Ridgewood requires every healthy qualified tree removed under permit to be replaced on site, or the property owner must pay $500 per missing replacement tree into the Village Tree Fund Escrow.
Chapter 260 of the Ridgewood Village Code requires that any healthy qualified tree (eight inches DBH or greater) removed under permit be replaced with new plantings, or the property owner must make a payment in lieu of replacement into the Village Tree Fund Escrow. The fee in lieu is calculated as $500 multiplied by the difference between the number of qualified trees removed and the number of replacement trees actually planted. Replacement trees must meet the species and size standards specified by the Village. The Tree Fund supports community plantings and shade tree maintenance. Trees removed because they are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, hazardous, growing on public lands, or encroaching on utilities are exempt from the replacement requirement.
Failure to replace removed trees or pay the required Tree Fund Escrow can result in enforcement action, including fines, stop-work orders on related projects, and continued obligation to satisfy the replacement requirement.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle tree replacement requirements.
See how Ridgewood's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.