Newark's Shade Tree Commission, established under Title 8 §10 and N.J.S.A. 40:64, regulates planting, pruning, and removal of street trees in the public right-of-way, including the iconic cherry blossoms surrounding Branch Brook Park.
Created under New Jersey's Shade Tree Commission statute (N.J.S.A. 40:64) and codified in Newark's Title 8 §10, the Shade Tree Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over trees in public rights-of-way. Residents, contractors, and utilities must obtain commission approval before planting, pruning, or removing parkway and street trees. Approved species lists prioritize climate-resilient, native, and pollinator-supporting trees. The commission also coordinates with Essex County for Branch Brook Park, the oldest county park in the United States, famous for cherry blossoms attracting hundreds of thousands of springtime visitors annually.
Unauthorized planting or removal of a street tree can incur fines up to several hundred dollars per tree plus replacement costs. Damaging mature trees during construction triggers stop-work orders and tree-replacement bond forfeiture.
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See how Newark's parkway planting rules stack up against other locations.
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