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

Section 457-3A makes it unlawful to remove or cause the removal of any tree with a diameter breast height of six inches or more anywhere in the Township without first obtaining a tree removal permit, subject to listed exceptions such as land with no trees, trees under six inches dbh, forest or soil conservation management plans filed with the Conservation Officer, commercial nurseries and tree farms, and trees in a utility right-of-way approved by the Shade Tree Commission. To apply, § 457-4A requires filing a written application with the Director of Community Development in the Division of Engineering and paying the § 457-8 fee, currently $35 per new or existing lot, with no permit issued until a tree preservation and removal plan compliant with § 457-5 is reviewed and approved and the Conservation Officer files a written on-site inspection report.

The Conservation Officer must inspect within 30 days of a complete application under § 457-4F and approve or deny within 10 business days of that inspection under § 457-4G, with a written denial explaining the factual basis and a right to appeal to the Township Council within 10 days. Where the application ties to a building or improvement, no building permit issues until the tree removal permit is granted, per § 457-4E. Removed trees generally must be replaced under a schedule in § 457-8.1: for example, removing one tree between 6 and 10 inches dbh requires one 2 to 2.5 inch replacement tree or a $240 payment to the Tree Fund, scaling up to five replacement trees or $2,100 for a tree over 30 inches. Permits are valid for up to 12 months, extendable up to six more for demonstrated hardship, under § 457-6.