IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW TREE REMOVAL ORDINANCE IN NJ

As of January 2025, New Jersey has passed new regulations regarding tree removal, particularly addressing urban areas and private properties.

The state’s efforts aim to balance tree preservation with development needs, emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection.

These changes reflect New Jersey's growing commitment to preserving its urban canopy and natural resources while accommodating development.

Property owners are encouraged to check with local authorities for specific requirements and exemptions in their area.

Here are some key points about the new ordinance:

1. Tree Removal Permits

  • In most municipalities in New Jersey, tree removal requires a permit. This applies particularly to trees located on private property that are over a certain size, usually with a trunk diameter of at least 6 inches at chest height.

  • The permit process includes submitting an application with a justification for tree removal, such as disease, safety hazards, or property development needs.

2. Replacement Requirements

  • If trees are removed, property owners may be required to replace them with new trees. The number and size of replacement trees depend on the type and size of the removed trees.

  • The ordinance may allow for financial compensation or donation to a tree replacement fund if a direct replacement isn't feasible on the property.

3. Specific Restrictions for Certain Areas

  • In environmentally sensitive or flood-prone areas, like wetlands or riparian buffers, additional restrictions may apply, requiring greater justification or specific environmental assessments before tree removal.

  • In urban areas, municipalities are encouraged to enforce stronger protections against indiscriminate tree cutting.

4. Enforcement and Penalties

  • Fines can be levied on property owners who remove trees without a permit or fail to adhere to the replacement requirements.

  • Tree preservation officers or other local officials are designated to enforce these regulations.

5. Incentives for Preservation

  • Some areas may offer incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, for landowners who choose to preserve trees or plant additional ones.

  • Special programs also encourage community participation in urban forestry and green space maintenance.

6. Exemptions

  • There are exemptions for tree removal if it is necessary for public safety, such as trees that pose a danger to power lines, structures, or roads.

  • Other exemptions may apply in cases of certain pests or diseases (e.g., emerald ash borer infestations) that necessitate large-scale tree removal for the health of the ecosystem.

7. Municipal-Level Regulations

  • New Jersey allows municipalities to adopt their own stricter rules for tree removal. This means that individual towns or cities may have additional layers of regulation based on their local environmental or zoning concerns.

Paul Biester