What This Ordinance Does
Haddon Heights is updating its rules about trees to protect and grow the borough's tree canopy — one of the best in New Jersey (95 out of 100 on the Tree Equity Score). This law applies to both public trees (on streets and in parks) and trees on private property.
Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree on My Property?
Yes, if the tree is 6 inches or more in diameter (measured 4.5 feet from the ground). You'll need to apply for a Tree Removal Permit through the Borough Clerk before cutting it down.
You do not need a permit for regular pruning and maintenance.
Permits are typically approved when:
- The tree is dead, diseased, or a safety hazard
- Removal is needed for construction, with no other option
- The tree is near utility lines or structures
- The tree is an invasive, non-native species
Do I Have to Replace the Tree?
Yes. The number of replacement trees depends on the size of the tree removed:
| Tree Size (diameter) | Replacement Required |
|---|---|
| 6–12.99 inches | 1 new tree |
| 13–22.99 inches | 2 new trees |
| 23+ inches | 3 new trees |
All replacement trees must be planted within 12 months and cannot be in pots or containers.
Can't plant on your property? You can either plant elsewhere in the borough or pay $200 per removed tree into the borough's Shade Tree Fund, which is used for community tree planting and care.
What About Public Trees?
The Shade Tree Commission oversees all trees in public spaces (streets, parks, municipal land). Anyone who damages or destroys a public tree is responsible for replacing it and may face penalties.