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As we enter the busy spring and summer seasons of landscaping and residential construction, the Shade Tree Commission would like to remind you that trees in the rights of way and some trees on your property are protected by borough ordinances. Please make sure you are familiar with the requirements before contracting with landscaping or tree removal contractors.

Trees located in the borough rights of way may not be pruned, removed or disturbed without written permission from the Shade Tree Commission. Tree protection Management Plans are required for the protection of trees in the rights-of-way during residential construction. These must be obtained and filed through the Construction Office and the plan must be implemented prior to the issuance of building permits. A data sheet showing the right of way for each street in the borough is available on the Shade Tree Commission page of the borough website. If you need help identifying trees located in the right of way adjacent to your property, or other information about trees located in the rights of way, the Shade Tree Commission will be happy to help, and can be reached by a call to Borough Hall, or via the e-mail link on the borough website.

Trees located in the setback areas of residential lots are also protected by borough ordinance. Trees located in the building envelope of your property are not protected, but during construction setback tree protective management plans are required. Additionally, there are limits as to the size and number of trees removed annually in the setback areas. Permits are required for the removal of setback trees as well. To obtain a setback tree removal application and permit or setback tree management plan application contact Borough Manager Gary Webb at Borough Hall.

The tree protection ordinances, Article VII sections 102-33 through 102-37 of the Borough Code, can be accessed on the borough website. The purpose of these ordinances is to protect our tree canopy, which is identified as a major asset and defining characteristic of the Borough of Mountain Lakes. Please help preserve it for future generations to enjoy as much as we do today.

From the Home and School Bulletin, May, 2006