Trees benefit the Moorestown community in a myriad of ways…from improving air quality and reducing energy costs, to enhancing stormwater management and preventing soil erosion. Moorestown Township is well aware of these benefits and has had a tree ordinance since 2018 that protects township trees. Many of these township trees are in our parks and in the right-of-way. This ordinance imposes fines for homeowners who alter, remove or kill a township tree.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has required townships to create or amend an ordinance for trees on privately owned properties. Moorestown adopted this ordinance in 2024. Private residents are allowed to remove a maximum of 3 trees per acre that have a diameter of 36 inches or less within a 5 year period.
Additional regulations include regulations for developers. The ordinance states in part, “no more than 60% of the overall existing tree canopy area in the area of development shall be removed”. Any tree removals above 60%, the developer will be fined or needs to replace the trees. These ordinances can be viewed in their entirety by clicking on the “Ordinances & Regulations” link on the Tree Planting and Preservation page on the Moorestown Township website.
