What to know about tree ordinances

Date:

Share post:

Trees benefit the Moorestown community in a myriad of ways, from improving air quality and reducing energy costs to enhancing stormwater management and preventing soil erosion.

The township has had an ordinance that protects its trees since 2018. Many of its trees are in parks and in the right of way. The ordinance imposes fines for homeowners who alter, remove or kill a township tree.

- Advertisement -

The state Department of Environmental Protection recently required townships to create or amend an ordinance for trees on privately owned properties. Moorestown adopted its version of the measure in 2024: It says residents are allowed to remove a maximum of three trees per acre that have a diameter of 36 inches or less within a five-year period.

Additional regulations include regulations for developers. The ordinance states in part, “no more than 60% of the overall existing tree canopy area in the area of development shall be removed.” In case of tree removals above 60%, a developer will be fined or have to replace the trees.

The ordinances can be viewed in their entirety by clicking on the Ordinances and Regulations link on the Tree Planting and Preservation page of the township website.

Current Issue

Moorestown
SideRail

Related articles

High-school thespians perform ‘Mamma Mia!’

As they prepared for their performances of the Tony-nominated jukebox musical “Mamma Mia!” - which began on March...

Police ARRIVE at a solution for mental-health calls

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced that the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation...

Where ‘Wild’ things are

A colorful, multi-sensory wonderland has opened its doors in Cherry Hill, where children of all ages can ...

Young artists showcase work at exhibit

Cherry Hill welcomed more than 100 young artists in grades K-8 to showcase their creativity during the second...