Fort Lee vs Ridgewood
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Fort Lee has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
When trees are removed in Fort Lee, owners must plant replacement trees or pay into the borough tree fund based on diameter inches removed.
View full Fort Lee rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood requires every healthy qualified tree removed under permit to be replaced on site, or the property owner must pay $500 per missing replacement tree into the Village Tree Fund Escrow.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Caliper | 2 to 3 inches | - |
| Standard Ratio | 1 per 6 inches DBH | - |
| Heritage Ratio | Up to 3 to 1 | - |
| Tree Fund Option | Per-inch contribution | - |
| Survival Period | 2 growing seasons | - |
| Replacement Fee | - | $500 per missing tree |
| Code Chapter | - | Chapter 260 |
| Formula | - | $500 x (removed minus replanted) |
| Tree Fund | - | Escrow held by Village |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
How many trees must I plant after removing one in Fort Lee?
Replacement is typically calculated at one new two to three inch caliper tree per six inches of DBH removed, with higher multipliers for heritage and specimen tree removals.
Can I pay a fee instead of replanting in Fort Lee?
Yes. When site conditions prevent on-site replacement, owners may contribute to the borough tree fund at a per-inch rate set by ordinance, allowing the borough to plant elsewhere.
Ridgewood FAQ
How much is Ridgewood's fee in lieu of tree replacement?
The Tree Fund Escrow Fee is $500 multiplied by the number of qualified trees removed minus the number of replacement trees planted, payable when on-site replacement is not feasible.
Are all removed trees subject to replacement?
No. Trees removed because they are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, hazardous, on public lands, or encroaching on utilities are exempt from the replacement requirement under Chapter 260.
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