Township Reminds Residents of Tree Removal Rules

Lawrence Township recently sent out a email notice reminding residents of the township's ordinance governing tree removal.

The notice read as follows:

Lawrence Township has an ordinance that controls tree removal. Homeowners should know that, with the exception of specimen trees, they may remove up to five trees of 8" or more in diameter in any one-year period. There is no restriction on the number of trees removed less than 8" in diameter.

A specimen tree is defined as a tree with a diameter of 30 inches or greater; an exceptional example the species, or a tree of historical significance. Specimen trees shall not be removed without the approval of the Township.

For additional information, call the Community Development Office at (609) 844-7087.

Don't Top Trees!

"Tree topping is the senseless brutalizing of older trees" says John Rosenow, President of The National Arbor Day Foundation. Topping involves the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches forming stubs. Other names are "heading-back", "tipping", "hat-racking", and "rounding over".

"Trees maintain a delicate crown-to-root ratio. Topping removes the crown, upsetting this ratio and limiting the tree's ability to sustain its own roots. This makes them more susceptible to insects and disease, and particularly decay. In a few years, if the tree survives, it may become a ... safety hazard (The Shade Tree Vol.74 p.45)."

Don't Over-Mulch!

Over-mulching is a leading cause of death of many landscape trees and shrubs. It can cause oxygen starvation, inner bark death, fungal and bacterial diseases, and excessive heat.

Finer textured mulches such as double shredded mulch should not exceed 2" in depth. Courser textured mulches can be placed a bit deeper. Keep all mulches away from tree trunks and root flares. (Information from Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS099).