Before You Begin

This page is intended only for trees located within the Borough's public right-of-way, commonly referred to as shade trees. In most locations, the public right-of-way extends approximately 10 feet from the curb, although this may vary depending on the property. Trees located within this area are considered public trees and are managed by the Borough.

Before submitting a request, determine whether your tree is located in the public right-of-way or on private property.

  • My tree is within approximately 10 feet of the curb (public right-of-way): Continue on this page to request an inspection, report a concern, or learn about Borough-managed shade trees.
  • My tree is on my private property: This page does not apply. Please visit the Tree Removal Permit page for information about permits, regulations, and private property tree removal.
  • I'm not sure where the tree is located: Contact the Shade Tree Commission before taking any action. Staff can help determine whether the tree is a public shade tree or a privately owned tree.

Important: Do not prune, remove, or otherwise alter a public shade tree without Borough authorization. Public shade trees are regulated and maintained by the Borough to protect public safety and preserve the community's tree canopy.

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

*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.

Can I Remove Any Tree? 

No. Residents, property owners, and contractors may not remove, prune, or otherwise alter a Borough shade tree located within the public right-of-way without prior authorization from the Borough.

If you believe a shade tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or poses a safety concern, submit a request for inspection by the Shade Tree Commission. The tree will be evaluated, and the Borough will determine whether pruning, treatment, or removal is warranted.

Important: Unauthorized removal or alteration of a Borough shade tree may be subject to enforcement action under the Borough's ordinances.


Can I Prune Any Tree?

No. Residents, property owners, and contractors may not remove, prune, or otherwise alter a Borough shade tree located within the public right-of-way without prior authorization from the Borough.

If you believe a shade tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or poses a safety concern, submit a request for inspection by the Shade Tree Commission. The tree will be evaluated, and the Borough will determine whether pruning, treatment, or removal is warranted.

Important: Unauthorized removal or alteration of a Borough shade tree may be subject to enforcement action under the Borough's ordinances.

What Should I Do if My Tree is Dead or Dying?

If you believe a shade tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or poses a safety concern, submit a request for inspection by the Shade Tree Commission. The tree will be evaluated, and the Borough will determine whether pruning, treatment, or removal is warranted.

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.

  • For trees affecting power lines or causing hazards, immediately contact PSE&G at 1-800-821-6684 or 1-800-436-7734.

  • For other damage, notify the Borough’s Department of Public Works at 201-568-0242 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.

If a Tree Falls

If a tree falls, the appropriate response depends on the location of the tree and whether it poses an immediate safety hazard.

  • If the tree is blocking a roadway, has fallen onto power lines, or presents an immediate danger to the public, call 911 immediately.
  • If the fallen tree is a Borough shade tree (located within the public right-of-way), contact the Department of Public Works at (201) 568-0242 or the Shade Tree Commission at shadetree@englewoodcliffsnj.org as soon as possible. Staff will inspect the tree, assess the situation, and coordinate the appropriate response.
  • If the tree is located on private property, the property owner is responsible for removal and cleanup.

Important: Never attempt to remove or cut a tree that has fallen onto power lines or is otherwise unsafe. Stay clear of the area until it has been secured by the appropriate emergency responders or utility company.

Board Members

Co-Chair

Dr. Emma T.K. Guest-Consales

Shade Tree Commission

shadetree@englewoocliffsnj.org

Co-Chair

Mamta Shah

shadetree@englewoodcliffsnj.org

Co-Chair

Wendy Alvarado

shadetree@englewoodcliffsnj.org

Council Liason

Philip Lian Council Liaison

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.

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.

 

Annual Meeting Notice 2020