Tree Protection in Freehold Township, NJ (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Freehold Township, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Freehold Township protects mature heritage and historic trees under Chapter 336, Article II. The Township Forester decides removal permits, presumes heritage tree removal prohibited absent compelling and extraordinary circumstances, and removing one without a permit or damaging it carries a $3,000 fee plus prosecution under the article's general penalty, with each tree treated as a separate offense.
Freehold Township Heritage Tree Preservation
Significant RestrictionsFreehold Township Code §§ 336-7B, 336-8, 150-31D
The purpose of the provisions relating to heritage/historic trees within this article is to require the preservation of those trees which are identified as mature (fully developed) trees of a specific size and species and those trees involved in documented historic events. Permission to remove such trees from any property, other than a modified home site as hereinafter defined, within the Towns...
Protected Tree Species
Freehold Township singles out heritage trees (mature trees of a size the Township Forester defines by species) and historic trees (those tied to a documented historic event) for the strictest protection in its tree code. Removing one is presumptively barred outside the most compelling and extraordinary circumstances.
Freehold Township Heritage and Historic Tree Rule
Significant RestrictionsFreehold Township Code § 336-7B, § 336-10G(15)
The purpose of the provisions relating to heritage/historic trees within this article is to require the preservation of those trees which are identified as mature (fully developed) trees of a specific size and species and those trees involved in documented historic events. Permission to remove such trees from any property, other than a modified home site as hereinafter defined, within the Towns...
Parkway Planting
Freehold Township requires a permit from the Shade Tree Commission before anyone plants, cuts, prunes, or otherwise disturbs a tree standing in a street, parkway, or other public place. The rule covers homeowners and utility companies alike, and it also bars new sidewalks, driveways, or retaining walls within 15 feet of a street tree without the Commission's sign-off.
Freehold Township Street Tree Planting Permit
Significant RestrictionsFreehold Township Code §§ 400-1, 400-3, 400-6
§ 400-1. Purpose. This chapter contains Shade Tree Commission rules and regulations for the planting, control, protection and improvement of shade trees upon highways and public places in the Township of Freehold and providing penalties for the violation thereof. ... § 400- ... 3. Required permits. No person shall do to any tree on a street, without first having obtained a permit from the Shade...