Shade Tree Commission
Englewood Cliffs
482 Hudson Terrace
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: (201) 569-5252
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 4:00PM
(Except Holidays)
Related Links
What is a Shade Tree?
- Any deciduous tree within the borough Right-of-way
- Deciduous-a tree which loses its leaves every fall
- Borough Right-of-way usually 10 feet from the curb
Reasons Why You Should Plant Trees
- They are good for us!
- Trees store carbon and clean the atmosphere. In 50 years, one tree generates $30,000 in oxygen, recycles $35,000 of water and removes $ 60,000 of air pollution.
- Tree shade reduces air conditioning costs in residential and commercial buildings by 15-50 percent, thereby reducing the need for generation of more electricity.
- Properly placed and cared for trees and shrubs significantly increase residential and commercial property values.
- Trees connect us with nature and reinforce spiritual and cultural values.
- Trees prevent soil erosion and decrease water runoff
- Trees provide homes for animals
- Trees add beauty and grace to a community setting. They make life more enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing.
*If you are interested in having a Shade Tree planted in your Right-of-Way, please make your request by sending a letter to the Shade Tree Commission with your name, address, and phone number.
Mulching:
- GOOD – proper mulching is good for trees. It helps soil hold water, fertilizes soil, and protects the bark from mowers and string trimmers.
- BAD – Too much mulch is bad for trees. NO MULCH VOLCANOES!
- Mulch mounded up on the trunk in the shape of a volcano is bad because it softens the bark and causes it to become susceptible to insect, fungus, and rodent infestation.
- HOW TO APPLY – Start 6 inches from the tree trunk at ground level and mulch outward to the edge of the drip-line to a maximum depth of 2-3 inches.
- OLD MULCH – remove crusted mulch before adding new mulch
Newly Planted Tree:
- Provide the tree with one inch of water per week (in addition to the water provided by any lawn sprinklers)
- Water trees 3-5 times a week during the first few months of planting, if there is no heavy rain.
- Remove all supporting stakes from around the tree on year after planting.
- Keep all mulch at least 4 inches from the bark of the new tree and not more than 2-3 inches deep.
- Refrain from planting perennials and bulbs within 10 feet of the new tree
Mature, Established Tree:
- The above procedures should be followed especially during prolonged dry periods.
- Refrain from attaching any objects to a tree such as a sign, flag, mailbox etc.
- Refrain from planting perennials and bulbs within 10 feet of the base of the tree.
Additional Links for Tree Care Information:
Can I Remove Any Tree? Not Without a Permit
Before removing any tree on your property, please be aware that a permit is required under local regulations. This process helps preserve our community’s environment and ensures responsible tree management.
When requesting a permit, please include photos of the tree along with your inquiry. For more information on how to apply for a tree removal permit, contact mleon@englewoodcliffsnj.org with the subject line “Tree Removal” and the address of the tree’s location (e.g., Tree Removal – 123 Main St).
Can I Prune Any Tree?
Not always. Tree pruning rules depend on the tree’s location and type. If the tree is a shade tree located within the Borough’s 10-foot right-of-way, only the Borough is authorized to perform pruning. This ensures proper care and safety for public trees.
However, trees located beyond the 10-foot right-of-way (typically on private property) may be pruned by the property owner, as long as the work is done safely and responsibly.
If you’re unsure about your tree’s location or whether a permit is needed, please contact the Borough for guidance before taking any action.
Who Should I Hire?
The state of New Jersey certifies Tree Experts provided they have taken and passed the Certified Tree License Test. This test is rigorous and thorough and once a tree worker passes it he/she is given a CTE number registered with the state.
What Should I Do if My Tree is Dead or Dying?
- If the tree is within 10 feet of the curb call DPW 201-596-0242
- If the tree is on your property, email mleon@englewoodcliffsnj.org with the subject line of “Tree Removal” and address of the tree’s location, (e.g. Tree Removal – 123 Main St).
- If the tree is on your neighbor’s property, call your neighbor and give him/her the appropriate contact information.
What Should I Do if Someone is Cutting Down a Tree?
Act immediately. Call the Police at 201-569-8300.
