Our Trees
Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.
– Aldo Leopold
WHY PLANT TREES
Trees provide critically important benefits for the health and well-being of all.
· Generate oxygen for fresher and cleaner air
· Clean air and reduce ozone and CO2 levels
· Reduce water runoff, erosion and stream pollution
· Store and sequester carbon
· Provide shade to cool homes and streets
· Provide habitat for insects, butterflies and birds
· Increase property values
· Increase beauty and serenity and promote physical and metal well being
Due to environmental challenges of climate change and invasive tree species, diseases and insects are rapidly affecting the health and sustainability of established trees. Currently, Ash trees are incurring devastating loss due to the Emerald Ash Borer. For information about the EAB and what can be done, contact the NJ Urban and Community Forestry department.
WHERE TO PLANT TREES
Plant trees on your property!
For basic information about trees and how to plant, go to the Arbor Day Foundation. Their guide covers the information you need to get started. For hands on help, go to local garden nurseries and speak with the horticulturists. Planting and caring for a tree with your children is a wonderful opportunity to teach them the importance of trees and instill within the next generation a sense of stewardship of trees that is fundamental to the ecosystem that surrounds us.
Planting Municipal Shade Trees. These trees are the ones planted next to streets along Village property. You can request a Village Shade tree be planted on the municipal strip in front of your home. The Village has been funding the planting of a limited number of trees in the Fall.
To request a tree, contact the Parks/Shade Tree Department at: [email protected].
Additionally, the Village has an Adopt-a-Tree program developed through the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission. Visit the STC web page through the Village website or contact the Parks/Shade Tree Department.
You can also have a tree planted on Village property to honor someone, commemorate a significant event, or in memoriam.
Community Group Tree Planting. Encourage involvement of community groups in tree planting. School grounds are a wonderful place for trees. Contact your school Green Team to find out how to get involved.
Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission. The STC was re-established by approval of the Council in 2014. Its purpose is to promote, preserve, protect and enhance Shade trees in the Village. The goals include educating the community about the contributions Shade trees make to the Village environment and increasing the number of municipal trees planted by advising the Council on best arboricultural practices and advocating for funding of tree planting and maintenance.
The first stage of a Municipal Tree Inventory has been completed. Vital information is being assessed to guide future planting regarding tree canopy coverage, most resilient species and allowing for the STC to actively pursue funding through government grants.
You can support the efforts of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission by attending meetings and volunteer to join the STC. Currently monthly meetings (held on the second Tuesday at the Municipal Center Garden Room, 7:30 pm) are virtual. Attend public Village Council meetings and support full funding of the Park/Shade Tree Department’s annual budget for tree planting and maintenance.
For further information about the STC and current issues and concerns, contact Carolyn Jacoby, [email protected]
Be sure to join the FB Group, Sustainable Ridgewood and look for STC updates,
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