Learn more about the City of Newark's Tree Canopy Initiative

‍Why trees are important to the City of Newark

Trees play a crucial role in creating healthier, more sustainable, and livable urban environments. Trees provide many benefits including:

• Economic Benefits: Trees increase property values, attract businesses, and create jobs in urban communities, contributing to economic growth.

• Air Quality Improvement: Trees help to absorb harmful pollutants and release oxygen, thereby improving the air quality in urban areas.

• Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade and reduce the heat island effect in cities, helping to regulate temperatures and create a more comfortable environment.

• Stormwater Management: Trees help to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality.

• Wildlife Habitat: Trees provide habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife in urban areas, supporting biodiversity.

• Mental Health Benefits: Access to green spaces and trees has been shown to positively impact mental health and well-being, reducing stress, and crime, improving quality of life.

• Noise Reduction: Trees can help to reduce noise pollution in urban areas by acting as a natural barrier to sound.

• Aesthetic Value: Trees enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces, making them more attractive and inviting for residents and visitors.

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The City of Newark is committed to maintaining a healthy urban forest, which includes trees on streets, in parks, and on private property. Our Urban Forestry Unit comprised of municipal staff from the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for planting, watering and maintaining all trees on City property.

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What is Newark’s tree canopy?

In Newark, there has been a severe lack of tree planting over the years, resulting in tree canopy cover of 14.8%, far below the recommended amount for the Northeast and the national average of 27% (Rowan and The Nature Conservancy 2022). The tree canopy is defined as the “layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above.” 35% of Newark’s population live in areas with tree canopies below the city’s average, and residents in the East Ward have 5% canopy cover.

The City of Newark is partnering with residents and businesses to plant street trees, since much of the city’s land is owned by residents, the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Public Works (DPW) is focused on working with Newark’s residents by planting trees in front and backyards will greatly increase the city’s canopy cover.

There is an interactive map where you can visualize Newark’s tree canopy. The Newark Greenprint is a free, easy-to-use interactive mapping tool that provides key data insights to support the siting and implementation of nature-based solutions within Newark and provides the community with access to information about open spaces, environmental health metrics, natural resources, and physical and environmental risks. Developed from a partnership between The Nature Conservancy New Jersey Greening Our Cities team, the City of Newark’s Office of Sustainability, members of the Newark Green Team and the Newark Environmental Commission, and Rowan University with support from the PSEG Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Cooperating Technical Partners Program, the tool is a valuable resource to empower the community to further explore the impacts of nature-based solutions to improve public health and quality of life while reducing climate impacts, such as urban heat, local flooding, and air quality issues.

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I want to...

Help improve our tree canopy

We all share a responsibility to care for our urban forest. Become a Newark Tree Ambassador! Give a new tree a successful start! Sign up to water, mulch and weed a new public tree or volunteer to engage our residents on the importance of caring for our urban forest.

Request street tree(s) to be planted in front of my home or business

Please fill out this street tree request form.  

To best use the City of Newark’s resources, we want to encourage Newark residents and business owners to organize their neighbors to request multiple trees on your block or in your neighborhood.  

1. Trees to be planted in an existing planting location

• The applicant must submit a signed Tree Request and Agreement for Tree Care form

• An inspector will visit the site to approve the location of the tree, and indicate any site preparation that is needed prior to planting.

• After approval, the applicant's tree will be placed on the planting order for the next planting season.  

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2. Trees to be planted where there is currently a concrete sidewalk with no tree pit

• The applicant must submit a signed Tree Request and Agreement for Tree Care form.  

• An inspector will visit the site to approve the location of the tree.  

• After approval, the inspector will mark the surface of the concrete with orange and the applicant's tree will be placed on the planting order for the next planting season.  

• Actual planting season is dependent on current capacity to cut pits.

• Report a street tree that is dead or has been damaged, vandalized, or poses a hazard

You can contact the Urban Forestry Unit through See Click Fix.

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• Request that a street tree be pruned ‍

You can contact the Urban Forestry Unit through See Click Fix.

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• How to hire a licensed arborist
• https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
• ‍https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/pdf/hiringtreepros.pdf
• ‍https://njaes.rutgers.edu/FS019/

• City of Newark Tree manual and approved species list

Coming Soon!

• City of Newark’s Tree Ordinances‍

Chapter 27: Trees and Shrubbery

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‍Tree Planting and Care FAQs

Who is responsible for the care and maintenance of street trees?

