Did you know that as of May 1, 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection required nearly all municipalities in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties to adopt an ordinance regulating the removal and replacement of trees on public and private land? Many towns already have ordinances on the books specifying what homeowners could or couldn’t do with “street trees.” “Street trees” are trees that your town owns and are located in the town’s right-of-way, usually in the strip of land between your sidewalk and the curb, and are normally maintained by the town. Homeowners often are prohibited from removing or doing any maintenance to “street trees.” However, this new requirement applies to trees located on private property, including the property of homeowners and business owners.
What is the Purpose of This Requirement?
The NJDEP states that the purpose of the tree removal/replacement ordinance is to reduce soil erosion and pollutant runoff, promote infiltration of rainwater into the soil, and protect the environment, public health, safety, and welfare. Trees are incredibly effective at reducing soil erosion because their roots create a network underground that binds soil particles together, making the soil more resistant to erosion. The roots help anchor the soil and prevent it from washing away during heavy rainfall. Tree roots also act as a natural filter for pollutants in runoff, such as heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides, and prevent them from reaching our waterways. The more trees a homeowner has on their property, the more stable the soil system is and the more resilient the property is against flooding and erosion.
So What Are the Removal and Replacement Requirements?
Every town has slightly different requirements for the removal and replacement of trees. Some towns require permits and charge fees for removing trees, and some allow for a donation to a tree fund instead of replacing trees. There are also several exemptions to the requirements, including the removal of hazardous trees, active tree farms, and trees removed under an environmental clean-up. However, the NJDEP set some baseline requirements that all towns must follow:
- The removal of any street tree with a diameter breast height of 2.5” or more and any non-street (private) tree with a diameter breast height of 6” or more must be regulated.
- There must be an application process established for the removal of trees.
- Trees removed must be replaced in kind with a tree that has an equal or greater diameter breast height than the tree removed or meets specified replacement criteria.
- Replacement trees must be planted within 1 year of the removal of the original tree.
- Homeowners must monitor the newly planted tree for 2 years and replace it as needed within 1 year.
- Replacement trees may not be planted in temporary containers or pots.
- Homeowners must use a tree removal service that is properly licensed by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts.
How Can I Find Out What My Town’s Requirements Are?
Homeowners can find out the tree removal and replacement requirements in their towns by contacting their local Public Works Department, Construction Office, or Zoning Office. Taylor Expert Arborists has also compiled the tree removal and replacement requirements for several municipalities in our service area below:
- Borough of Palmyra Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Moorestown Township Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Maple Shade Township Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Borough of Riverton Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Cinnaminson Township Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Pennsauken Township Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
- Mount Laurel Township Tree Removal and Replacement Requirements
Who Handles Getting the Permit for Removal?
Taylor Expert Arborists always handles getting any permits required for tree removal for its customers. We will contact your township to determine whether a permit is required, handle the application process with your assistance, and pay any required fee. We can also help with replanting any required replacement trees.
I’ve Hired Taylor Expert Arborists, Now What?
So, you’ve made the smart decision to hire Taylor Expert Arborists to perform your tree removal and get the required permit, now how do you prepare for a tree removal?
- Have Underground Utilities Marked. If your tree removal service might interfere with underground utilities, call New Jersey Once Source at 811 so the utility companies can identify and mark the locations of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Taylor Expert Arborists can also schedule a mark-out for you if necessary. This information will help avoid accidentally damaging utility lines during excavation or stump removal.
- Communicate with Your Neighbors. If the tree removal may impact neighboring homeowners or if there are shared boundaries, inform your neighbors about the upcoming work. Discuss any concerns they may have and arrange access to their property if necessary.
- Clear the Work Area. Remove any obstacles or obstructions near the tree, such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, or garden decorations. Clearing the area around the tree will give the tree removal company ample space to work and maneuver equipment safely.
- Be Available for Communication. Ensure that you or another responsible person will be available on your property during the tree removal process to answer any questions, provide access to the property, and address any unexpected issues that may arise with the tree service company.
- Keep Pets and Children Inside. Keep pets and children indoors or away from the work area during tree removal to ensure their safety. Loud noises and heavy equipment can be frightening or dangerous for animals and young children.
- Follow the Safety Guidelines. Follow any safety guidelines or instructions provided by the tree removal company to ensure the safety of everyone involved. You must stay clear of the work area! If you want to watch the tree removal service, you may be required to wear the appropriate safety gear and follow any temporary access or traffic control measures.
All homeowners having tree removal services performed should take these steps to prepare their property for tree removal. Doing so can help facilitate a smooth and successful process while minimizing risks to property and tree service company personnel.
Taylor Expert Arborists are hard-working tree care experts with years of experience, and we remove trees in the safest way possible. We are family-owned and offer residential, commercial, and municipal tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal services, tree maintenance, stump grinding and stump removal, cabling and bracing services, tree health assessments, tree risk assessments, and emergency services. Taylor Expert Arborists are members of the New Jersey ISA and the New Jersey Society of Licensed Tree Experts.
