Summer 2026
KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS Information for the Community
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KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS · SUMMER 2026
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TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
CONTENTS: Township Directory ...........................4 Parenting Your Teen ..........................6 Community Connection ....................8 Voting Topics ...................................10 Pool Safety .......................................14 Bike & e-Bike Safety........................16 Health & Wellness............................18 Environmentally Responsible ........20 Tree Care ..........................................22 This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics. Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter. This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?
David Amsterdam franklinmaps@aol.com
Township Administration Building
Fire and Ambulance
Upper Merion Area School District
175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-265-2600 Fax: 610-265-0482 www.umtownship.org Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 170 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063 www.kpvfc.com
435 Crossfield Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-205-6400 Fax: 610-205-6433 www.umasd.org
Swedeland Fire Co. 609 A Street King of Prussia, PA 19406 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-275-0177 www.swedelandfire.org
431 West Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-265-1071 www.umtownship.org/departme nts/parks-recreation/ community-center
Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company 310 Jefferson St. Bridgeport, PA 19405 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-272-9853 www.swedesburgfire.com
Upper Merion Senior Service Center
Emergency Phone: 9-1-1
Township Police 175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1 Phone: 610-265-3232 Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888
Animal Control ...610-265-3232 Courthouse .........610-278-3000 Library................610-265-4805
Upper Merion Community Cetner
431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.) Phone: 610-265-4715 www.umssc.org
Parks & Rec.........610-265-1071 Public Works.......610-265-2606
Published by Franklin Maps 610-265-6277 ¦ FranklinMaps@aol.com
Safety & Codes....610-265-2608
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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Jay Goldsleger, DDS Scott Goldsleger, DDS Natalie De Barros, DMD David Kim, DMD Marcela Herrera, DMD
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COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Sports Legends Museum Honors Joey Crawford been able to survive over 50 years of marriage together and she replied with an answer full of the wit we've come to expect from Joe himself. "[Mary told me that] after the season was over, [she and Joe] would go to a restaurant on Tuesday night and Friday night and have a romantic dinner," Donato said. "'Yes, Joe went on Tuesday and I went on Friday.'” Joey Crawford has traveled to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's museum before as a visitor, but this summer he will leave as a member, joining seven other individuals in the Class of 2026. "For decades, Joe has stood at the center of sports' biggest moments. He brought something every game needed: fairness, consistency, professionalism, and courage," Donato said. "[Joey Crawford] made Delaware County proud.” This summer, this birthplace of basketball will honor one of Delaware County's own. On August 15th, Havertown native Joey Crawford will become the nineteenth referee inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. "It's not too often you get the opportunity to introduce someone whose accomplishments at work are such that he'll be recognized as one of the greatest referees of all-time," said former NBA referee Steve Javie, who introduced Crawford at a June luncheon in Radnor. "In my unbiased opinion, he's not one of the greatest referees of all time, he's the greatest referee that ever put a shirt on and blew a whistle on a basketball court and, believe me, it's the truth because I've worked with the guy and I've seen the others. He's the best ever.” Numbers are often a key component to candidacy bids for any Hall of Fame. Joey Crawford's 39-year career spanned 2,561 games, a resume that includes 374 playoff contests and 50 NBA Finals games. Javie refereed over 1,000 games in the NBA himself and believes that box scores alone don't begin to tell the story about Crawford as a person. According to Javie, even though Joe has always defined himself as a referee, he's actually defined by a different set of numbers: 54, 3, and 10.
Located inside the Radnor Township Municipal building, the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum houses multiple galleries devoted to well-known stars from numerous sports. Some of Crawford's memorabilia is housed on-site as part of what Museum Curator Jim Vankoski calls the "eclectic gallery." Vankoski welcomed a few of those personalities on June 6th as part of its Steve Berman Speaker Series, featuring Keynote Speaker Joey Crawford. "I don't know where else to go other than complete thanks of being a CYO referee and going to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame," he said. Crawford still remembers his first weekend "working 13 games in little tiny gyms" in the greater Philadelphia area as an 18-year-old.
Main Line Network is a cable television station available on channel 21 in Radnor Township and Verizon 34 and Comcast 99 in Lower Merion. You can find the full June 6th Joey Crawford video on our YouTube page: youtube.com/c/MLTVMainLineNetwork. The Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum itself is located at 301 Iven Avenue in Wayne. Museum hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday tours are available by appointment.
