East Brunswick, NJ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 181-7 of the Township Code governs plantings in new subdivisions in East Brunswick Township. The developer pays for and installs the plantings, and they are held under bond for two years after installation, tied to the Performance Bond release, to guarantee survival. Locations follow standards created by the Planning Department, and species come from the approved plant list the Planning Department provides. Both are in the appendix attached to Chapter 181. Each planting site gets root growth barrier fabric along the curb line and sidewalk, installed by the developer. All trees go outside the right-of-way, on private property, no closer than 6' from any curb, pavement or sidewalk.

Trees the Township replaces in the existing right-of-way follow § 181-6. The Division of Parks is responsible for planting, maintenance and management of street trees and park trees under § 181-2. Street trees go no closer than 10' to any driveway, fire hydrant or utility pole. Spacing follows three species size classes: no closer together than small trees 30', medium trees 40' and large trees 50', except in special plantings designed or approved by a landscape architect. Replacement trees are a minimum of 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" in caliper, bare root material. The Township replaces a removed tree in the proximate location unless existing canopy, a planting area under 72", lack of sight distance or utilities prevent it.

Property owners are prohibited from planting street trees in the Township right-of-way under § 181-6(E). If a tree cannot go in the right-of-way, it can go on the resident's side of the sidewalk only with Planning Department and Parks Division approval, the owner's agreement and a signed right-of-entry agreement. Under § 181-4, the Parks Division grinds down roots heaving sidewalks at the owner's request, and sidewalk repair is at the owner's expense.