Edison, NJ Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen threshold
- 16-inch D.B.H.
- Requirement
- Individually mapped & identified
- Preservation goal
- Relocate infrastructure if needed
- Applies to
- Subdivision/site plan applications
Summary
Edison Township singles out 'specimen trees', any tree with a trunk diameter of sixteen inches or more, for extra protection: development plans must map and try to preserve them.
SPECIMEN TREE: Means any tree with a D.B.H. of sixteen (16) inches or greater. ... All trees with a D.B.H. of sixteen (16) inches or greater shall be specifically identified by location on the map and listed on a separate schedule showing species and common name and size. All efforts shall be made to preserve such trees, including, if necessary, relocation of infrastructure, roadways and buildings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 25 defines a SPECIMEN TREE as any tree with a diameter at breast height of sixteen (16) inches or greater. For subdivision or site plan applications requiring Planning or Zoning Board approval, every tree at or above that threshold must be individually located on the map and listed by species, common name, and size, and 'all efforts shall be made to preserve such trees, including, if necessary, relocation of infrastructure, roadways and buildings.' Removing a specimen tree also triggers a steeper replacement ratio than smaller trees under § 25-9.
Violations & Fines
Damaging or removing a specimen tree outside an approved plan is a separate Chapter 25 violation, penalized under the Township's general penalty, § 1-5: up to $2,000 or 90 days per tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a protected 'specimen tree' in Edison?
Does this apply to a homeowner cutting one tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
Compare Edison to another location·View the New Jersey tree protection overview
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