Bob Donato, a Delaware County Athletics Hall of Fame member, closed the afternoon by harkening back to Javie's earlier words regarding Crawford the person and his commitment to family. Donato recalled asking Joe's wife Mary about how they've
"Fifty four years married to his childhood sweetheart, three children, and ten grandchildren, that's his legacy," Javie said. "That's the man Joe Crawford." And that doesn't even include the countless number of people and organizations that Crawford has helped along the way without asking for anything in return. "Joe's always famous for 'what do you need, what do you got, do you need something?' He said it as a joke, but he always meant it.” 8
KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS · SUMMER 2026
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VOTING TOPICS FREEDOM OF THE PRESS national security purposes, criminalized free speech and opinion while the U.S. was at war. Both were repealed within five years, but national security remained a concern with extensive media coverage of politics. A well-known Supreme Court ruling concerned the so-called “Pentagon Papers”. In 1971, both the New York Times and the Washington Post had accessed classified information about the country's involvement in the Vietnam War. The court ruled in favor of the press, stating that it would be a violation of the First Amendment to prohibit the publication of these documents.
“Weaponization” is a popular word in today's world. It often describes the way in which laws and regulations can be used to attack rights and freedoms through governmental power, intimidation, and/or judicial action. Whether it is used for revenge, for distraction, or security, many are concerned. As we celebrate America 250, our forefathers were keenly aware of potential threats to individuals, groups, and institutions to become silenced, punished, or restricted. Thus, the First Amendment to the Constitution was their initial priority when they drafted the Bill of Rights.
Over time, the Supreme Court has ruled to limit freedom of the press. As early as 1812, in the case United States v. Hudson & Goodwin (1812) and again in 1964 with New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, the Supreme Court affirmed the ability of the government to prosecute libel, or the defamation of a person or company by publishing a knowingly false statement.
• Use the Sunshine Law to advocate for accountability and openness in municipal, county, state, and federal government. • Learn about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and submit a request if appropriate.
In 1786, Thomas Jefferson noted, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
This right, however, is a double-edged sword. Social change, such as that embodied in the civil rights and suffrage movements, have wielded this liberty as a weapon in fights for respect, power, and the further expansion of the Constitution. What can we learn from history? In 1798, just five years after the adoption of the Bill of Rights, the Sedition Act was passed during the presidency of John Adams. This law allowed for the journalists to be punished who criticized the acts of the government which at this time was engaged in an undeclared war with France. During the Act's three-year lifespan, more than fifteen journalists, including Benjamin Franklin's grandson, were fined or arrested. While only a few individuals were punished, many newspapers softened their dissent. The then- opposition Democrat-Republican Party was silenced as the Federalists described the opposing perspective as “misinformation.”
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• Support local newspapers, journalists, and public broadcasting outlets.
• Promote strong legislation for “Shield Laws” to protect journalists and their sources of information.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
In the past 200 years, debate over the freedom of the press has continued. In 1917, the Espionage Act was passed by Congress, followed a year later by a new Sedition Act. These acts, designed for
defamation and national security issues, freedom of the press is not guaranteed. However, its ultimate goal — to seek the truth and shine a light on the goings-on in government — is vital to our democracy. We cannot afford to take the freedoms provided by the First Amendment for granted, nor should we allow our government to erode them. The League of Women Voters declared a Constitutional Crisis in April of 2025 and currently promotes actions to help you make a difference:
With the advent of social media and the isolation created by COVID-19, polarization has become more prevalent and misinformation more commonplace. Policies and directives are increasingly playing a role in placing guardrails around press freedom. For example, to combat earlier pressure placed on social media by the Biden administration to prevent the spread of disinformation regarding COVID19, Executive Order 14149, signed by President Trump on the first day of his second term, was called “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” On the other hand, the White House currently determines which reporters can and cannot attend certain events. This, in turn, creates conditions for unequal coverage of political affairs by diverse media outlets where evaluating sources and journalistic ethics are vital.
Some two centuries later, the renowned and trusted journalist Walter Cronkite (19162009) said, “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy; it is democracy.”
