Shade Tree Commission

Community Forestry Management Plan

Shade Tree Ordinance

Contact Information:

Requests for Borough tree planting, pruning or removal should be made in writing to the DPW. Residential tree removal requires a Tree Removal Application and can be dropped off at the DPW or mailed to:

Contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 201-967-8172 for tree related emergencies.

Please note: as per Borough of New Milford Ordinance No. 2004:08, Chapter XXVIA, residents, their landscapers and or other designees are not permitted to cut, prune, top, injure or damage Borough trees. Damage to any Borough tree will result in penalty under law. For more information on the protection of Borough trees, please review Ordinance 2004:08, Chapter XXVIA. If you are not sure if a particular tree is a borough tree, please contact the New Milford Department of Public Works.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the New Milford Shade Tree Commission is to promote the general welfare of the people of the Borough of New Milford by providing for the regulation, planting, care, control, improvement, removal, preservation, and general protection of trees in such a way as to protect and preserve the environment.

About the Commission:

The New Milford Shade Tree Commission is made up of a group of residents who volunteer their time and energy to upholding the mission of this body. They serve to carry out the Borough’s authority in this regard, create, incorporate and review a Community Forestry and Management Plan, outline requirements for private developers, provide standards and procedures in connection with this purpose and prescribe penalties for violation of the Shade Tree ordinance (Ord. No. 2004:08, Chapter XXVIA)

Facts about Trees:

• Trees are a local contribution residents can make towards combating global warming

• The Red Oak is the "official tree" of the State of New Jersey

• Trees are assets that give us utility

• Improve air quality

  • Moderate climate

  • Conserve soil

  • Protect against flooding

  • Increase property values

  • Reduce utility costs

  • Aid in reducing stress

  • Harbor wildlife

• Trees are assets that give us beauty

  • Color

  • Shade

  • Enhance privacy

  • Soften and complement architecture

  • Reduce noise pollution

Forms:
Tree Removal Application

Tree Trimming Application

Upcoming Events:

Meeting Dates:

The Shade Tree Commission usually meets on the 4th Wed. of each month at 7:30 p.m. Please check the calendar and contact the STC ahead of time if you plan to attend so that you can be added to the agenda.

"TREES"
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
- Joyce Kilmer, 1913

Shade Tree Commission:

 Members 

  Term

 Michael Castino, Chairman

  12/31/29 

 Bill Shuff

  12/31/25

 Sue Klecha

  12/31/27 

 Gene DeSantis

  12/31/28

 Tiffany Harris

  12/31/26

 Members (Alternates)

 Megan Coxe - Alt. 2

  12/31/25

 Councilman Ira Grotsky, Liaison