What Should I Do if the branches are in the Power Lines?
Do not attempt to trim or remove branches near power lines yourself. This is extremely dangerous and must be handled by professionals. If you see tree limbs tangled in or touching power lines, contact PSE&G immediately at 1-800-821-6684 or 1-800-436-7734. They will assess the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure public safety.
For non-emergency concerns involving trees near power lines, you may also notify the Borough for further guidance.
What Should I Do if a Storm Damages or Topples a Tree?
If a storm causes damage to or topples a tree on your property, safety is the top priority. Avoid approaching or trying to move the tree, especially if it’s near power lines or structures.
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For trees affecting power lines or causing hazards, immediately contact PSE&G at 1-800-821-6684 or 1-800-436-7734.
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For other damage, notify the Borough’s Department of Public Works or your local tree removal service to assess and safely handle the situation.
Prompt reporting ensures quick, safe removal and helps protect your property and community.
After we make our storm preparations, all we can do is hunker down and hope we don’t hear the crash of a limb or tree. If something happens, here are some answers to FAQs about problems we hope you don’t encounter.
Tree or Branch on Utility Lines
This is dangerous. Call the utility and report the situation, then stay clear.
Tree Falls on Borough Property
Contact us to remove it, 201-569-5252, even if the tree was on your property before it fell
Tree Falls on My Property
If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, you are typically responsible for whatever portion is on your property.
Tree Damages my Property
Take photos for insurance as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company and report the claim as soon as possible. If the situation is dangerous, you’ll need to remove the tree immediately and not wait for adjusters.
Removing Your Own Trees or Tree Branches
If you have trees or substantial branches come down, unless you are experienced with a chainsaw, call us — or another trained, insured, licensed professional — not a handyman with a saw. Chainsaw accidents by untrained users are all too common and trees under load with heavy snow or ice are unpredictable even for professionals.
- International Society of Arboriculture-ISA
- National Arbor Day Foundation
- NJ Division of Parks and Forestry/Community Forestry
- New Jersey Shade Tree Federation
Shade Tree Ordinance
- Shade Tree Ordinance
Trees In Winter
- Trees in Winter
Board Members
Member
Rebecca Biegacz
Member
Katie Park
Member
Maria Villari
Member
Kinga Zamecki
Member
Gail Ehrenberg
Important Information About the Emerald Ash Borer for Owners of Ash Trees
The emerald ash borer is an insect which kills ash trees and white fringe trees. This pest has already killed millions of ash trees. It is expected to kill hundreds of millions more as it spreads through North America.
The emerald ash borer was found in Bergen County in 2015. It is only a matter of time before it reaches Englewood Cliffs.
- The emerald ash borer infests the top of tree first.
- Death of the top of the tree is usually the first visible sign that an ash tree is infested.
- Affected ash trees die within three to four years of infestation.
Property owners should identify all ash trees and white fringe trees on their property so they can monitor those trees for signs of emerald ash borer infestation. Fall is an excellent time to identify ash trees because ash trees’ distinctive seeds appear in the fall before the leaves turn.
- The branches of ash trees are directly opposite on another.
- Each leaf of an ash tree has five to 11 leaflets.
- Mature ash trees have diamond shaped bark.
- Ash trees have oar shaped seeds which appear in the fall.
Additional information on identifying ash trees and photographs of ash trees’ features are available on many websites. The following websites have excellent pictures of ash trees’ branch structure, leaves, and seeds. Use your cell phone to compare your trees to the websites’ pictures of ash trees’ features.
- http://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/E-2942.pdf
- https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/identifyingashtrees.html
- http://www.nyis.info/pdf/AshIdentificationppt.pdf
Information on identifying white fringe trees is available on Virginia Polytechnic Institute’s website, http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=27.
Cutting down ash trees, either proactively or once infestation has occurred, is one option. Insecticide treatments also are available. Property owners interested in insecticide treatment options should be aware that treatment must repeated periodically in order to remain effective.
Additional information about the emerald ash borer, including insecticide treatments, is available on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website, https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/whatiseab.html.
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482 Hudson Terrace Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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