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Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Services operates six Approved Private Schools throughout Chester and Montgomery Counties that offer high-quality, innovative special education programming for students who need care, compassion and support to succeed and thrive. All schools are licensed by the PA State Board of Private Academic Schools and accept 4010 placements. Children, adolescents and young adults may come to Devereux as day students, or as a part of residential treatment. Each student has an Individualized Educational Plan, which outlines goals for skill development and the best strategies by which the student can reach his/her goals. A multi-disciplinary team, including the individual's parent(s) or guardian, regularly reviews the plan to discuss challenges, progress and adjustments to goals as appropriate.
CARES (CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH & EDUCATION SERVICES)
600 Boot Road Downingtown, PA 19335 Full-time placement: Co-ed youth, ages 5-21, with autism; intellectual disabilities; speech and language disorders.
The School for Integrated Learning
390 East Boot Road West Chester, PA 19380 Full-time placement: Co-ed youth, ages 5-21, with autism; intellectual/multiple disabilities; emotional disturbances; speech and language disorders.
Day Academy — Audubon
2650 Eisenhower Ave, Suite A101 Norristown, PA 19401 Full-time emotional support placement (day):Co-ed youth, grades 4-8, with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Day Academy — Landenberg
20 McMaster Blvd, Suites 3 and 4 Landenberg, PA 19350 Full-time emotional support placement (day): Co-ed youth, grades K-8, with emotional disturbances, learning disabilities and autism.
Brandywine School
390 E. Boot Road West Chester, PA 19383 Full-time emotional support placement (day/residential): Co-ed youth, grades 6-12, with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances.
Mapleton School
655 Sugartown Rd., Building 100 Malvern, PA 19355 Full-time emotional support placement (day/residential): Co-ed youth, grades K-12, with emotional disturbances, learning disabilities and autism. Contact Devereux at PAEducationReferrals@devereux.org or 267-418-9623. Admissions team members will help you determine which program is most appropriate for your child. Visit www.devereuxpa.org for more information about Devereux's Approved Private Schools and other services for children.
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POOL SAFETY
reduces a child's risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
Home Pool Safety 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in or near water — learn how to reduce the risks.
•
Top Things to Know… • • •
•
Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Designate a water watcher…and stay in arm's reach of young children. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment. If a child is missing, check the water first.
How to Create a Safer Home Pool… Secure Your Pool When Not in Use •
•
•
Completely surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a selfclosing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child. A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard)
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For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult. Install a secondary barrier, such as: Door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of a child on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area.
watcher. •
Swim sober.
•
Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
Take These Water Safety Step •
Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
•
Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
•
Know what to do in a water emergency—including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
Lockable covers.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors… •
Do not enter head first unless in a pool that has a safe diving area.
•
Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
•
Swim with a buddy.
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Only swim when supervised by a water
Information from the American Red Cross…for more information go to www.redcross.org
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SUMMER 2026 · KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS
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BIKE SAFETY
crashes, followed by bicyclists not being visible. Ride responsibly and remember: All states require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists.
Bicycle Safety
Americans are increasingly bicycling to commute, for exercise, or just for fun. NHTSA's bicycle safety initiatives focus on encouraging safer choices on the part of bicyclists and drivers to help reduce deaths and injuries on our roads. Many states consider a bicycle a vehicle when it's operated on the road — and bicyclists must follow the same rules. Helmets - Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. But it's equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you. Size can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It's usually easier to look in the mirror or have someone else adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) at https://helmets.org. Avoid Crashes - There are two main types of crashes: the most common (falls) and the most serious (the ones with cars). Regardless of the reason for the crash, prevention is the name of the game. There are things you can do to decrease your risk of a crash. First, know some of the latest bicycle safety facts: • Bicyclist deaths were highest during the months of July through October. • Nearly three quarters of all bicyclist deaths occurred in urban areas. • Bicyclists failing to yield the right of way was the highest factor in fatal bike
E-Transportation Devices
As e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes become more popular for personal transportation and leisure activities, emergency departments are treating an increase in injuries nationwide. Collisions with motor vehicles and control issues are leading hazards. Here are some safety tips: • Always wear an appropriate e-scooter or e-bike helmet when riding to protect your head in a fall. • Before riding, check for any damage, which includes examining the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables, and frame. • See and be seen. Most deaths involve motor vehicles. Many micromobility products are small, quick, and quiet, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots and structures. Expect vehicle drivers and pedestrians not to see you; slow down and stay aware of your surroundings. Use the bell/horn to alert others. Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements. 16 KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS · SUMMER 2026
Be Prepared Before Heading Out • Ride a bike that fits you—if it's too big, it's harder to control the bike. • Ride a bike that works—it really doesn't matter how well you ride if the brakes don't work. • Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor). • Ride one person per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn. • Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. • Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain. • Plan your route if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path. Drive Defensively - Focused and Alert Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others
•
Beware of obstacles. E-scooters have small tires so objects and uneven surfaces can cause them to stop suddenly, throwing you off. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars. Slow down and lean back when you have to ride over bumps.
