Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Mercer County

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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Mercer County, 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

Fine
up to $200
Scope
county-owned property only
Citation
§ 5.04.040
Adopted
2018, Ord. No. 2018-6
Statutory basis
N.J.S.A. 40:24-2

Summary

Mercer County makes it illegal to cut, dig up, or remove trees, shrubs, or turf on county-owned property such as parks and grounds, with a fine up to $200 for violators.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Mercer County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall remove or pick flowers, foliage, berries or fruit, or cut, break, dig up, or in any way mutilate or injure any tree, shrub, plant, fern, grass, or turf within County property. No person shall dig up or remove any dirt, stone, rock or other substance whatsoever, or make any excavation or quarry sand or stone, or cause or assist in doing any of the said things, on County property. No person shall cut the grass, weeds or any plant growth on County property, or cut down and/or remove any vegetation on County property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code § 5.04.040 bars anyone from cutting, breaking, digging up, or mutilating any tree, shrub, plant, fern, grass, or turf on County-owned property: the parks, grounds, and facilities the county itself owns and maintains. The same section separately bans cutting grass or removing vegetation outright. The rule, adopted by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2018 under Ord. No. 2018-6, covers county land only. Tree removal on private property in Mercer's 21 municipalities is governed by each municipality's own shade-tree or zoning ordinance, not by the county.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 5.04.040 draws a fine up to $200 under N.J.S.A. 40:24-2, and the county can bar violators from county parks, facilities, and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule cover trees on my own property?
No. It only bans tree removal on county-owned land like parks; private-property tree rules come from your municipality, not Mercer County.
What happens if I cut down a tree in a county park?
You face a fine up to $200 under N.J.S.A. 40:24-2, plus possible loss of access to county parks and facilities.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mercer County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Mercer County rules

Compare Mercer County to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview

Get notified when Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Mercer County, NJ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.