Union City, NJ Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Tree replacement in Hudson County is part of the Shade Tree Commission permit process. Jersey City Ordinance Chapter 345 requires replacement at minimum 1:1 for trees under 12 inches DBH, 2:1 for 12-24 inches, and 3:1 for trees exceeding 24 inches or designated specimen trees. Replacement species must come from the approved planting list, emphasizing native or well-adapted species suited to urban conditions: London Plane, Red Maple, Willow Oak, Honey Locust (thornless), Zelkova, Ginkgo (male only), Sweetgum, and Pin Oak among common selections. Minimum caliper at planting: 2.5 to 3 inches. Replacement trees must be planted on the same property when feasible; when not, fee-in-lieu is paid to the JC Tree Fund at a rate typically calculated per ISA valuation ($300-$1,500+ per tree). Hoboken STC maintains similar replacement requirements feeding the Hoboken Shade Tree Trust Fund. A 1- to 2-year establishment period is required with the property owner responsible for watering and care; dead replacement trees must be replanted. Bayonne and other Hudson municipalities follow similar frameworks under the NJ Community Forestry Act.