Shade Tree Commission
How can I get Involved?
Getting a Tree Planted
There are several ways of accomplishing
this objective and the sooner you start the larger the tree will be in a few
years.
1. Lottery or Commission determined distributed Village
Tree (no homeowner expense)
Village
funded but very few trees are available.
Depending on the annual budget as few as 20 trees may be funded by the
Village. There is already a long waiting
list and the system of site identification and priority has not yet been
finalized. In short, there is no
assurance that you can get a tree planted by the Village in less than 5 years,
and it could be longer depending on budget allocations.
2. Adopt a Tree
- (homeowner funded)
Home
owner can contact the village, select a tree from an approved list, pay a fee
and have the village contractor plant the tree, generally in the fall.
The
village will assist in determining the right location and has a list of
approved trees that are appropriate for that location. The cost of a village planted the tree (6’-8’
tall with a 2.5” caliper) and planting, ranges from $350-$500 depending on the
species selected. Shade trees are generally planted in the fall for best results.
Watering
and mulching are the homeowner’s responsibility for the first two years after
which formal maintenance is not generally required although continued mulching
and soil aeration are helpful.
After six years pruning becomes the town’s
responsibility. Safety or disease
related pruning gets first priority.
3. Memorial Trees
There
is currently a program for planting a tree in memory of an individual. The cost is born by the sponsor who can work
with the Village to select the species and a site for the tree. A bronze plaque is placed by the tree. Contact the Shade Tree Department (Tim
Cronin) for details and costs.
Community Support
The Shade Tree Commission
welcomes - and will depend for success -
on many forms of support; from individuals, youth groups, clubs, school
programs and other community based organizations.
We are currently
developing activities to build awareness of the STC’s projects and volunteer
programs. Updates will be posted on the website. All ideas are welcome!
Individual Support
Contribute to the Shade
Tree Commission’s general planting fund (location determined by STC). Individuals, groups or organizations can make
financial contributions to the Commission’s general planting fund. These contributions increase the number of
trees which can be planted each year and will increase the speed at which the
canopy can be restored.
How to Join the Commission
Send a letter to the Mayor explaining your
interest and any relevant expertise or experience.
The Mayor or Commission
will contact you and schedule an interview. Meetings are generally once a month
in the evening (7:30 PM)
Friends of Ridgewood Environment and Shade Trees
This
group with the acronym (F.O.R.E.S.T.) is being organized and will be composed
of volunteers from the Ridgewood community who are interested in helping the
Shade Tree Commission fulfill its mission.
Envisioned
Activities for F.O.R.E.S.T:
·
Fund Raising for:
ü Tree planting from Shade Tree waiting list
and downtown.
ü Identifying and creating additional tree pits
for downtown.
ü Informational meetings with outside expert
speakers, volunteer training, etc.
·
Helping to arrange informational
meetings. Topics covered would expand
on current Shade Tree Commission activities and other related issues.
·
Participating in training for Tree
Wardens – possible NJ Tree Foundation meeting
·
Care and protection of trees (small branch
winter pruning, spring mulching, site preparation. (Appropriate training and
supervision would be provided )
·
Monitoring of new tree plantings and
early care – gator bags, summer watering
·
Participation in Earth Day Fair.
Establishing
F.O.R.E.S.T.
STC
will gather contact information of individuals who are interested in
participation. Once the group is
established the Shade Tree Commission will work with the group to identify
specific tasks for FOREST and provide the training and guidance needed.