Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 225-63, Shade trees, sets the street tree standards for subdivisions in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Its stated purpose is to preserve, create and improve the character and values of properties being subdivided in which new roads are being created, by providing shade trees along the right-of-way. It applies to the road types referred to under Article IX, except collector streets (industrial, business and commercial).

Existing trees come first. Trees of the Schedule 1 varieties (ash, beech, oak, sycamore and others) that are two inches in diameter or larger at four feet above the graded ground, and that grow in the three-foot strip of right-of-way beside the lot lines, must be left standing and undamaged. Trees in excess of one every 50 feet, averaged and never less than 35 nor more than 75 feet apart, can be removed. Where excessive grading requires it, the Planning Board can give special permission to remove all existing trees.

Where no listed trees exist, or removal was allowed, Schedule 2 species (for example Kwanzan cherry, zelkova and thornless honeylocust) go into the three-foot marginal strip: one tree at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter at four feet high, every 50 feet on average on each side of the pavement. Marginal roads need trees only on the lot side. Where the Planning Board approved underground utilities, trees go in the four-foot section between the curb and sidewalk.

Planting details are printed too. Bare root planting runs between October 15 and April 15, and later trees must be balled and burlapped. Every tree is top pruned at planting. Bare root trunks are wrapped up to the first main branches and staked with one stake extending five feet above ground. The developer guarantees replacement of any tree not surviving one year. The enforcing officer can waive any condition and must answer a deviation request in writing within 60 days. In place of installing trees, a developer can pay the estimated cost of buying and planting them, and final approval is withheld until the funds are paid.