Chatham Borough Loses Over 1,000 Trees Since 2013

CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Chatham Borough has lost 1,200 trees in the past four years, the Shade Tree Commission said at Tuesday nights council meeting, the Chatham Courier reported.

The commission has planted 281 trees since 2013, and plans to plant an additional 55 this fall. The trees planted this year will be larger than those in past years.

Residents are encouraged to plant larger shade trees instead of small ornamental trees on their property. They're also asked to maintain the large shade trees they currently have.

Chatham Borough has been recognized as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation for 17 years in a row.

Areas with a high density of trees tend to have higher property values, lower energy costs and better stormwater management than their less leafy counterparts.

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