the Mt. Cuba Center about how trees should fare in a warming climate.

These trees can be purchased at a variety of local nurseries. In collaboration with Abington’s Environmental Advisory Council, a list of nurseries is available at www.abingtonpa.gov/nativeplants.

The species list does not list the many cultivars of each species that are available commercially. Generally, it is acceptable to plant cultivars of the listed species. However, when the trees are required to be planted by Township ordinances, they must meet the minimum height requirement definitions. For example, an understory/ornamental tree defined as having a minimum mature height of 15' means that a Redbud cultivar with a maximum height of 10' would not be appropriate.

For the handful of non-native evergreen trees that are included on the recommended tree list, they are approved for use only if: 1) no other native evergreen tree species is appropriate based on the unique conditions of the property; or 2) if all appropriate native evergreens are also being used and it is necessary to use a non-native evergreen species to ensure appropriate species diversity. Non-native species have the potential to become invasive in our area, so they should be used sparingly and as a last resort.

This list of recommended trees constitutes the current tree component of the Recommended Plant Materials List referenced in the Township’s Zoning Ordinance. The Shade Tree Commission will update the list of recommended trees from time to time. In the event that there is a request to modify the list of Recommended Trees or permit the planting of a tree not on the list to fulfill the planting requirements of the Township's ordinances, the Shade Tree Commission will consider such requests based on the circumstances of the property and the characteristics of the suggested species.

Please e-mail us at stc@abingtonpa.gov with any questions or comments.

For information about picking the right tree for your property, as well as planting and care instructions, visit our Planting and Caring for Trees webpage.