Mahwah vs Paramus
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Paramus.
Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah requires replacement trees of equal or greater DBH for every protected tree removed, planted within 12 months, or compensatory payment into the Mahwah Tree Bank escrow account.
View full Mahwah rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Under Chapter 453, Paramus may require violators to pay a replacement assessment equal to the appraised value of any unlawfully removed tree, calculated up to $27 per square inch of trunk cross section.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mahwah | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement DBH | Equal or greater than removed | - |
| Planting deadline | Within 12 months | - |
| Approved species | Native northern NJ hardwoods | - |
| Fee-in-lieu fund | Mahwah Tree Bank escrow | - |
| Authority | - | Shade Tree and Parks Commission |
| Cap | - | Up to $27 per square inch |
| Basis | - | Trunk cross section appraisal |
| In Addition To | - | $200-$1,500 court fine |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mahwah FAQ
Can I pay a fee instead of planting replacement trees in Mahwah?
Yes. Funds collected in lieu of replanting are deposited into the Mahwah Tree Bank, an escrow account used for township-wide tree planting projects.
How quickly must replacement trees be planted after removal?
Replacement trees must be planted within 12 months of the original tree's removal date, using species approved under Chapter 14 standards.
Do replacements need to match the size of the removed tree?
Replacements must have equal or greater DBH than the removed tree, or meet the alternative Tree Replacement Criteria detailed in Chapter 14.
Paramus FAQ
How is the replacement assessment calculated?
Paramus calculates the assessment by appraising the tree value, often using square inches of trunk cross section multiplied by a per-square-inch rate capped at $27, reflecting the size and species of the destroyed tree.
Is the replacement assessment in addition to fines?
Yes. The Commission can impose a replacement assessment on top of the $200 to $1,500 municipal court fine, so unauthorized removal of large trees can become very costly.
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