Edison, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Trimming wholly private trees in Edison Township generally does not require a Township permit, as long as the work does not cross into the public right-of-way and the tree is not specifically protected under a heritage-tree or specimen-tree designation. Street trees — trees in the public right-of-way between the curb and sidewalk — are owned by Edison Township or, on county roads, by Middlesex County. Trimming, pruning, or removal of street trees requires coordination with Edison Public Works (732-985-7800) or, for trees adjacent to Middlesex County roads, the Middlesex County Department of Transportation. Edison participates in periodic neighborhood-tree planting programs and follows ANSI A300 standards for arboriculture on public trees. New Jersey common law (the self-help rule, e.g., Wegener v. Sugarman, 104 N.J. Super. 26) allows a neighbor to trim branches and roots of an adjoining tree up to the shared property line, but the trim cannot kill or significantly damage the tree, exposing the trimmer to civil liability for tortious destruction of property. PSE&G and JCP&L also conduct utility-line clearance pruning under N.J.S.A. 48:7-2 within the easement of overhead lines.