Garfield vs Ridgewood
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield requires replacement plantings after qualifying tree removals, using a city-approved species list and excluding invasive species.
View full Garfield 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 | Garfield | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Non-homeowner trigger | 1+ tree, 6 inch DBH | - |
| Homeowner trigger | More than 3 trees per acre | - |
| Lookback period | Five years | - |
| Banned species | NJ Strike Team Do Not Plant List | - |
| 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.
Garfield FAQ
Can I pay a fee instead of replanting?
Garfield's ordinance allows planting additional trees in lieu of paying the standard $250 fine for unlawful removal, but routine replacements after permitted removal must be planted on site.
Where do I find Garfield's approved replacement species list?
The Building Department distributes the approved species list at the time the tree removal permit is issued, along with Right Tree Right Place placement guidelines.
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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