Trees Keep Overtaking Sidewalks In Pottstown

POTTSTOWN, PA — Nature and the city are coming into noticeable conflict in downtown Pottstown, where continuously expanding root systems of large trees are destroying sidewalks.

A newly funded borough project will rehabilitate or replace sidewalks across 12 different locations in the zero and 100 blocks of High Street.

The project will also expand tree wells, so that trees can continue to grow healthily, and the areas around the wells will be rebuilt with a type of "permeable pavement" that will not crack as trees expand.

The borough recently received $152,505 for the project through a Montco 2040 grant, which also funded similar work in 2024.

Large trees are an iconic part of the Pottstown streetscape, with majestical specimens like the northern red oak shedding brilliant red leaves in autumn.

The latest round of Montco 2040 funding provided $2.75 million to 16 select projects across the county. Projects were chosen for need for how they supported larger county goals of connecting communities, sustainability, and supporting the local economy.