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

Tree replacement ordinances across Union County mandate that permitted tree removals be offset through new plantings. Westfield Code Chapter 16.06 establishes graduated replacement ratios: trees 8-14 in DBH replaced 1:1; trees 15-24 in 2:1; Specimen trees 24+ in 3:1. Minimum replacement caliper is 2.5 inches for shade trees, 6 ft height for evergreens. Elizabeth Chapter 12.16 requires replacement at 2-inch caliper minimum, species selected from Shade Tree Commission approved list emphasizing native oaks, maples, and disease-resistant cultivars. Summit Code Chapter 203 requires 2-inch caliper replacements on a 1:1 to 2:1 ratio. Cranford Chapter 206 establishes 1:1 replacement minimum with upgrades for Specimen removals. Approved species lists emphasize NJ native species and climate-adapted trees; the NJ Tree Recovery Campaign (post-Hurricane Sandy initiative) has supplied thousands of replacement trees to Union County municipalities. Emerald Ash Borer losses since 2014 have been offset with oak, maple, hackberry, and disease-resistant elm cultivars. Fee-in-lieu options (Westfield $500-$1,500 per tree; Summit $400-$1,000) fund municipal tree funds used for street tree planting and park forestry. Replacement trees require a 2-year establishment period with maintenance by the property owner; failure of replacement trees during establishment triggers re-planting requirement. The NJ Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act funds state-level replacement coordination.