Major Tree Work Scheduled At Landmark Fonthill Property In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA ? Fifty hazardous trees identified in a forestry assessment plan are slated for removal beginning next week as part of ongoing environmental initiatives at the 69-acre Fonthill Castle property in Doylestown.

The work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with additional work to be done in the future, according to the Bucks County Historical Society, which owns and operates the property.

The tree work will be led by Michael Dunn, associate director of urban forestry at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.

?The removal of these trees is difficult, but it allows us to plan for a healthier, more sustainable forest that will support the estate for generations,? said Dunn. ?Removing them is a critical step in protecting visitors, staff, and historic structures, while paving the way for a long-term forest restoration initiative.?

The tree removal will be conducted by arborists from Shreiner Tree Care and will include trees along East Court Street, North Street, East Street, as well as areas around the Welcome Center at Fonthill Castle and throughout the Fonthill Woodlands.

In recent years, many ash trees along the trails have died from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. The tree work aims to remove those and other hazardous trees, and restore forest health, according to the BCHS.

?As stewards of Henry Mercer?s legacy, the Bucks County Historical Society is not only responsible for caring for the buildings and objects he left behind, but for fulfilling Mercer?s vision of keeping the privately-owned grounds open to the public so everyone can enjoy the region?s native trees and plant species for generations to come,? said Kyle McKoy, BCHS President and CEO.

The work is being funded by a grant supported by State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Tim Brennan(HD-29), as well as by leadership-level donations from George Ball, CEO of W. Altee Burpee Company, Doylestown; the Family of William J. Jr. and Geraldine Happ, Doylestown; Linda Butzier Hodgdon, Lahaska; Jim and Kathy Morrison, New Bern, N.C.; and The Sigety Family, Pipersville, and Gayle Goodman and Jim Searing, New Hope.

The Fonthill Castle property is home to the National Historic Landmark home and estate of archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer. The castle sits on an estate cultivated as an arboretum and boasts multiple forested regions of mature trees. Known for its extensive trail system and natural features, the property is beloved by the community and provides environmental and social benefits to many in the region.

While Fonthill?s grounds are privately owned by BCHS and located in Doylestown Township, some of the trees requiring urgent removal are located along Doylestown Borough streets, and BCHS is working in partnership with the township and the borough on the effort.

The hazardous tree removal is part of ongoing initiatives to care for the 69-acres that surround Henry Mercer?s Fonthill Castle, which was named one of the most beautiful castles in the U.S. by Architectural Digest.

Since 2023, the Bucks County Historical Society has been convening experts to explore a range of conservation and enhancement possibilities for the woodlands and open spaces surrounding Fonthill Castle. The goal is to realize Henry Mercer?s vision to foster education and enjoyment of both the arts and nature for the public year-round.

BCHS contracted Brandywine Urban Forestry in the spring of 2024 for a comprehensive urban forest assessment and management plan for the property. The assessment reviewed the forest?s overall health and classified the status of the trees, cataloging all of the major trees in the maintained landscape, as well as trees of concern throughout the property.

Fonthill Castle is operated by the Bucks County Historical Society as a historic house museum and community cultural gathering place, and is located at 525 East Court Street in Doylestown 18901.