During the public comment portion of a recent South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting, township resident Sam Lipot complained about the trees bordering Grandview Cemetery along Walbert Avenue.

The cemetery is owned by Stonemore PA LLC, 2735 Walbert Ave., South Whitehall

“The trees over near the cemetery look like a jungle,” Lipot said. “The township should be involved in it.”

Township Manager Renee Bickel replied PennDOT trimmed the trees, as Walbert Avenue is part of its jurisdiction.

“We are trying to work with the cemetery to have the trees look presentable,” Bickel said.

“You’re not the only one who has brought that to our attention,” Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan added.

Township Planner Gregg Adams provided some background on the situation.

The South Whitehall ordinance states trees need to be there, and they are in the right of way of Walbert Avenue, Adams explained.

He said state law, under municipal shade tree commissions, allows for trees in a right of way that are required to be maintained by the property owner, similar to regulations for sidewalks and curbing.

The property owner is required to keep the trees in reasonably good shape and to replace them if they die.

Adams noted trees must be trimmed away from power lines.

He said the Walbert Avenue trees are old, and some have been hit by cars.

Adams added although the trees may look ugly, it was important for them to be pruned.