A Kinnelon resident was just fined $15,000 for cutting down trees without permission, marking the second five-figure fine in Kinnelon alone as Northern New Jersey municipalities crack down hard on unauthorized tree removal to protect the state’s diminishing tree canopy.
With fines reaching into the tens of thousands and enforcement ramping up across the region, it’s essential to work with a professional tree service that follows all the regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Most Northern New Jersey municipalities now require permits for tree removal, typically for trees greater than four inches in diameter, following new state regulations that mandate updated local ordinances.
- Tree removal permits require detailed information, including removal justification, site plans, and often replacement tree planting (mitigation) to offset the environmental loss.
- Working with unlicensed companies that skip permits can result in thousands of dollars in fines for homeowners.
- Professional tree services, like Aspen Tree, can assist with permits and suggest tree preservation alternatives instead of removal.
Northern New Jersey Tree Removal Regulations
Most Northern New Jersey municipalities now require permits before you can remove trees on your property. Recent state legislation pushed local governments to strengthen their tree protection laws, meaning what used to be a simple DIY project now involves paperwork and approval processes. For example, Clifton’s regulations are typical of what you’ll find across the region. The city requires a permit for removing any tree with a trunk diameter of four inches or more (measured 4½ feet from the ground).
You’ll also need to justify why the tree must come down, such as when it’s:
- Within the building footprint of a proposed project
- Dead or a safety hazard
- Blocks access
- In the area of a proposed driveway, walkway, or utility line
- A line of sight obstruction
Depending on your reason for removal, you may also need to plant a replacement tree.
Other municipalities, like Cedar Grove, have nearly identical requirements, also requiring permits for trees four inches or larger. While specific details vary by town, the four-inch threshold and permit process are becoming standard across Northern New Jersey.
Any tree service company you hire must be registered with the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts and employ either a Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator. Always check with your local municipality before starting any tree work, as regulations can differ between towns.
Typical Permitting Process in Northern New Jersey
While the process may differ slightly depending on where you live, you’ll typically need to first secure a permit for tree removal. You can do this online or by visiting your local municipality’s office for help finding the form.
Once you have the form, you’ll have to fill it out, including information about the trees you plan to remove and what company will do the work. In municipalities with stricter requirements (such as Clifton), you may need to supply a map with a tree removal plan and your tree mitigation plan. The mitigation plan will outline what trees you will plant to replace the lost ones and where you will plant them.
The Danger of Working with a Company That Ignores Permitting Requirements
With these new tree removal regulations, more companies that ignore permitting and New Jersey’s tree laws have been popping up. These companies seem to offer a deal by cutting out the permitting process and offering to do the job cheaply without the delay from waiting for approval.
While it may seem like a good deal initially, cutting corners like this can have adverse effects. If caught, you could face a fine of thousands of dollars, depending on your local laws.
But the concerns go far beyond the risk of a fine. Think about it, if a company is willing to try and get away with skipping the permit, what else could they be getting away with? Do they have the necessary insurance to cover their work? Does their team have the appropriate training and equipment? Do they use industry-standard techniques?
When a tree service starts telling you things that sound too good to be true, they usually are. Instead, work with a reputable tree service that has all the necessary insurance to protect you in the event of an accident.
The cost of working with someone who will do it right is higher upfront, but with the price comes many benefits, including better service and peace of mind. The extra cost is due to the money it takes to maintain workers’ compensation and general liability insurance and hire a qualified team.
Working with a reputable company will also allow you to take advantage of their expertise and other services. Instead of removing the tree, they may suggest tree preservation services that will enable you to avoid eliminating the tree. Instead, you can keep it standing for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Tree Removal and Permits
We understand that homeowners do not deal with tree removal permits regularly. We’ve answered some common questions to help you understand permits and the tree removal process.
How do I know if I need a tree removal permit?
Most municipalities in Northern New Jersey now require tree removal permits. To find out if you need a permit, call your local municipality office and ask them about any requirements in your neighborhood.
Why do municipalities require permits for tree removal?
Tree removal permits allow a town or city to track how many trees homeowners remove and ensure they replace the trees with new saplings. Trees provide numerous benefits, such as providing shade, reducing temperatures, preventing soil erosion, and improving air quality. Losing too many urban trees can harm the local ecosystem.
Are there fees for a tree removal permit?
While this will depend on your municipality, there is typically a fee of around $25 to remove a single tree. The application should note any necessary fees.
How long does it take to get my tree removal permit approved in New Jersey?
Every town is different in its permitting process, but generally, it will take up to a few weeks to get your application back. In the Borough of Caldwell, for example, they respond to all applications within 15 business days.
What should I do for saplings I plant as replacement trees to help them thrive?
Helping a young sapling thrive can require some work to help it establish itself. Some things we recommend for your young saplings include:
- Place a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the sapling
- Provide supplemental water for the first few years of its life until its roots expand
- Provide fall fertilization when a soil test determines a deficiency
- Prune the tree to encourage better structure and proper development
- Monitor for signs of insects and diseases
Want to Work with a Company That Follows the Law? Trust Our Team at Aspen Tree!
With New Jersey’s new laws, many homeowners need a permit to remove most trees. Tree removal is dangerous, especially when done by a company that isn’t following tree removal regulations and proper procedures. When you want to work with a company that does things the right way, trust the team at Aspen Tree.
We follow all New Jersey regulations and carry the appropriate insurance to handle every job properly. If you need a tree removed in Northern New Jersey, we can help. Call us today at 201-939-8733 or request a quote online.
