Why protect Trees?
While trees may be valued for their beauty, they also serve as very important green infrastructure in our landscapes and neighborhoods to help manage runoff. The tree leaf canopy as well as root system help reduce erosion caused by falling rain. Leaves also provide surface area where rainwater lands and evaporates. Roots take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration.
It is because of the critical role that trees play in the water cycle while helping to mitigate stormwater runoff, the NJDEP now requires all towns to have an updated tree removal and replacement ordinance as part of their MS4 permit. A tree protection ordinance should have been adopted by May 1, 2024 for all NJ municipalities.
A fact sheet about the NJDEP tree protection ordinance can be found HERE. The model NJDEP tree protection ordinance can be downloaded HERE. Other example municipal tree protection ordinances can be found on our Sample Municipal Ordinance Page.
What is the Urban and Community Forestry Program?
This program run by the NJDEP offers opportunities and innovative initiatives to assist local governments statewide in their efforts to establish and grow local, self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs. The Urban & Community Forestry programs ensure more livable communities through the care and management of trees. Neglect and urban stress limit the life span of the average downtown tree to only ten years. With proper care, trees live longer, look better, and increase in value as they age.
What is the NJ Community Forestry Council?
The NJ Community Forestry Council advises the State Forester, the Division of Parks and Forestry and the NJDEP to provides advice, assistance, and recommendations to to promote, support and advance healthy, safe and sustainable urban and community forests in New Jersey.
Resources:
- Soak up the Rain: Trees Help Reduce Runoff – USEPA
- NJ Tree Foundation – website
- Stormwater Tree Pit Guidance – Rutgers Water Resources Program
- Role of Trees in Urban Air Quality – The Institution of Environmental Sciences