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Bridgewater approves 'Trees for Tomorrow' program, awards $60,000 planting contract
Summary
The Bridgewater Township Council approved a Trees for Tomorrow program to plant native trees to improve canopy and stormwater management, awarding SJC Lawn Care a contract not to exceed $60,000 and noting 184 resident sign-ups and a planned initial rollout this year.
The Bridgewater Township Council on Monday approved a new Trees for Tomorrow program and awarded a contract to SJC Lawn Care Inc. for up to $60,000 to supply and plant native trees on private property near township roadways. Public Works presenter Dickie Shimp said 184 residents have signed up so far and the township expects to plant roughly 120 trees this season, with the remaining funds (about $10,000) earmarked for contractor fertilization and follow-up care.
"We're going to use native trees," Shimp said, outlining choices that include red maple, Canada red chokeberry, Amelanchier (serviceberry) and eastern redbud. He said planted trees will generally start at 5 to 6 feet and that the contractor will provide mulch, amended soil and protective deer wraps, and that residents will sign a right-of-entry and assume long‑term care.
Township Administrator Pappas told the council the funds come from the Shade Tree Removal Fund rather than general taxpayer revenues. Shimp added the contractor will administer a one‑year claim window: "So our, we got about a year, to make a claim" if a newly planted tree fails, he said.
The program was pitched as a dual benefit for stormwater management and urban canopy expansion. Shimp noted prior flash‑flooding events in the township's northern neighborhoods and said tree canopies help capture and slow runoff: "The canopy of these trees also will slow water down from getting into our drains and causing issues." He said staff will visit addresses to assess planting locations and that utility conflicts will narrow tree choices.
Resident Tim Kenny, who said he lives at 198 Troy Hills Drive, thanked the council and urged broader climate and public‑health action; he also linked warming soils to changes in bacteria and antibiotic resistance, framing tree planting as part of local mitigation: "Native trees obviously help because trees will take the heat and they absorb it," Kenny said during public comment.
Council members asked about maintenance and contractor responsibilities; Shimp said the contractor will call 2‑1‑1 before digging and that the township will delay bulk planting during the driest months to maximize survivability. The council voted to authorize the SJC Lawn Care contract by roll call; council members present voted in favor.
The next step is field visits and scheduling: Shimp said he planned his first field visit the following day and hoped to have initial plantings in place by the end of June, with a pause over the hottest drought months and a renewed fall planting push.
