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Cherry Hill, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Cherry Hill, 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

Governing sections
§§ 21-5.1 to 21-5.8, Tree Cutting/Removal
Trigger
5-inch DBH tree, over 30% cut/removed
Residential allowance
3 trees/year free, no application fee
Commercial fee
$100 non-refundable application
Replacement cost
$175 residential / $300 commercial per tree
Permit life
Expires 6 months after issuance
Penalty
$100-$1,250 per tree (§ 21-10)

Summary

Removing, cutting or trimming more than 30% of any tree five inches or greater in diameter anywhere in Cherry Hill Township needs a Tree Removal Permit from the Department of Public Works under § 21-5. Homeowners get three free removals a year; commercial applicants pay $100 and both must replace or fund replacement trees.

Any person desiring to destroy, cut, remove, or trim more than 30% of any tree that is five inches or greater DBH, upon any lands within the Township, whether in healthy condition, poor condition, or dead, as defined herein, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and apply to the Director of the Department of Public Works or his/her designee for a Tree Removal Permit prior to any tree removal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 21, added by Ordinance No. 5 feet up) of five inches or more, and defines tree removal as destroying, cutting, removing, or trimming more than 30% of such a tree (§ 21-2). 1 requires anyone removing a covered tree, whether healthy, in poor condition, or dead, to apply to the Director of Public Works for a Tree Removal Permit first. 3, or removals required for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy. 7b). 7c). 8c). 2a). 4).

Violations & Fines

Cutting or removing a covered tree without a permit is enforced by the Zoning Officer under § 21-9 and penalized under § 21-10 at not less than $100 nor more than $1,250 per tree, with each tree removed without a permit a separate offense; the violator must also submit a Tree Replacement Plan or pay $300 per tree to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut down a tree in my own yard in Cherry Hill without a permit?
Only within limits. Section 21-5.2b lets a residential property owner remove up to three healthy or poor-condition trees five inches DBH or larger per year without a fee, but a Tree Removal Permit application still has to be filed and approved before cutting, and trees within the right-of-way need separate approval.
How much does a commercial tree removal permit cost in Cherry Hill?
The application fee is $100, non-refundable, under § 21-5.7c. Commercial applicants also owe a replacement tree or a $300 contribution to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund for every tree five inches DBH or larger that is removed, unless the tree is dead, an imminent threat, or an invasive species.
Do I need a permit to remove a dead or dangerous tree right away?
No permit is required first if the tree poses an Imminent Threat to safety or property under § 21-5.3, and no replacement tree or Tree Fund contribution is owed for that removal either. A tree merely in poor condition, though, still needs a permit under § 21-5.2a.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cherry Hill

Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsRight to Farm: Agricultural Zoning ProtectionSome Restrictions

All Cherry Hill rules

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