Englewood's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Englewood, New Jersey, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Englewood requires replacement plantings for permitted tree removals, or a contribution of at least $300 per replacement to the Environmental Commission Tree Fund when on-site planting is impractical.

Key details: In-lieu floor: $300 per replacement. Replacement standard: Section 425-11. Approving official: City Engineer. Fund recipient: Environmental Commission Tree Fund.

Removing trees without replacing them; failing to contribute to the Tree Fund when in-lieu payment is required; underfunded contributions below the $300 floor.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Englewood's City Council may designate landmark trees of abnormal size, history, or aesthetic value, recording each in a Landmark Tree Register for protection and monitoring.

Key details: Designation authority: Englewood City Council. Recommending bodies: Engineer, Arborist, EEC. Adopting ordinance: Ord. 17-04 (2017). Registry: Landmark Tree Register.

Removing or harming a designated landmark tree without authorization; failing to comply with monitoring or replacement requirements specific to registered landmark trees.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Englewood actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

Tree Removal Permits

Englewood Chapter 425 requires a project permit from the City Engineer to remove three or more regulated trees within a five-year period, and a permit waiver for fewer than three.

Key details: Project permit threshold: 3+ trees in 5 years. Waiver threshold: Fewer than 3 trees. Hazard filing deadline: 7 days post-removal. Issuing authority: City Engineer.

Removing regulated trees without a project permit or waiver; failing to file a hazard-removal permit within seven days; ignoring replacement plan requirements.

The Bottom Line

Englewood's tree protection 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 Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Englewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.