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

Jackson Township Code Chapter 405 makes it unlawful to remove or cause the removal of any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or greater anywhere in the Township without a tree removal permit, per Section 405-3A. The Shade Tree Commission and its Tree Specialist administer the program: an applicant files a written application with the Tree Specialist, pays the $10 per-lot application fee and, where an on-site check is needed, a $25 inspection fee under Section 405-8, and submits a tree preservation and removal plan compliant with Section 405-5.

The Tree Specialist must inspect the site within 30 days of a complete application and approve or deny the permit within 10 business days of that inspection under Section 405-4E and F. A denial can be appealed in writing to the Township Council within 10 days, and the Council must hold a public hearing and decide within 60 days, or it may delegate that appeal to the Shade Tree Commission. An approved permit is valid for up to 12 months under Section 405-6, unused permits lapse and require a new application and fee.

Removed trees generally must be replaced on a sliding scale set out in Section 405-9, ranging from one 2 to 2 1/2-inch replacement tree, or $240, for a single tree of 6 to 10 inches DBH up to five replacement trees, or $2,100, for a tree over 30 inches DBH, with payments going to the Township's Tree Escrow Fund. Exemptions under Section 405-3C cover properties with no trees, trees under six inches DBH, approved forest management or soil conservation plans, commercial nurseries, and utility rights-of-way. Violations are referred to the Code Enforcement Officer under Section 405-14.