Newark, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Newark, 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 issuer
- Dept. of Public Works
- Coverage
- Street, park, and private trees
- Last amended
- August 2, 2023
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
- Max jail
- 90 days
Summary
Removing, killing or destroying a tree on a Newark public street, in a city park, or on private property requires a Department of Public Works permit under § 27:1-5, amended August 2, 2023. The Director approves the work and, for private-property removals, sets a required fee before issuing the permit.
No person shall remove, kill or destroy or cause, authorize or procure any person to remove, kill or destroy any tree planted or growing in any public street or any tree or plant planted or growing in any City park except as otherwise provided in paragraph b of this section. Any person desiring to remove any tree in a public street may apply to the Department of Public Works. Any person desiring to remove, destroy or cut down any tree located on private property may apply to the Department of Public Works to obtain a written permit for such work to be performed and pay the required fee, said fee to be determined by the Department of Public Works.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5019615; v61 updated 2026-06-17; through 06-17-2026).
Full Breakdown
Newark's tree-removal rule, § 27:1-5 of the Revised General Ordinances, amended by Ordinance No. 6PSF-C on August 2, 2023, bars anyone from removing, killing or destroying a tree planted or growing in a public street, or any tree or plant growing in a city park, except as the section itself allows. Paragraph b lets a person who wants to remove a street tree apply to the Department of Public Works; if the Director finds the removal necessary, a written permit issues and all work must follow its terms exactly.
Paragraph c extends the permit system to private property: anyone wanting to remove, destroy or cut down a tree on private land may apply to the Department of Public Works, pay a fee the Department sets, and receive a written permit once the Director approves the proposed work. Newark's tree-removal control therefore is not limited to street or park trees; it reaches privately owned trees as well, through the same Department of Public Works permit process. The chapter's definitions section, § 27:1-1, makes clear that TREE includes any portion of a tree, so removing a large limb or trunk section can trigger the same permit requirement as felling the whole tree.
Violations carry the Chapter 27:1 penalty under § 27:1-15: a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Removing, killing, destroying or cutting down a tree on a Newark street, in a city park, or on private property without the Department of Public Works permit required by § 27:1-5 is punishable under § 27:1-15 by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense, and the private-property removal fee set by the Department must be paid before any permit issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to remove a tree on my own private property in Newark?
What changed in Newark's tree removal rule in 2023?
Can I remove a dead tree from a Newark public street myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newark
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