Berwyn Heights Case Study

Challenges

The 2022 storm brought down numerous trees, left key roads blocked, and damaged power lines. "All the emergency crews and energy teams couldn’t even get into town. It was like a jigsaw puzzle trying to clear a path," Snyder explained. But beyond the immediate destruction, the town faced a surge in resident anxiety. “People who didn’t lose trees were cutting theirs down out of panic. Perfectly healthy ones, too.”

To address the concern, the town needed:

1. A comprehensive tree inventory and risk assessment for public areas.

2. Neutral, professional evaluations on private properties.

3. Community-wide education to rebuild trust.

4. A planting strategy to replace what was lost and plan for future resilience.

"Having a certified arborist come out and talk to people made all the difference," said Snyder. "Town staff saying 'don’t cut your trees' only went so far."

Solutions

SavATree provided a multi-phase solution tailored to Berwyn Heights’ needs, including a right-of-way tree survey, residential site visits, community education, and tree planting guidance.

SavATree began with a comprehensive inventory of public trees. "They gave us a roadmap," said Snyder. "It let us budget smarter and work down the list of risks systematically." ​​A recent 2023 Tree Inventory assessed 783 public trees, down from 841 in 2016, a 7% decline. Importantly, 93% of public trees were found to be in good or fair condition, a 7% improvement from 2016.

With support from Chesapeake Bay Trust grants, the town coordinated two rounds of private property consultations. First with a $70,000 grant reaching 100 homes, then with an additional $60,000 expanding to 200 properties, nearly 20% of the town. “People really wanted to be home when the arborists came,” Snyder said. “They walked the properties, answered questions, and really built trust.”

The consulting approach was intentional. “We kept SavATree separate from our tree crews,” Snyder noted. “It helped residents see them as a neutral third party. No sales pitch, just science.”

SavATree also hosted several in-person workshops that blended presentations with outdoor sessions. “They explained tree care in a way our council and residents could understand,” said Snyder. “We heard from a lot of folks who felt more confident after those sessions.”

In collaboration with a local landscaping company, SavATree advised residents on species selection and planting sites. “It wasn’t just 'pick a tree,'” Snyder said. “They helped people figure out what made sense for their yard, whether they wanted shade, privacy, or curb appeal.”

More than 250 trees were planted, surpassing the number lost to the storm. Highlights included new plantings around the town’s Aldi grocery store, where heat mitigation was a concern. “Our Green Team had been pushing for that, and it was a big win,” he added.

Results

SavATree’s involvement helped shift Berwyn Heights from reactive recovery to proactive stewardship.

"That initial panic about tree safety? It stopped after the first round of visits," said Snyder. “People trusted the assessments.” The right-of-way work also paid off: “We’re done with the emergency and critical removals. We’re not worried about trees blocking roads anymore.” In fact, 94% of public trees are now categorized as low-risk, up from 92% in 2016, with only 43 moderate-risk and 4 high-risk trees identified.

SavATree also helped coordinate with Pepco, the local utility company, identifying trees for proactive trimming or removal. “It saved us money and made the town safer,” Snyder said.

From a community perspective, the program helped in many ways. It reshaped public perception and helped with our stormwater management mitigation. "There was a waitlist," he said. "Neighbors talked to neighbors. The demand for visits just kept growing."

Snyder experienced the impact personally, too. “They came to my house. I’ve got three big trees and little kids. It was a huge relief to hear a professional say they were safe.”

Looking Ahead

Berwyn Heights now sees SavATree as its go-to arboricultural consultant. “They’re our on-call arborists,” said Snyder. “If we get another grant, we’ll bring them back, no question.”

The 2023 Tree Inventory recommended another update in 2028, continued planting along streetscapes, and proactive management of moderate and high-risk trees. With stronger planning tools, a more informed public, and deeper investment in its green infrastructure, Berwyn Heights is fulfilling its promise as a genuine Tree City USA. “We’re not just saying it anymore,” Snyder said. “We’re living it."

About Berwyn Heights
Berwyn Heights is a historic one-square-mile town in Prince George’s County, Maryland, home to 3,300 residents and over 1,000 homes set among mature trees in the Indian Creek valley. The town offers full municipal services, strong community involvement, and access to top-rated schools, parks, and the University of Maryland. To learn more about Berwyn Heights, visit https://www.berwynheightsmd.gov/.

About SavATree
SavATree provides comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care services to commercial properties nationwide. Our certified arborists and professional crews deliver tailored solutions that enhance property value, safety, and aesthetic appeal. With a commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, SavATree is the premier choice for all your landscape care needs. For more information, visit www.savatree.com.