Photo courtesy of Hudson County Tree Allies.
As development continues across Jersey City, the city is taking new steps to protect its urban tree canopy.
Property owners must now obtain a permit before removing regulated trees, while construction projects are required to protect tree roots from damage during excavation and other work. Natalie Limon, the founding member of the Hudson County Tree Allies, told Slice of Culture, “We know we have development, but I don’t think development should come at the cost of mature trees.”
What Changed?
Jersey City’s recently approved tree protection ordinance strengthens safeguards for trees on both public and private property, recognizing the important environmental, economic and public health benefits they provide.
While the ordinance creates stronger legal protections, Hudson County Trees Allies says its success will ultimately depend on public cooperations. Residents of Hudson County must play a role in preserving trees by following permit requirements, protecting trees during construction, and reporting potential violations. The advocates at this organization hope the new rules with aid with tree protection.
Property owners must obtain permits before removing regulated trees and are required to either replace them or contribute to the city’s Tree Replacement Reserve Fund. The ordinance establishes:
- Stricter construction protections
- Permits requirement
- Adherence to tree protection standards for any work within the protected root zone of a city tree, including demolition, sidewalk replacement, excavation and utility work
Developers seeking approval for construction or redevelopment projects must now submit site plans identifying existing trees and their critical root zones, helping prevent unnecessary damage during construction. Written approval is also required before altering tree beds, pruning roots or branches, or attaching signs or other objects to city trees.
In densely developed cities like Jersey City the few mature trees that are there serve as critical infrastructure. They help manage flooding, summer heat, air quality, and overall make the city healthy and more livable. These changes are intended to better protect Jersey City’s urban tree canopy as development continues.
Why Does It Matter?
Trees provide countless environmental, economic and public health benefits, especially in urban communities like Jersey City. The lack of trees in urban areas makes it even more critical to protect the few we have. Jersey City’s current tree canopy hovers at 17% which is below the 30% to 50% target required for a healthy urban landscape.
“When we lose a mature tree, we’re immediately creating a deficit in stormwater protection, carbon sequestration and shade. It takes decades for a newly planted tree to replace those benefits,” Limon said.
Trees help cool neighborhoods during hot summer months by providing shade. They improve air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone while trapping fine particles on their leaves and bark.
Trees also play an important role in combating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. A single acre of mature trees can absorb the same amount of CO₂ produced by driving a car approximately 26,000 miles in one year. An acre of mature trees can also produce enough oxygen to support 18 people for an entire year.
Beyond improving air quality, trees help conserve energy by reducing cooling costs, slow stormwater runoff to reduce flooding, provide habitat for wildlife, protect people from harmful ultraviolet rays and enhance overall quality of life.
As development continues, preserving and expanding Jersey City’s urban tree canopy becomes increasingly important for creating healthier, more resilient communities.
Who Is Hudson County Tree Allies?
Hudson County Tree Allies is a local grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and expanding the urban tree canopy, reducing flooding and preserving green spaces throughout Jersey City and the greater Hudson County area. The group works with residents to advocate for stronger tree protections while organizing volunteer events and educational workshops on urban forestry.
“We should start to see trees and community infrastructure and something that belongs to all of us because it affects all of us.”
– Natalie Limon
One of its signature initiatives is fundraising and hosting workshops where volunteers build DIY wooden tree guards for newly planted street trees. These protective barriers help shield young saplings from soil compaction, foot traffic, pet damage and other everyday stresses, giving them a better chance to grow into healthy, mature trees.
Here are some workshop and volunteer opportunities to help assist tree life:
- Hudson County Tree Allies resources
- Jersey City Parks volunteering
- Sustainable Jersey City trees trash
- New Jersey Tree Foundation volunteering
How You Can Help
Protecting Hudson County’s trees doesn’t stop with City Hall.
Residents can make a difference by adopting a local street tree, keeping tree pits free of litter and dog waste, watering young trees during dry periods and protecting tree pits from erosion and heavy foot traffic. Community members can also report damaged or illegally removed trees, volunteer with local tree organizations and avoid harming existing trees by not attaching signs, bikes, or other objects to their trunks.
Small actions by residents can help preserve Hudson County’s tree canopy, improve air quality, reduce flooding, cool neighborhoods and create healthier, greener communities for both people and wildlife.
Limon added, “We plant trees for the future, but the people who are alive today matter too.”
