SustainableEHC

Where is the proper place to plant your tree?

Planting trees on your property

“To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, and to live as a people, we must have trees.”    Theodore Roosevelt

Shade trees may be planted in city parks and playgrounds as honorariums and memorials. You can help keep our parks and playgrounds shaded for sunny days by volunteering for group tree-plantings, or by helping us obtain donated trees for planting projects. Residents are invited to participate in the city’s annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony on the last Friday in April.

Tree plantings are welcome at Lincoln Park, Peace Pilgrim Park, Key-Rec/John Leek athletic fields, KaBOOM playground, and at the city’s three public schools. Memorials and honorariums available.

For more information about how you can keep the city green and cool, contact SustainableEHC.

Planting trees in city parks

Avoid planting trees in the right-of-way and in areas where utilities, overhead electric wires, and underground water and gas mains are located. To find out where lines are located, always call the Call Before You Dig hotline at 811.

SustainableEHC recommends planting native tree species appropriate for southern New Jersey. Select trees that offer blossoms and color in spring, summer or fall. 


Keep in mind that property owners are required to maintain their trees and keep them healthy. That includes pruning older trees currently planted in the right of way, and removing dead trees.

Maintenance includes proper raking of fall leaves according to the city’s leaf collection schedule. Residents are required to use craft bags or recycling buckets. No plastic bags. Place bags or buckets in your terrace for scheduled ACUA yard waste collection. Visit www.acua.com for an annual collection schedule.

Planting a tree near your home brings beauty, shade, cleans the air and reduces noise in your community. Here are some reasons to plant a tree:


  • Memorial gift
  • Honorariums
  • Privacy
  • Reduces soil erosion
  • Winter wind break
  • Summer cooling
  • Reduce air pollution
  • Increase property values
  • Fall color/spring blossoms
  • Fruits/nuts
  • Wildlife habitat
  • Landscape design
  • Sight or sound barrier