Volunteers replace 10 invasive trees with native ones along Freeport Road in Blawnox

Blawnox is looking a little greener with the help of multiple volunteers and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

The nonprofit environmental agency partnered with the borough for a tree planting through TreeVitalize on April 2.

TreeVitalize is a community tree planting program. It’s a joint project of Allegheny County Parks, the city of Pittsburgh, Tree Pittsburgh, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Since 2008, TreeVitalize has planted more than 40,000 trees in 59 municipalities in Allegheny County and nearly every Pittsburgh neighborhood.

About 20 people, including many Blawnox residents, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy members replaced 10 invasive trees with native ones along Freeport Road.

Both the ones to be removed and types to be planted were selected by Brian Crooks, the conservancy’s urban forestry manager.

He also helped provide supplies such as gloves, safety vests and shovels for volunteers. The borough provided food and refreshments.

“Our goal is to make sure the right tree goes into the right space,” Crooks said April 2.

Trees planted included two cherry trees, two oak hybrids and six lilacs.

All 10 trees were described as short, ornamental and not expected to reach overhead power lines.

Crooks said the oak trees will grow more straight up like a pole compared to the other trees, which will produce flowers.

There were multiple no parking signs and cones placed along Freeport Road to protect the volunteers from traffic.

Trees were planted along the sidewalk. The road was open during the event.

“We tried to take as many precautions as we could,” borough Manager Cory Dennison said.

“It was a very safe event, and everything went great.”

Crooks said TreeVitalize plantings usually take place mid-March through early May and late October through early December.

Crooks said he would like to come back to Blawnox. It’s unclear when the next borough tree planting will be.

“I really enjoyed working with all of them,” Crooks said. “It was a very good turnout.”

Dennison said borough officials are looking at other locations that could use some new vegetation.

More information about the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and upcoming tree plantings is available at waterlandlife.org.