Shade Tree Commission
Mission Statement
The public shade trees of Glen Ridge are our heritage and responsibility. The Shade Tree Commission is charged with developing a flexible strategic plan, practical goals and defined steps to ensure that shade trees are planted, maintained and monitored over time. This commitment to healthy trees represents a long-term investment in the beauty, biodiversity and historic character of Glen Ridge.
Saving Our Community Forest is an Imperative
Glen Ridge's community forest is one of the Borough's greatest assets. The trees have gone from a pleasant Borough wide amenity to an environmental imperative in this time of climate change. The nearly 3,700 trees that line our streets serve many important functions including cleaning the air we breathe, shading our streets, cooling our homes, slowing stormwater run-off and adding to property values among other benefits. Yet, this valuable asset is in decline with nearly 60 trees dying and being removed each year. Faced with an aging tree population, a Maple dominant monoculture subject to pests and disease related problems, and severely constrained planting strips between the road and sidewalks, we face a sizable challenge to ensure that the beauty of Glen Ridge is maintained for future generations.
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Every Tree Makes a Difference
- A single tree can sequester 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide in a 50-year lifespan.
- Shade from the same tree will reduce solar radiation by 90%, making it equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day.
- Each tree removes up to 8.4 pounds of air pollutants annually.
- Trees reduce the urban heat island effect by as much as 10 degrees through transpiration of water into the atmosphere.
- Trees improve water quality by slowing run-off and filtering pollutants and suspended solids from rain water.
- Trees and quality landscaping add about 6 - 10% to real estate values.
How You Can Help
The Glen Ridge Shade Tree Commission created the 600 Tree Campaign to face the challenge of replacing trees lost to age and disease. Our objective is to seek out community organizations, businesses, and residents to assist in this effort by requesting they consider making a donation to the campaign. Click on the button below to see how you can assist the Borough in meeting this important challenge.
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Richard Wolowicz NJ Tree Expert, works on Mondays and can be reached via e-mail at trees@glenridgenj.org or by phone at 973-748-8400 ext 202
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