Street trees add immensely to quality of life in the Borough of Glen Ridge. Trees mitigate other elements of the Borough's infrastructure such as asphalt, concrete, and over-head utilities and make them palatable. An environment absent of trees would be depressing and uninviting.
In recognition of the Borough's aging and depleted urban forest and the many benefits that trees provide, Mayor has authorized the Department of Public Works to identify potential planting locations and proceed in an aggressive tree planting revitalization program.
Replacement species will be site appropriate as determined by the planting belt width, the presence of overhead or underground utilities, zone hardiness, soil conditions, resistance to insect and disease problems and other factors.
Residents can assist in the revitalization of the Borough's urban forest in the following ways:
- Water recently planted trees in your neighborhood twice per week approximately five gallons of water from June through September.
- De-icing compound's and lawn herbicides cautiously around the base of trees.
- Monitor your gardener's line-trimmer (weed-eater) mowing around the base of the tree in order to prevent girdling of the tree bark. Line-trimmer damage can be further minimized by maintaining a 2"-3" thick mulch ring around the base of sensitive tree trunk, and will conserve water during periods of drought.
- Consider sponsoring the cost of a replacement tree in front of your residence. The cost of the replacement tree is typically $250 to $450 depending upon the size and species.
- Contact the Public Works Department, if you observe a damaged, diseased and hazardous tree.
For further information on the Adopt-a-Tree Program, contact the Department of Public Works at 973-748-8400 ext. 223
