Bergenfield, NJ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Chapter 291, adopted in 1991, puts the Shade Tree Committee in charge of every tree and shrub on Bergenfield's streets and public land. Section 291-1 bars anyone from acting upon a public highway, public right-of-way, public park or other public place within the Borough without the prior written permit of the Shade Tree Committee, and specifically lists planting a tree or shrub, cutting, trimming, breaking, climbing with spikes, disturbing roots, spraying injurious chemicals, or removing a tree or shrub as acts that need a permit.

The ordinance also bars fastening ropes, wires, signs or other fixtures to a street tree, driving a vehicle so as to damage one, blocking the air and water access at its base, or piling building material or mixing mortar within six feet of a tree. To get a permit, § 291-6 requires the applicant to submit a signed application to the Shade Tree Committee describing the proposed work and identifying the property and its owner or occupant. Before the Committee issues a permit, the applicant must sign an indemnification agreement holding the Borough harmless for any damages or claims arising from the work, and all work is done at the applicant's expense and subject to the Committee's inspection.

Separately, § 291-4 lets the Police Department or Mayor and Council order a property owner to cut back shrubs and hedges that obstruct visibility within 25 feet of a street intersection, down to two and a half feet, after 10 days' written notice. Violating any part of Chapter 291, including planting without a permit, is punishable under § 291-8 by a fine of up to $1,500, with each day of the violation counted separately.