Shade Tree Commission

15 Reasons to Plant Trees    FAQ    Sidewalk Repair Program

15 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD PLANT TREES

1.  Trees store carbon and clean the atmo­sphere. In 50 years, one tree generates $30,000 in oxygen, recycles $35,000 of water, and removes
$60,000 of air pollution.

2.  Tree shade reduces air conditioning costs in residential and commercial buildings by 15-50 percent. Do you need a tree planted to the South or West of your house?

3.  Properly placed and cared for trees and shrubs significantly increase residential and commercial property values. Would you like a new tree for your property?

4.  Trees provide habitat for a large vari­ety of wildlife. Do you like bird songs?

5.  Trees connect us with nature and rein­force spiritual and cultural values.

6.  Trees prevent or reduce water pollu­tion in NJ’s streams, rivers, darns, and estuaries.

7.  Trees prevent or reduce soil erosion.

8.  Trees help recharge ground water and sustain stream flow.

9.  Properly placed screens of trees and shrubs decrease traffic noise along NJ’s busy streets and highways. Do you have a site that needs a tree along Rt. 46?

10. Trees screen unsightly views and provide privacy for NJ homeowners.

11. Trees make life more pleasant by softening harsh outlines of buildings.

12. Trees add beauty and grace to any community setting. They make life more enjoyable, peaceful, and relaxing. Do you enjoy walking through 
 Ridgefield Park?

13. Research shows that trees help reduce stress in the workplace and speed hospital patients’ recovery. Do you hear the sighs of relief on NYC buses as they reach RP?

14. Trees provide a multitude of recreation opportunities.

15. Trees, planted as memorials, leave a valuable gift for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homeowners often ask for assistance with trees that are on their own private property.  We manage only the public trees, but we can provide a list of New Jersey Certified Tree Experts with whom we have contact.

The attached document suggests guidelines for selecting an Arborist.

The Shade Tree Commission's sidewalk program is still available for homeowners who wish to repair or replace their sidewalks.  Through this program, a homeowner can be reimbursed for some expense incurred due to damage by street trees.  Applications are available at the municipal building or by calling 201 641 4950, extension 136.

Mulch can protect a tree by conserving moisture and preventing grass and weeds from growing too close to the trunk.  But too much mulch smothers the tree just the same as it smothers the weeds.  Mulch belongs around the tree but not against it.

Sidewalk Repair Program

Instructions:

•  The Property Owner completes and signs the Sidewalk Repair Program Request Form and delivers it to the Ridgefield Park Shade Tree Commission (RPSTC) at the Village Clerk's Office.
• A Shade Tree Commission Member will inspect the site and designate what repairs are reimbursable (i.e. caused by Village shade trees).
• The RPSTC Member will leave the authorization/reimbursement form and instructions with the Homeowner.
• The Homeowner is responsible for contacting a contractor who has been approved by the Shade Tree Commission to schedule the repairs. Homeowners may use the approved contractor for additional sidewalk repairs at the negotiated rate; however, the Village will reimburse homeowners only for damage to sidewalks caused by Village shade trees. All reimbursable work must be pre approved by a member of the RPSTC. All additional repairs are the responsibility of the Homeowner.
• Once the contractor has completed the repairs, the Homeowner is responsible for payment to the contractor. A copy of the paid invoices should be submitted to the RPSTC at the Village Clerk's Office.
• A RPSTC Member will review and inspect the repairs and submit a payment voucher to the Village Board of Commissioners.
  The Village Board of Commissioners will approve payment to the Homeowner. Please allow approximately six weeks for payment following submission of invoices.

REQUEST FORM