The City of Newark is responsible for all street trees and manages them through the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Public Works (DPW). Trees in parks may be maintained by the county, DPW, or an approved non-profit organization. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

TREE PLANTING AND CARE

How do I get a street tree planted?

Tree plantings related to construction requirements must be permitted and the site plans approved by the Tree Superintendent. Site plan review by the Tree Superintendent should take place early in the project development stage. For resident requests for street trees contact the Office of Sustainability. If you are an organization that is planting trees, please apply for a tree planting permit from the Tree Superintendent.

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What species of trees are suitable for planting on my block?

Generally, the suitability of tree species for planting depends on factors such as climate, soil type, and available space. In the case of Newark, this will depend on the dimensions of your tree pit, if there are overhead wires , and other types of trees that are already on your street. Your Tree Superintendent will assess and determine which species will thrive best in your specific location. Please refer to the approved tree species on this page. Selection of species will utilize the Right tree Right place method, and/or the Biotope Method.

How do I care for newly planted trees to ensure their survival?

Newly planted trees require regular watering, mulching, and protection from harsh weather conditions. It will be essential to follow the watering and maintenance guidelines provided by Newark’s Tree Superintendent. For newly planted trees, the soil should always be kept moist, but not so wet that water is constantly visible at the surface. This usually does not require more than 5 gallons every few days. Regularly check the soil in the tree bed to determine if more water is required.  

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Who is responsible for maintaining trees planted along sidewalks and streets?

Maintenance responsibilities for trees planted along sidewalks and streets will fall under the DPW. They are responsible for pruning, watering, and addressing any health issues. Some newly planted trees that have been planted as part of a zoning requirement may be under a guarantee and will therefore be maintained by the person responsible for the planting. In those cases, DPW can contact the responsible parties.

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Are there any programs or initiatives for community tree planting or greening projects? How can I get involved in tree planting and care initiatives in my city?

The City of Newark is working to regularly plant trees every spring and fall through contractors and some of our community partners. For programs that you may be able to be a part of, check back here (insert link) or email the Office of Sustainability at (973) 877-9587 for information on upcoming community tree planting and greening projects.  

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What resources are available for learning more about tree planting and care techniques?

See the Newark Tree Manual [Coming Soon!].

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How can I stay informed of the tree planting efforts in the city?

Join our mailing list form or contact the Office of Sustainability at (973) 877-9587.

TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL

If I have an issue with a City of Newark-owned tree, who do I contact? How do I request that the City of Newark prune street trees?

You can contact the Urban Forestry Unit through See Click Fix, Newark Connect Mobile App, 4311newark@ci.newark.nj.us, or by calling 973-733-4311.

If the tree is on private property, who do I call?

Code enforcement is the appropriate department for trees on private property. They can be reached at 973-733-6471.

If the tree is in a park, who do I call?

If the park is one of the following: Branch Brook Park, West Side Park, Riverbank Park, Riverfront Park, Irvington Park, Independence Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Weequahic Park contact Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs you can report a problem at the following link or (973) 268-3500.  

All other parks may be referred to the Newark Urban Forestry Unit See Click Fix, Newark Connect Mobile App, 4311newark@ci.newark.nj.us, or by calling 973-733-4311.

What should I do if I notice a tree in my neighborhood that looks unhealthy or damaged?

If you notice a tree in your neighborhood that appears unhealthy or damaged, please report it to your Tree Superintendent using See Click Fix. The tree's condition will be assessed, and the City will take any necessary actions to address the issue, such as pruning or removal. Since every tree is different, the responses may not always be the same. Trees that have broken or damaged branches that are otherwise in good health will be pruned so that the branches are no longer at risk of failing or falling. Trees that are not in good health will likely be removed or extensively pruned to make them safe again. Trees must be inspected by the City Tree Superintendent to determine if there are any tree risks. These inspections are performed by an ISA (International Society for Arboriculture) TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) Certified Arborist.

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Are there any regulations or permits required for planting trees on private property?

Permits are not needed for planting on private property. However, the species should be one that is on the City’s approved species list (see list above). If a species is not on the list, contact the Tree Superintendent to see if it can be planted.

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How can I prevent tree damage from pests or diseases?

Preventing tree damage from pests or diseases involves regular monitoring, proper cultural practices (such as watering and mulching), and timely interventions such as pruning or applying appropriate treatments. A tree work permit will be needed for any trees that are on City property. Trees on private property can be treated as the property owner desires. For guidance on treatments see the following fact sheet.

