Howell, NJ Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Howell Township Code § 188-189 defines the trees at the center of this page. A specimen/landmark tree is any tree with a DBH of 16 inches or greater, with exceptions made on species, health or conditions as determined by the Certified Tree Expert (CTE). DBH means the diameter measured 4 1/2 feet from ground level. A landmark tree is an historic tree that must be designated and placed on a list by the CTE and the Landmark Tree Committee, which is formed by and sits within the Howell Township Shade Tree Committee.

The working protection sits in § 188-193B(2)(j). A tree management plan for development needing subdivision or site plan approval must locate every tree with a DBH of 16 inches or greater on the map and list it on a separate schedule showing species, common name and size, and all efforts shall be made to preserve such trees, including relocation of infrastructure, roadways and buildings. Section 188-193A(2)(e)[7] adds that when a tree removal application is field inspected, one criterion is whether the work removes or disturbs historic or landmark trees. A violated criterion sends the matter to the board that has or would have jurisdiction.

During construction, § 188-191G(2) requires the driplines of specimen trees that stay on site to be protected by snow fencing or orange construction fence four feet high, installed immediately before and maintained during construction. No soil is deposited or removed, and no machinery or materials are stored, within the dripline or eight feet of the trunk, whichever is greater (§ 188-191G(1)).

Removal costs trees. Under § 188-194C a removed tree of 16 inches DBH or greater is replaced with 4 trees if it is less than 18 inches in caliper, 5 if less than 21, 6 if less than 24, 7 if less than 27, 8 if less than 31, 9 if less than 37, 10 if less than 41, and 11 at 41 or greater, each replacement at least 2 1/2 inches in caliper. Residential home site lots of one acre or less are exempt from the article under § 188-190G, subject to any easements or buffer restrictions.