How Bergenfield Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Bergenfield maintains 67 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bergenfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Bergenfield Chapter 291 prohibits cutting, trimming, breaking, or otherwise injuring any living tree or shrub on public highways, parks, or public places without prior written permit from the Shade Tree Committee.

Key details: Permit required: Public trees only. Issuing body: Shade Tree Committee. Code chapter: Chapter 291. Meets: 1st Monday, 7:30 PM. Contact: dpw@bergenfieldnj.gov.

Trimming a public tree without a Shade Tree Committee permit is a Borough Code violation subject to fines and restoration costs.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Bergenfield Chapter 291 forbids removing or injuring any living tree on public property without a written Shade Tree Committee permit, and lets the Committee order removal of dangerous trees.

Key details: Permit required: Public trees. Issued by: Shade Tree Committee. Code chapter: Chapter 291. Dangerous trees: Owner pays removal. Private trees: Generally unregulated.

Removing a public tree without a Shade Tree Committee permit can result in fines and orders to replace or restore the tree.

Weed Ordinances

Bergenfield Chapter 116 lets the Borough order property owners to cut weeds, brush, and hedges within 10 days of written notice, and bill removal costs back if owners fail to comply.

Key details: Notice period: 10 days. Code chapter: Chapter 116. Authority: DPW Superintendent. Cost recovery: Municipal lien. Enforcement: Code Enforcement Bureau.

If notice is ignored after 10 days, Borough crews complete the work and the owner is billed; unpaid charges become a tax lien.

Grass Height Limits

Bergenfield Chapter 116 requires owners to keep brush, hedges, and plant life cut below 2.5 feet within 10 feet of any roadway and 25 feet of intersections when needed for public safety, within 10 days after notice.

Key details: Maximum height: 2.5 feet. From roadway: Within 10 feet. From intersection: Within 25 feet. Cure period: 10 days after notice. Code chapter: Chapter 116.

Failure to cut after notice triggers Borough cutting, with costs assessed against the property as a municipal lien collected with taxes.

Water Restrictions

Bergenfield Chapter 306 authorizes the Borough Administrator to declare water emergencies imposing odd/even sprinkler schedules in Stage I and a complete irrigation ban in Stage II.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 306. Stage I odd days: Tuesday and Saturday. Stage I even days: Wednesday and Sunday. Stage II: All irrigation banned. New lawn exception: First 21 days.

Violations of declared water-emergency restrictions are enforceable by the Borough Administrator and may result in fines under the general penalty provisions.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bergenfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Composting

Bergenfield's mandatory recycling code requires leaves, grass clippings, and brush to be set out only on schedule, with loose yard waste limited to seven days before announced collection.

Key details: Loose pile window: 7 days before pickup. Bagged yard waste: Paper biodegradable bags. Leaf season: Mid-October to early December. Composting partner: BCUA. Recycling Center: 198 N. Washington Ave.

Placing loose yard waste at the curb outside the seven-day window or mixing it with regular trash violates the Borough's recycling and yard waste rules.

The Bottom Line

Bergenfield's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bergenfield is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bergenfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.