Freehold Township, NJ Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Chapter 336, Article II, Tree Preservation, defines HERITAGE TREE by reference to standards the Township Forester sets for each species based on trunk diameter measured four and a half feet above ground, and HISTORIC TREE as one associated with a documented historic event, the code's own example being where Freehold officials met with Native Americans under a specific tree in 1790. Section 336-7B states the article's purpose for these trees directly: permission to remove a heritage or historic tree from any property other than a modified home site is prohibited except in the most compelling and extraordinary circumstances, and removal can proceed only after investigation and a recommendation by a New Jersey board-licensed tree expert together with the agreement of the Township Forester.

Section 336-10G(15) operationalizes that standard: compelling and extraordinary circumstances exist only if the lot has existing realty improvements that are significantly deteriorated or derelict, the owner proposes costly improvements that correct the derelict conditions and produce a positive neighborhood impact, removal of the tree is reasonably necessary to that work, and the owner agrees to pay the appraised value of the tree, using the ISA method, into the Township's Reserve for Shade Tree account. The code expressly states that loss of lot yield, building area or development profitability is neither compelling nor extraordinary.

A Forester denial of a heritage/historic tree removal application can be appealed to the Shade Tree Commission within 180 days under § 336-11, and if the Commission reverses the Forester it can impose mitigation, including a monetary contribution or planting a minimum of five replacement trees per heritage/historic tree removed, per § 336-11.