Shade Tree Commission

Due to the current snow conditions, tonight's meeting has been cancelled.

Meetings

  • 7:30 pm
  • 4th Thursday of every month
  • Municipal Building, Third Floor
    234 Main Street

We welcome volunteers who share our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ridgefield Park's tree canopy for current and future generations.

About the Commission

The Ridgefield Park Shade Tree Commission was established in 1979 after residents expressed concern about the declining state of the Village's street and park trees. An Advisory Board spent a year researching other Shade Tree Commissions throughout the tri-state area before the Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance creating this volunteer commission.

The Commission consists of volunteer members who work to preserve, protect, and enhance the Village's urban forest. Since its first tree planting of ten trees in 1979, the Commission has been dedicated to managing public shade trees throughout Ridgefield Park, including responding to emergencies like Hurricane David in 1979, which claimed 79 trees in less than 24 hours.

Commissioner John H. Anlian oversees the Shade Tree Commission.

What We Do

The Shade Tree Commission manages all public shade trees in Ridgefield Park, including trees along streets and in parks. Our work includes:

  • Tree Planting Programs: Planning and implementing strategic tree planting throughout the Village
  • Tree Maintenance: Removing dead or hazardous trees and maintaining healthy trees
  • Tree Hazard Management: Conducting surveys and assessments of Village trees
  • Sidewalk Repair Program: Reimbursing homeowners for sidewalk damage caused by Village shade trees
  • Community Education: Sharing information about proper tree care and the benefits of urban forestry
  • Arbor Day Celebrations: Hosting annual tree planting events since 1982

Why Trees Matter

Trees provide essential benefits to our community:

  • Store carbon and clean the atmosphere, generating thousands of dollars in environmental value
  • Reduce air conditioning costs by 15-50% through shade
  • Increase property values when properly placed and maintained
  • Provide wildlife habitat and connect us with nature
  • Prevent water pollution and soil erosion
  • Reduce traffic noise along busy streets
  • Add beauty, grace, and peaceful spaces throughout the Village
  • Help reduce stress and support wellness

Sidewalk Repair Program

The Commission offers a Sidewalk Repair Program where homeowners can be reimbursed for sidewalk damage caused by Village shade trees. All work must be reviewed and pre-approved by a Shade Tree Commission member before repairs begin. Only damage caused by Village shade trees is eligible for reimbursement. Contact the Commission to start the review and approval process.

  1. 1 Shade Tree Planting with Girl Scout
  2. 2 Autumn Trees with red and yellow leaves and bright blue sky
  3. 3 John Anlian at Arbor Day 2025
  4. 4 Tree on Poplar with pink flowers
  5. 5 Tree with white flowers
  6. 6 Shade Tree Table at Earth Day
  7. 7 John Anlian Tree Walk with crowd at nature preserve
  8. 8 John Anlian at Tree Walk holding large leaf
  9. 9 Arbor Day Ceremony 2025 cherry blossom tree
  10. 10 Tree with pink leaves and flowers
  11. 11 Bird in Tree
  12. 12 Arbor Day 2025 cherry blossoms
  13. 13 John Anlian Tree Walk with attendees and leaf
  14. 14 John Anlian at tree walk with woman looking at a tree
  15. 15 Trees along Euclid with pink flowers
  16. 16 Arbor Day 2025 newly planted cherry blossom trees

A note from Commissioner Anlian

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 to 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, dams, and estuaries.
  7. Trees prevent or reduce soil erosion.
  8. Trees help recharge groundwater 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 Route 46?
  10. Trees screen unsightly views and provide privacy for NJ homeowners.
  11. Trees make life more pleasant by softening the 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.