Brick, NJ Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes. Shade Tree Commission or Engineering
- Protected size
- 3 in. trunk (deciduous), 4 in. (conifer)
- Review deadline
- 35 days, deemed approved after
- Performance guaranty
- 100% of tree replacement cost
- Small-lot exemption
- 1 acre or less, existing single-family home
Summary
Brick Township requires a Shade Tree Commission or Engineering Department permit before removing, cutting, or damaging any protected tree, generally over 3 inches in trunk diameter, anywhere in the township, with exceptions for small single-family lots.
No person, persons, firm or corporation or individual connected with such firm or corporation shall so do or cause to be done by others any of the following acts to any tree in the Township of Brick without a prior permit from the Shade Tree Commission or the Brick Township Department of Engineering.
A. Remove, destroy, cut or kill any tree, or portion of a tree.
B. Fasten any rope, wire, sign or other device. Nothing herein shall prevent any governmental agency from affixing, in a manner approved by the Shade Tree Commission, a public notice upon a tree in connection with the administration of governmental affairs.
C. Cut, prune, climb with spikes, break or damage any tree located on public property.
D. Cut, disturb or in any way interfere with any root or root system with respect to any tree located on public property.
E. Spray with any chemical any tree.
F. Remove or damage any cord or device placed to protect any tree or shrub.
G. Place or distribute chemicals deleterious to tree health, including but not limited to salt, on any tree.
H. Raise or lower the grade surrounding a tree more than six inches within a radius equal to that of the crown of the tree.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4577344; v53 updated 2025-12-09; through 12-09-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 453 of the Brick Township Code protects any living deciduous tree over 3 inches in trunk diameter, conifers over 4 inches, dogwood or holly over 1 inch, and mountain laurel with a 3-inch root crown, measured a foot above grade. Removing, cutting, killing, spraying, or damaging a protected tree, or disturbing its roots or grade, requires a permit from the Shade Tree Commission or Township Engineering Department, filed through the Construction Official. Applications not decided within 35 days are deemed approved. Applicants must post a cash performance guaranty equal to 100% of replacement tree costs, refunded once construction is finished within a year. Lots of one acre or less with an existing single-family home are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Violating the permit requirement is a code violation under the Township's general penalty (§ 1-15); each tree cut, killed, or damaged, and each day the violation continues, counts as a separate offense, enforced by Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Brick Township?
What trees are exempt from Brick's tree removal permit?
What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brick
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
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