may do, before they do it. This is defensive driving - the quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash: • Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic. • Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car. • Assume the other person doesn't see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks. • No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic. Information from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for more information visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Only one person per scooter; additional riders can increase the risk and severity of collisions. Follow all manufacturer directions, review the safety information and identify and weight and age limits for the micromobility device.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS Heat Advisory - Take Action!
Excessive Heat Warnings
Each National Weather Service Forecast Office issues some or all of the following heat-related products as conditions warrant. NWS local offices often collaborate with local partners to determine when an alert should be issued for a local area. For instance, residents of Florida are much more prepared for 90°F+ weather than residents in Alaska. Excessive Heat Warning Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die. Excessive Heat Watches Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Excessive Heat Outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.
As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index--how hot it feels--is 121°F. The red area without numbers indicates extreme danger. The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F (depending on local climate) for at least 2 consecutive days. NWS also offers a Heat Index chart for area with high heat but low relative humidity. Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F. Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.
Understanding the Heat Index The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Heat Index Chart.
for more information visit www.noaa.gov
U NDERSTANDING HEAT EXHAUSTION & HEAT STROKE First Aid: During extremely hot and humid weather, For more information on all these topics, • Move person to a cooler environment • Lay person down and loosen clothing • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible • Fan or move victim to air conditioned room • Offer sips of water • If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms: • Altered mental state • One or more of the following symptons: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing Body temperature above 103°F Hot, red, dry or moist skin Rapid and strong pulse Faints, loses consciousness
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heatrelated illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen - Heavy sweating First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy sweating - Weakness Cool, pale, clammy skin - Fast, weak pulse Possible muscle cramps - Dizziness - Nausea or vomiting - Fainting 18 KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS · SUMMER 2026
First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably airconditioned, environment.
see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site: www.cdc.gov/disasters/ extremeheat/warning.html
HEAT OR EXHAUSTION
Throbbing headache
Faint or dizzy Excessive sweating
No sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
HEAT STROKE
Body temperature above 103° Red, hot, dry skin
!
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, weak pulse
Rapid, strong pulse
Muscle cramps
May lose consciousness
Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
Get to a cooler, air conditioned place
Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.
Drink water if fully conscious Take a cool shower or use cold compresses
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ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE A Royal Decree for all Township Residents Monarch populations have declined by 90% since the 1980s because of hagitat loss and excessive pesticide use. What can you do?
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TREE CARE SO YOU JUST PLANTED A TREE…. NOW WHAT? A newly planted sapling is not yet the sturdy, self-sufficient tree it will one day become. In its first one to three years, it is vulnerable—its root system is small, its bark is thin, and it has not yet learned to find water on its own. With a little attention during this critical period, however, you can help it establish itself as a lasting part of your home and our local ecosystem. The effort you put in now pays dividends for decades. 1. Staking — Support When Needed Staking is often done when it is not needed and for too long. Research from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) consistently shows that trees allowed to move slightly in the wind develop stronger trunk wood and root systems than rigidly staked trees. Stake only if the tree cannot stand upright on its own or if the root ball rocks in the soil.
circumference — a process called girdling — will die. There are two separate approaches to these problems; both are often used at the same time. To protect from browsing, use a wire cage made from welded wire fencing set off the trunk, forming a ring 2-3 feet in diameter around the tree. The cage should be at least 4-5 feet tall, as deer can reach higher than most people expect. This keeps deer from accessing foliage and branch tips entirely. To protect from antler, or buck rub, which occurs mainly from September through December during rut season, use a closefitting rigid spiral plastic tree guard or a short cylinder of ¼-inch hardware cloth placed directly around the trunk to protect the bark surface itself.
