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.
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.
