Cherry Hill, NJ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- §§ 21-4.1 and 21-4.2, Tree Planting on Public Property
- Permit needed
- Street Opening Permit via Engineering Dept
- Species rule
- Non-invasive, native to New Jersey only
- Enforcement
- Zoning Officer, Chapter 21
- Penalty
- $100 to $1,250 per violation (§ 21-10)
Summary
Planting a tree in a Cherry Hill Township right-of-way or on public property needs a Street Opening Permit from the Engineering Department under § 21-4.1, and the species must be non-invasive and native to New Jersey under § 21-4.2 so it won't block sight lines or interfere with buried and overhead utilities.
The Township may authorize the planting of trees in the Township public right of way ("ROW") if the trees will not block site visibility, nor interfere with above ground or underground utilities, at full growth. Any person desiring to plant a tree in the ROW must first file and obtain a Street Opening Permit from the Department of Engineering in accordance with Township General Ordinance § 20-1, et seq., as amended.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 21's tree ordinance, added by Ordinance No. 2022-1 on June 15, 2022, gives the Department of Public Works authority over shade and ornamental trees planted in Township streets, highways, parks and parkways, except State highways and County roads where the State Highway Department or a County Shade Tree Commission has not assented (§ 21-3). 1 requires anyone who wants to plant a tree in the public right-of-way to first obtain a Street Opening Permit from the Engineering Department under § 20-1, and to identify the planting location on a survey or plot plan, disclose the property owner, name the species, and commit to a watering schedule during establishment.
No permit is required, however, if the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment has already approved the planting, or if the Township itself is doing the planting. 2 of the Zoning Ordinance and a ROW Replacement Tree List as guides. The Township will not authorize a right-of-way planting that will block sight visibility or interfere with above-ground or underground utilities once the tree reaches full growth, and street trees specifically cannot be allowed to interfere with utilities at their grown height.
Violations & Fines
Planting a tree in the Township right-of-way without the required Street Opening Permit, or planting an invasive or non-native species there, violates §§ 21-4.1 and 21-4.2. Chapter 21 is enforced by the Zoning Officer under § 21-9, and a conviction carries the § 21-10 penalty of at least $100 and up to $1,250 per tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree along the curb in Cherry Hill?
What kinds of trees am I allowed to plant as a street tree?
Can the Township deny my street tree planting permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cherry Hill
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