SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Welcoming New Tree Planting Requests for Spring 2025!
The Fanwood Shade Tree Commission was created with the passage of a local ordinance in 1962. It is the responsibility of the commission to maintain and protect all shade trees on Borough property, in Borough parks and along all Borough streets. All trees within 10 feet of a Borough street or roadway are the responsibility of the Shade Tree Commission.
Each year, the Shade Tree Commission:
- Plants trees in public rights of ways and on borough properties
- Monitors the health of Borough trees to ensure they receive the care they need to thrive for generations to come
- Works with property owners to address, assess and resolve concerns related to specific trees, often in collaboration with Fanwood DPW
- Directs a Memorial Tree program in celebration of community members and leaders who have passed away
- Hosts community events, celebrating Arbor Day and other key social holidays celebrating environmentalism and sustainability.
Thank You for Joining Us at Fanwood’s Arbor Day Celebration 2024!
Commission Meetings
Meetings are held monthly at the Carriage House at Fanwood Town Hall, typically on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, but flexible in the event of holidays or other civic conflicts. See the Community Calendar for exact dates. Notices are posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building. Meetings are open to the public and visitors are welcomed. Moving forward, Commission minutes will be posted here following meetings.
Commission Members
- Joanne Muoio Commissioner
- Steve Falco Commissioner
- Dana Lawrence Lohn Commissioner
- Ora Schiff Commissioner (pending swearing-in)
Current as of October 21, 2024
Contacting the Commission
The best way to contact the Shade Tree Commission with new requests is to complete this form. In the event you wish to speak to the commission by phone, please call (908) 322-8236 and leave a message.
Frequently-Asked Questions
1. I would like the town to acquire and plant a shade tree in front of my home. Can I request that?
Yes. Complete this form to make your request. Please note that the Shade Tree Committee is subject to annual budgetary constraints and committed to the prudent use of taxpayer funds. We certainly try to grant as many of these requests as resources allow.
2. How do I verify whether a tree is a Borough tree?
3. What kind of tree issues should I report to the Shade Tree Commission?
We request that you report issues regarding trees within the right-of-way in front of your residence or municipal property location(s) throughout the Borough. Reporting issues include pruning, hanging limbs or branches, insects, decay or other concerns. The Commission will investigate the condition of the tree, often in conjunction with an arborist, and prescribe proper care.
4. I notice a tree that looks like it has deer damage. What should I do?
Complete this form, and please note that you believe this tree would benefit from a Deer Guard.
5. I am a Boy Scout, Girl Scout or community member seeking to do a project in the service of Fanwood’s trees. How can I help?
We have several projects in various stages of long-term planning and implementation, and we’d welcome your participation! Join our next meeting or complete this form.
Members of the Nettingham Middle School Environmental Club learn to mulch trees during a workshop at Carriage House Park.
The club members learned to never pile mulch up against the tree trunk but instead to spread the mulch in a donut shape around the tree. The workshop was sponsored by the Fanwood Shade Tree Commission.