East Brunswick, NJ Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 192-31 (Critical Areas) of the Township Code sets the rule. It lists the critical areas to be preserved as undeveloped open space in all developments: wetlands, significant trees, floodplain lands, steep slopes over twenty-five percent measured over a 10-foot interval, habitats of rare, threatened or endangered species, and historically significant structures and sites. Steep slopes can be built on only if engineering measures on slope stability, erosion and resident safety satisfy the Township Engineer. The code does not print a species list of its own. Significant trees are defined by the NJDEP Bureau of Forestry list of the largest known individual trees of each species in New Jersey, plus large trees 90% or more of the diameter of the known largest tree.

Every development plan has to identify and map the on-site critical areas, show each one graphically and note the total acreage of each critical area within each lot. Significant trees are located by field survey, with notes on the diameter at four feet and the tree species. For wildlife and plant habitat, the applicant must document the presence of potential habitat on the property or on adjoining properties within 200 feet, based on written communication with the New Jersey Natural Heritage Program. The project site is marked on a USGS topographic quadrangle map and forwarded to the Natural Heritage Program.

Under § 192-31 each development is designed to protect and prevent disturbance of critical areas during construction and later use, and all efforts to preserve significant trees must be made, including site redesign and tree wells. Removal of any tree six inches in caliper or larger separately needs a tree removal permit under § 192-38(I), and that permit plan must show every tree over twenty inches in caliper and any specimen tree, meaning a unique or remarkable tree or species. Street and park trees are covered by § 181-3, which sets a policy of preserving all of them.