Edison, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Edison, 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
- Small trees (4-16in) replaced at
- 10%-80% by removal rate
- Large trees (16in+) replaced
- 1-for-1, up to 15 trees
- Contribution in lieu, single-family
- $300 per tree
- Contribution in lieu, other applicants
- $500 per tree
Summary
Trees removed in Edison must be replaced under a size-based formula scaled to the percentage or diameter of trees removed, per Township Code § 25-9.1.
For all replacement requirements, the following formulas shall apply:
a. For trees with a D.B.H. equal to or greater than four (4) inches and less than sixteen (16) inches, replacement shall be based upon the percentage of the trees removed as set forth below: Percentage of Trees Removed from Entire Development Percentage of Trees to Be Replaced with Trees of Min. Size 2.5" Caliper
80 to 100 80 60 to 79 60 40 to 59 40 20 to 39 20 Less than 20 10
b. For trees with a D.B.H. equal to or greater than sixteen (16) inches, the removed tree shall be replaced:
Existing Tree to Be Removed Number of Replacement Trees (min. size 2.5" caliper) Less than 18 3 Less than 21 4 Less than 24 5 Less than 27 6 Less than 29 7 Less than 31 8 Less than 33 9 Less than 35 10 Less than 37 11 Less than 39 12 Less than 40 13 Less than 41 14 41 inches or greater 15
c. The species or type of replacement tree and the mix of replacement tree types (deciduous, coniferous) shall be selected from the species removed from the tract under consideration or from the recommended tree species list.
d.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Removal of trees under 16 inches DBH triggers replacement based on the percentage of the site's trees removed, ranging from 10% replacement below a 20% removal rate up to 80% replacement above an 80% removal rate, using minimum 2.5-inch caliper stock. Trees 16 inches DBH or larger must be replaced on a sliding per-tree count, up to 15 replacement trees for specimens 41 inches or greater. Owners who cannot fit replacements on-site may instead pay into the Township Tree Fund: $300 per tree for a single-family lot outside a larger development, or $500 per tree for all other applicants (§ 25-11.1).
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging trees without meeting the replacement plan violates Chapter 25; each tree is a separate offense subject to the Chapter I § 1-5 penalty and possible forced replacement or Tree Fund contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I remove trees in Edison during construction?
Is there a flat number of trees I must plant back?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
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