If staking is needed, use two stakes placed outside the root ball, connected to the trunk with a loose, flexible tie. Position ties at the lowest point on the trunk that keeps the tree upright. Remove all stakes and ties at 12 months. Ties left too long girdle the bark, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients, and can kill an otherwise healthy tree.
Check and adjust both each spring as the tree grows. Chemical deer repellents can supplement these physical barriers but must be reapplied frequently after rain and are not reliable as a stand-alone strategy.
3. Deer Protection — A Real Threat in Marple Township White-tailed deer are abundant in Delaware County and cause significant damage to young trees in two ways: browsing (eating leaves and twigs) and antler rubbing, which strips bark in the fall and winter. A tree stripped of bark around its entire 22 KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS · SUMMER 2026
Reference: Penn State Extension Soil Testing Lab: soiltest.psu.edu
4. Rabbits and Voles Protection — Small Animals, Real Damage Rabbits gnaw bark at the base of young trees, especially in winter when other food is scarce. A simple hardware cloth cylinder (the same material you use for deer to prevent rubbing) placed around the trunk and anchored loosely in the soil will stop rabbits effectively. Remove it in the spring to prevent it from constricting growth and store it for reuse.
Reference: Penn State Extension, "Mulching Landscape Trees" (available at extension.psu.edu)
Reference: U.S. Forest Service, “How to Plant and Care for Your Tree”
If you aren't sure about your soil, you can have your soil tested before adding any fertilizer (Penn State Extension offers lowcost soil testing kits). After the first two to three years, a well-mulched tree in reasonable soil typically needs little or no supplemental fertilization.
Keep mulch 3-inches away from the trunk. The "mulch volcano" piled against the bark is one of the most common tree-care mistakes. It holds moisture against the bark, promotes rot, and invites rodents that gnaw the trunk.
Refresh the layer each spring and let leaf litter accumulate naturally in the fall rather than bagging it; decomposing leaves return nutrients to the soil and shelter beneficial insects.
General guideline: Apply approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, once or twice per week during dry periods (less than 1 inch of rainfall per week). A slow drip from a garden hose laid at the base for 30-45 minutes is more effective than a quick spray. Reduce watering in fall to help the tree harden off for winter. Overwatering is as harmful as underwatering — waterlogged soil suffocates roots.
6. Fertilizing — Less May Be More Healthy, organically active soil — supported by mulch and leaf litter — generally provides adequate nutrition for newly planted trees. Fertilizing too aggressively in the first year can actually stimulate lush top growth before the root system is large enough to support it, making the tree more vulnerable to stress.
2. Mulch — The Rule of 3's A 3-inch deep layer of organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark, or leaf litter) spread in a wide ring around the tree is one of the most important steps to helping a new tree get established. Mulch moderates soil temperature, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and feeds soil organisms as it decomposes.
Extend the mulch ring outside the stakes at least a 3-feet diameter circle to reduce grass/weed competition and remind weed whackers not to get too close. Mechanical contact from trimmers is a leading cause of tree death in residential landscapes.
5. Watering — Deep and Regular Newly planted trees need supplemental water for at least the first two growing seasons — longer for larger trees. The goal is to water deeply and infrequently rather than lightly and often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward and outward; shallow, frequent watering keeps roots near the surface where they are vulnerable to drought and temperature extremes.
Voles are a separate and often overlooked threat. These small mouse-like rodents tunnel just below the soil surface and gnaw bark at and below the ground line frequently under the cover of mulch or snow, where the damage goes unnoticed until spring. To stop voles, the same ¼-inch hardware cloth cylinder must be buried 2-3 inches below the soil surface and kept slightly away from the trunk.
A Final Word on Patience Most newly planted trees spend their first year or two putting energy into root establishment rather than visible aboveground growth. This is normal and healthy. If your tree leafs out, holds its leaves through summer, and shows no signs of disease or pest damage, it is doing what it should. With good soil contact, consistent water, protective mulch, and protection from browsing animals, the odds are strongly in the tree's favor, and we will all benefit from the tree as it grows! Resources: • Penn State Extension: extension.psu.edu • International Society of Arboriculture: treesaregood.org • Delaware County Conservation District: delcocd.org • U.S. Forest Service Urban Forest Research: fs.usda.gov/urban
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