Lakewood's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Lakewood, 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.

Parkway Planting

Lakewood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey requires new development to plant street trees on both sides of every street under UDO Section 18-803D. Spacing depends on the tree's mature size, and the tree type, location, and layout must all be approved by the Planning or Zoning Board as part of the landscape plan.

Key details: Governing section: UDO Section 18-803D, Street Trees. Location rule: Trees required both sides of all streets. Medium tree spacing: 40 to 50 foot intervals. Small tree spacing: 30 to 40 foot intervals. Minimum caliper: 2 inches at planting.

There is no separate street-tree fine schedule; compliance is enforced through the land use approval process itself. A subdivision or site plan that omits required street trees, uses undersized stock below the two inch caliper minimum, or crowds spacing outside the 30-to-50-foot intervals will not receive final Planning Board or Zoning Board sign-off, and a certificate of occupancy can be withheld until dead or dying replacement trees required under Section 18-803D3 are replanted.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Lakewood Township protects any tree the governing body formally designates historic, plus 'Specimen Trees' listed under UDO § 18-803H.2. Code § 19-3b bars removing a designated tree without both a standard tree removal permit and the Code Enforcement Officer's separate approval.

Key details: Designation authority: Governing body resolution (§ 19-2). Specimen Tree list: UDO § 18-803H.2. Removal requirement: Tree removal permit plus officer's approval. Condition standard: Must be maintained in living condition. Penalty: Up to $2,000 per tree (§ 19-16a).

Removing a designated specimen or historic tree without the Code Enforcement Officer's separate approval, in addition to the standard tree removal permit, is a violation of Chapter 19. Section 19-16a sets a fine of up to $2,000 per offense, with each illegally removed tree counted as its own separate violation, and the court may order restitution equal to the tree's appraised value or replacement of the tree.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Protected Tree Species

Lakewood Township names dozens of specific tree species as protected 'specimen trees' once they exceed a listed trunk diameter, from a 12-inch American holly to a 40-inch tulip tree, under UDO § 18-803H2i. A Township permit is required before any specimen tree comes down, and removed ones must be replaced.

Key details: Species protected: Dozens of named species, e.g. red maple, tulip tree. Trigger diameter: Ranges 12 in (holly) to 40 in (tulip tree). General tree permit: Required at 10-inch DBH, § 19-3a. Specimen tree removal: Needs Code Enforcement Officer approval, § 19-3b. Replacement ratio: 1 in new tree per 4 in removed.

Removing a specimen or historic tree, or any tree with a diameter of 10 inches or more, without a permit is a violation of Chapter 19. Section 19-16a sets the penalty at up to $2,000 per offense, with each illegally removed tree counted as a separate violation and each day of continued violation a distinct offense, and the court can order restitution or replacement on top of the fine.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on protected tree species. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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