Tree Protection in Old Bridge, NJ (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Old Bridge, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Old Bridge Township treats mature heritage trees as nearly untouchable under Code § 457-1D: removal from any property is prohibited except in the most compelling and extraordinary circumstances, and even then only after a licensed Tree Expert investigates and the Township Conservation Officer agrees. Heritage status turns on a species-by-species trunk diameter table the Conservation Officer maintains under § 457-2.
Old Bridge Heritage Tree Preservation Rule
Heavy RestrictionsOld Bridge Township Code § 457-1
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
Beyond its general six-inch tree removal permit rule, Old Bridge Township singles out 'specimen' and 'historic' trees for extra protection under Code § 457-2 and § 457-3B. A tree the Conservation Officer designates as specimen or historic must be kept alive, cannot be removed without a tree removal permit, and cannot be removed at all without the Township Council's separate approval.
Old Bridge Specimen and Historic Tree Rule
Significant RestrictionsOld Bridge Township Code § 457-3
SPECIMEN TREE Any tree in fair or better condition which is so designated by the Conservation Officer, or its designee, based on considerations of whether the tree is a rare species ... is abnormal in height, trunk diameter or drip line circumference for a tree of its species ... occupies a location which confers special shade tree, fragrance, erosion control, aesthetic, scenic enhancement, his...
Parkway Planting
Every new development in Old Bridge Township must plant street trees at set intervals along the right-of-way: large-maturing trees averaging 50 feet apart, smaller trees averaging 40 feet apart. The Township Council fixed both the spacing and the placement so trees clear utilities and sidewalks.
Old Bridge Street Tree Planting Spacing Rules
Some RestrictionsOld Bridge Township Code § 250-72A(4)(e)[1]-[4]
All developments shall be provided with street trees planted at the following intervals: ... Large trees (maturity height of 40 feet or greater): average of 50 feet with a maximum spacing no greater than 70 feet. ... Small to medium trees: average of 40 feet with maximum spacing no greater than 50 feet. ... Shade trees shall generally be located within an area outside the right-of-way on both s...