NJ requires Community Forestry Management Plans under N.J.S.A. 13:1L-14 et seq. Most Union County municipalities require tree removal permits. Elizabeth Shade Tree Commission (Chapter 12.16) permits removal of trees over 6 in DBH. Westfield and Summit require permits for removal of any tree 8+ in DBH on private property. Street trees universally require permit. Cranford, Scotch Plains, and Mountainside enforce replacement. NJ Tree Recovery Campaign tracks losses. Union County Department of Parks manages county-owned trees.
Tree protection in Union County combines state-level requirements and active local ordinances. NJ Community Forestry Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1L-14 et seq.) requires municipalities to adopt Community Forestry Management Plans approved by NJ DEP Forestry Services to receive state funding. Elizabeth Revised Ordinances Chapter 12.16 establishes the Shade Tree Commission with authority over all street trees and trees in public rights-of-way; private-property trees over 6 inches DBH require permit for removal in many residential zones. Westfield Code Chapter 16 (Trees) requires permit for removal of trees 8+ inches DBH on private property with fee and replacement requirement. Summit Chapter 203 (Shade Trees) similarly regulates. Cranford Chapter 206 requires permit for trees 6+ inches DBH. Scotch Plains Code §3A establishes Shade Tree Advisory Board authority. Mountainside protects trees 8+ inches DBH. Union County Department of Parks and Recreation manages trees on county properties under its adopted CFMP. Street trees in all Union County municipalities require municipal approval for any work (removal, pruning over 25%, root disturbance). Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has devastated Union County ash populations; emergency removal permits available. Oak wilt and beech leaf disease (BLD) are emerging threats under NJ DEP monitoring. Tree replacement typically 1:1 to 3:1 depending on size removed; fee-in-lieu options available in Westfield, Summit, and Cranford.
Unpermitted removal of regulated tree: Elizabeth $500-$10,000 per tree under Chapter 12.16. Westfield unpermitted removal: $1,000 per tree plus replacement at 3:1 ratio. Summit $500-$2,500 plus replacement. Street tree damage: full replacement cost (can exceed $5,000 per tree) plus fine.
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See how Union County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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