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

Chapter 457's stated purpose for heritage and historic trees is to preserve mature, fully developed trees of a specific size and species, plus trees tied to documented historic events, under § 457-1D. The chapter bars removing such a tree from any property, other than a defined modified home site, except in the most compelling and extraordinary circumstances, and even a qualifying removal requires a thorough investigation and recommendation from a New Jersey board-licensed Tree Expert together with the agreement of the Township Conservation Officer. Section 457-2 defines a HERITAGE TREE by its diameter at 4.5 feet above ground on the uphill side, described as a mature tree of significant size, and directs the Conservation Officer to prepare and maintain size standards for individual species; the ordinance's own Standards for Determining Heritage Trees table lists dozens of species, from white oak and red maple to tulip poplar and American elm, each with its own qualifying diameter and circumference in inches, a list the Township can update based on new information or recommendations from the U.S.

Forest Service or APHIS. Because heritage trees are covered by the same permit structure as specimen and historic trees, any heritage tree slated for removal must be identified on the tree preservation and removal plan filed with an application under § 457-5(5), with the Township expecting relocation of infrastructure, roadways or buildings to be considered first, and any removal ultimately needs the governing body's written approval, not just the Conservation Officer's sign-off that covers an ordinary tree.