New tree removal regulations

Has anyone else on here recently looked into removing a tree on their property? I have not had a tree taken down since 2018 but I now have two trees that have to come down for different reasons; one is dying and the other is uprooting my front walk. But when I looked into applying for the permit I was blown away by the extensive checklist that now comes with removing a tree and worst of all, the town now charges $100 for the permit, PER tree! So two trees, $200! If they're only coming out once, why should you have to pay for two permits?? This utter money grab by the town seems ridiculous and shameful to me. I'm sorry for the rant but I'm curious what others think. 

The Board of Del Boca Vista knows best.  One mustn’t question their authority and deeply thought out and extensive knowledge on such matters.

In addition, the town has to approve the removal if the tree is beyond a certain circumference.  The dead tree should not pose a problem.  You may not be able to get a permit to remove the healthy tree uplifting the sidewalk. If it is within ten feet of the curb, it is quite possibly considered a town tree even if it is planted on the opposite side of the sidewalk from the median.  In the case of town trees, homeowners are instructed to have the sidewalk lifted or removed so the town can cut back the offending tree roots.  Then the sidewalk is replaced. Even if this is not a town tree, the town is apt to require cutting back the tree roots rather than taking down the tree.

Matchew16 said:

Has anyone else on here recently looked into removing a tree on their property? I have not had a tree taken down since 2018 but I now have two trees that have to come down for different reasons; one is dying and the other is uprooting my front walk. But when I looked into applying for the permit I was blown away by the extensive checklist that now comes with removing a tree and worst of all, the town now charges $100 for the permit, PER tree! So two trees, $200! If they're only coming out once, why should you have to pay for two permits?? This utter money grab by the town seems ridiculous and shameful to me. I'm sorry for the rant but I'm curious what others think. 

It use'ta not be that way. In the days of yesteryear, you had to pay for a permit to tear down old houses. That has gone by the wayside. Now, you can tear down any damn house you want. 

So, they had to make up the deficit in a different way. Hence, tree permits.

There have been tree removal permits for a long time (I know, we had to get some over the years we've been here).

A couple of years ago, the ordinance setting the fee raised it to $100.

Each tree is individually evaluated, by the way. Township of Maplewood, NJ Shade Trees (ecode360.com)

What Joan said. It depends on the girth of the tree, and if it poses a threat to your home.

I’m curious why you’re looking to get the permit to cut the tree. Are you cutting it down yourself? If you’re paying a tree removal company then they should get the permits. It’s best to let them do the job, and use someone local. 

Jaytee said:

What Joan said. It depends on the girth of the tree, and if it poses a threat to your home.

I’m curious why you’re looking to get the permit to cut the tree. Are you cutting it down yourself? If you’re paying a tree removal company then they should get the permits. It’s best to let them do the job, and use someone local. 

The regulation in Maplewood is a tree more than 12" in diameter requires a permit and both trees are. As for whether the town will OK taking down the healthy tree, I'll have to see. But it is uprooting my walkway and porch stairs, not the sidewalk. And as for obtaining the permit, even though I am having a tree company (Frank's Tree Service who I recommend and is on a list of accepted company's by the town!) take the tree down, due to the lengthy checklist, it's beyond the scope of what a tree company would do and it is the full responsibility of the homeowner to obtain. 

Jaytee said:

What Joan said. It depends on the girth of the tree, and if it poses a threat to your home.

I’m curious why you’re looking to get the permit to cut the tree. Are you cutting it down yourself? If you’re paying a tree removal company then they should get the permits. It’s best to let them do the job, and use someone local. 

I had a tree taken down this fall. The company wanted $75 just to process the permit application. I got it myself and saved $75.

We are in West Orange. Similar laws apply. The tree removal company quoted a price that included the permits. It was a very reasonable price for two giant trees. We didn't squabble over the permit fees... 

You only need a permit if the diameter of the tree is greater than 12" at a certain height (maybe 4 or 5 feet high).

If the tree is that close to the sidewalk, check with the Town first to see if it's theirs.

The town won't give a permit for removal of a healthy tree unless you have a very compelling reason or you are going to build something new.  They will approve basically anything that will result in more property tax revenue. Several lots have been clear-cut of multiple healthy trees because new houses were going up.

Does anyone know if there are any regulations regarding dead trees over hanging from someone else’s property? An accident waiting to happen again basically. I trimmed most of the over hang but they are a couple of tall ones. 

Dumb question:  Do the owners of the property on which the trees are located know that the trees are dead?  Have you sent them official notification in writing so the trees become their liability if one or more of the dead trees fall on your property?

joan_crystal said:

Dumb question:  Do the owners of the property on which the trees are located know that the trees are dead?  Have you sent them official notification in writing so the trees become their liability if one or more of the dead trees fall on your property?

They are aware, it was discussed verbally. The official notification is along the lines of information I was looking for, thank you. A certified letter with photos to the property owner and perhaps my insurance company?