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Madison arborist reports rise in tree removals in 2024, proposes ordinance updates
Summary
The Shade Tree Management Board and the borough arborist reported a spike in tree removals last year tied to storm damage, construction and pests; they proposed ordinance and process changes including posting permit applications and establishing an appeal process using TREC-qualified experts.
Madison’s Shade Tree Management Board and borough arborist told the governing body on March 10 that tree removals spiked in 2024 and outlined proposed changes to the borough’s tree rules.
The Arborist Rich Wolowitz and Shade Tree Management Board Chair Jean Crockovia presented the annual Shade Tree Management Board report, saying 491 trees were removed boroughwide in 2024, driven by an August storm, construction projects and continued pest problems. They said 258 planting obligations were required for removed trees, 88 removals were recommended because trees were poor or diseased, and the borough collected $7,725 in tree-permit fees last year.
The report said public and private tree work is governed by Borough code chapter 178 and that Madison participates in the New Jersey Urban Community Forestry Accreditation Program. Wolowitz told council members that construction-related removals increased in 2024, citing a single project at 28 Walnut Street that accounted for about 46 removals. He also said removals for ash trees related to emerald ash borer are declining because many affected trees have already been taken down.
Wolowitz described other pests and diseases affecting local species, including beech leaf disease and woolly adelgid affecting hemlocks, and said there is emerging treatment research for the beech issue. He reported 82 public-tree service requests in 2024, 312 public-tree inspections, with 93 public trees removed and 83 pruned. The Shade Tree Management Board requested minor enhancements to the tree ordinance and administrative process to improve transparency and reduce resident calls.
Among proposed process changes, the board recommended posting a permit-application notice in a visible window while a tree-removal permit is pending and creating an appeal procedure that would allow a TREC-qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) independent expert to review contested decisions. The board said the goal is to avoid unqualified lay opinions and ensure consistent, professional reviews.
Council members asked about replacement planting: Wolowitz confirmed 258 planting obligations were put on property owners, who have one year to meet those obligations. When Council Member Bob (last name not specified in the record) asked about penalties for owners who cut trees without permits, Wolowitz said violations and penalties exist in the borough code and that enforcement generally involves the borough attorney and negotiations about next steps.
The presentation included remarks from Friends of Drew Forest representatives thanking the borough and presenting a handmade hat for the mayor’s family. The board said it will bring ordinance amendments for council consideration at a future meeting.
The report and the Shade Tree Management Board’s recommendations will return to a future agenda for ordinance updates and any required code changes.
