1. What does the Shade Tree Commission do?

The Allendale Shade Tree Commission as created by the Borough of Allendale to remove, maintain, plant and otherwise supervise Allendale's public trees. The Commission, comprised of seven volunteer members, has the mission of preserving and enhancing Allendale's urban forest environment.

- Last Update: October 31, 2007 which is 191 days ago. - Top

2. Over What trees does the Commission have jurisdiction?

Aside from public parks and recreational areas like the Celery Farm and Crestwood Park Lake, the Commission has jurisdiction over a planting easement on borough roads. The easement is either calculated as ten feet from the curb line or 25 feet from the centerline of the road, whichever is more encompassing. Any tree work within this easement is the responsibility of the Commission. Bergen County has a shade tree easement along county roads in the borough including Franklin Turnpike, East Allendale Avenue, East and West Crescent Avenue, Brookside Avenue, Forest Road and West Orchard Street. The Commission works with the County in these areas in developing plans for removals, pruning and plantings.

- Last Update: October 31, 2007 which is 191 days ago. - Top

3. How do I get work done on a tree within the easement?

There are forms to request work or evaluation of trees within the easement at Borough Hall. You can stop in and fill one out or ask for help over the telephone. The Commission regularly reviews these requests and makes the necessary recommendations for work orders under intimation to the homeowner of the status of the inquiry where necessary or appropriate. If removal or pruning is required, the tree will be placed on a list to be bided by certified tree contractors. The length of time this will take can very depending on the nature of the work to be done, the severity of the problem and other factors.

- Last Update: October 31, 2007 which is 191 days ago. - Top

4. How do I get a tree planted?

The Commission generally orders from 15 to 25 trees annually for planting, although that number can and often is supplemented from others sources such as the County. The procedure is the same as above for work and/or removals. The site will be evaluated and an appropriate tree selected and planted, either in the spring or in the fall.

- Last Update: September 19, 2007 which is 233 days ago. - Top

5. What determines whether I will get a tree?

The Commission considers several factors in determining where to plant shade trees. A major consideration is the overall condition of the property. Is it already very well wooded? Is there room? Is there a species of tree that would be appropriate? Given the limited nature of the budget, plantings will tend to take place in areas where they can have maximum aesthetic impact, such as in open spaces in parks and playgrounds and in front of houses with little if any shade tree cover of any kind. Additionally, given the manner in which our power company, Orange and Rockland, prunes tree, location under power lines are not favored.

- Last Update: September 19, 2007 which is 233 days ago. - Top

6. What about other trees on my property outside the easement?

The Borough's shade tree ordinance has been interpreted as requiring a homeowner to obtain a permit before removing any tree over six inches in diameter at breast height unless it is dead or is immediately hazardous. Applications for tree removal permits can be made at the Construction Office in the Borough Hall. Currently there is not cost for the permit.

- Last Update: September 19, 2007 which is 233 days ago. - Top