Fair Lawn vs Garfield
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Fair Lawn and Garfield have similar restriction levels.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not maintain a formal heritage tree registry, but historic and specimen trees on county park land are protected under the Parks System Rules. Many municipalities, including Bergenfield and Woodcliff Lake, designate landmark trees with stricter removal rules and replacement formulas.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield's tree code designates trees of significance and removes the standard fine cap when one is unlawfully removed.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| County registry | Not maintained | - |
| Park trees | Protected by Parks Rules | - |
| Common DBH threshold | 24 inches diameter | - |
| Replacement ratio | Often 3:1 or appraised value | - |
| State program | NJ Big Tree registry | - |
| Standard removal fine | - | $250 per tree |
| Significant tree fine | - | No statutory cap |
| Replacement window | - | Five-year lookback |
| Authority | - | Garfield Building Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
Does Bergen County keep a list of heritage trees?
No. The county does not run a heritage tree registry. Some municipalities like Bergenfield and Woodcliff Lake designate landmark or specimen trees with stricter protections in their tree codes.
How are old trees in Bergen County parks protected?
All trees on county park land are protected under the Parks System Rules, which forbid cutting, breaking, or damaging trees and shrubs without prior written permission from the Department of Parks.
Garfield FAQ
What makes a tree a tree of significance in Garfield?
The ordinance reserves the designation for higher-value categories of trees, defined by species, size, and ecological value, qualifying them for stricter replacement and penalty rules.
Can the city really exceed $250 in fines?
Yes. Garfield's ordinance specifically removes the fine cap for unlawful removal of a tree of significance, allowing penalties scaled to the value of the lost tree.
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