Brick, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Brick, NJ, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Shade Tree Commission or Dept. of Engineering
- Review deadline
- 35 days, or deemed approved
- Protected trunk size
- 3 in. deciduous, 4 in. coniferous
- Application fee
- $5–$25 per tree, or $25/acre
- Small-lot exemption
- Tracts ≤ 1 acre with existing home
Summary
Brick Township requires a Shade Tree Commission or Engineering Department permit before cutting, removing, or killing any protected tree in the township.
No person, persons, firm or corporation or individual connected with such firm or corporation shall so do or cause to be done by others any of the following acts to any tree in the Township of Brick without a prior permit from the Shade Tree Commission or the Brick Township Department of Engineering.
A. Remove, destroy, cut or kill any tree, or portion of a tree.
B. Fasten any rope, wire, sign or other device. Nothing herein shall prevent any governmental agency from affixing, in a manner approved by the Shade Tree Commission, a public notice upon a tree in connection with the administration of governmental affairs.
C. Cut, prune, climb with spikes, break or damage any tree located on public property.
D. Cut, disturb or in any way interfere with any root or root system with respect to any tree located on public property.
E. Spray with any chemical any tree.
F. Remove or damage any cord or device placed to protect any tree or shrub.
G. Place or distribute chemicals deleterious to tree health, including but not limited to salt, on any tree.
H. Raise or lower the grade surrounding a tree more than six inches within a radius equal to that of the crown of the tree.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4577344; v53 updated 2025-12-09; through 12-09-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 453, no one may remove, destroy, cut, or kill a tree, or prune, spike-climb, or disturb the roots of one on public property, without a permit from the Shade Tree Commission or the Township's Department of Engineering. Applications go to the Construction Official and are deemed approved if undecided within 35 days; no building permit issues until the tree application is resolved or waived. "Tree" covers trunks over 3 inches (deciduous) or 4 inches (coniferous) diameter at one foot above grade, plus smaller dogwood, holly, and mountain laurel, but the chapter exempts trees on lots of one acre or less with an existing single-family home.
Violations & Fines
Each tree removed, destroyed, killed, or damaged is a separate offense, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense, punishable under the Chapter 1 general penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Brick Township?
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Brick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brick
Compare Brick to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle tree removal & heritage trees.