How do I properly prune trees on private property to promote healthy growth?

Proper tree pruning involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as selectively thinning branches to improve airflow and structural integrity. It's essential to follow pruning best practices and avoid over-pruning, which can stress the tree and lead to health problems. For pruning a tree owned by the city, please make the request to the Urban Forestry Team.  If you are pruning a tree on private property, no permit is needed, but residents are required to only hire companies that are licensed by the State. For a directory of licensed companies, please follow this link.

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How can I report unauthorized tree removal or vandalism?

Anyone performing tree work in the city should have a permit from the DPW on-site at the time of the work. If you witness unauthorized tree removal or vandalism, you should report it to Code Enforcement. Providing detailed information about the location and nature of the incident can help expedite the response and enforcement actions. Videos and photos will be required in Code Enforcement, or the Newark Police Department are not able to respond during the unauthorized tree work.

If I want a tree removed, do I need a permit?

For all tree removals whether on private or public property, a removal permit is needed. For trees not owned by the City on private properties, there will be no permit fee. For trees that are owned by the City, the cost of the permit will be determined based on the assessed value of the tree utilizing an adjusted. Please make sure to allow at least 10 business days for the City of Newark to perform the assessment before the work is to be performed.

My homeowner’s insurance company asked me to have a tree removed, what do I do?

The Urban Forestry Unit will treat the situation in the same way as a routine sidewalk issue in terms of inspection and follow up if the tree is owned by the City. For trees on private property, please apply for a tree work permit. Letters can be written to the insurance companies stating that the City is in the process of evaluating the situation in order to provide residents with more time to have the conflicts properly resolved.

The tree in front of my house has damaged my water pipes. How can I report and fix this?

Trees can only utilize pipes that are already cracked or broken. A simple way to fix this is to have the pipes replaced or to have them fitted with a liner to prevent further root access. Consider contacting a plumber about the materials discussed here.

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It is the City’s policy that all tree conflicts with structures should first be inspected to determine if the conflicts can be resolved without removing the trees. This may include but is not limited to providing information on changing the shape of the sidewalk to go around or over tree roots and sharing cost effective methods of sealing broken pipes. The City does not take direct responsibility for maintain sidewalks or preventing roots from entering damaged pipes. If the problem is so severe that the conflicts cannot be resolved without removing the tree, a removal request will be generated and reviewed by the City of Newark.

The tree in front of my house has damaged my sidewalk. How can I report and fix this?

Damaged sidewalks should be reported using See Click Fix. The City of Newark will inspect the site to determine if the sidewalk can be replaced in such a way as to avoid further lifting and breaking. Please note that the City does not perform the sidewalk repairs or cover the cost.

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If I need tree work done on my property, who should I call?

The following link will show you a complete list of all licensed tree work companies in NJ. State law requires a license for anyone performing tree work of any kind.

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What kind of trees does the City of Newark plant?

The City of Newark plants over 75 different species of trees and dozens of varieties. Species are selected based on the available space for the tree to grow, the existence of nearby infrastructure such as pipelines, street signs, power lines, etc. and the species that are nearby. The City follows the Right Tree Right Place method of selecting species, the 10-20-30 Rule, and the Biotope method for selecting species. Species that are considered invasive or are over-planted in the City are not used. Information of the selection methods and the 10-20-30 Rule can be found here:

• https://planitgeo.com/library/the-10-20-30-rule-for-tree-diversity/
• ‍https://nysufc.org/a-new-method-for-streamlining-tree-selection-in-new-york-city/2015/02/09/#
• ‍https://www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/

How do I request a tree for my private property?

There are several tree nurseries in the area where you can purchase trees. The Office of Sustainability and our nonprofit partners like the NJ Tree Foundation periodically host free tree giveaways.

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Which trees should I select for planting on my own property?

Trees on private property should be selected based on the approved species list and the amount of space available. The use of the right tree, right place method will help determine which trees are best for you. A Certified Arborist or Licensed Tree Expert can also help guide you.

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Recommended resources for more information

• https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/sewer-liners-for-damaged-pipes/
• ‍https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-456/430-456.html
• ‍https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B949&title=basic-principles-of-pruning-woody-plants
• ‍https://cpe.rutgers.edu/landscape/diseases-pests-of-trees
• ‍https://www.arborday.org/
• ‍https://treeexpert.sna-apps.com/businessdirectory

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What is the best way to stay informed?

Feel free to reach out to the Office of Sustainability team via email or by signing up for our newsletter.