Shade Tree Commission

MOST REQUESTED INFORMATION

Apply for a tree permit

Find a Licensed Tree Expert or Tree Care Operator

Request a tree from the Street Tree Planting Program

Tree Planting Guidelines and Approved Tree Species List

‍Meeting Schedule

Tree Care

Watering New Trees with Gator Bags:

• Fill 20-gallon gator bags once per week between May and October
• If it rains 1-inch or more in a week's time period, you do not need to fill the gator bags
• If the soil is compacted, use a hand cultivator to loosen the top 2-3 inches, allowing water to get to the roots

Watering New Trees without Gator Bags:

• Water each tree with 20 gallons or four 5-gallon buckets once per week between May and October
• Water slowly so the water can soak into the soil and does not run off of the sidewalk
• If it rains 1-inch or more in a week's time period, you do not need to water
• If the soil is compacted, use a hand cultivator to loosen the top 2-3 inches, allowing water to get to the roots

Mulching (if the tree is not already mulched):

• Apply a three-inch layer of mulch, preferably shredded bark, to keep the water from evaporating quickly and reduce soil compaction
• Do not pile the mulch against the trunk of the tree, so water does not accumulate and rot the tree trunk

Please remember!

• Keep dogs and dog waste (including urine) out of the tree pit, or the waste will overwhelm the tree, burning its trunk, and harming soil nutrients
• Remove weeds and unwanted plants from tree pits
• Don't lock bikes to trees
• Don't wrap trees with wires, tape, or lights
• Keep tree pits clear of garbage and litter

TREES IN THE GROUND!

The mission of the Shade Tree Commission is to help develop, promote, sustain and regulate an effective and safe shade tree program that benefits Hoboken’s trees and consequently benefits the environmental, economic and social well being of City residents.

The Commission will help sustain healthy trees on City and County streets by pursuing the removal and replacement of all damaged, dead, hazardous or diseased trees, and the pruning of existing trees to foster their health and longevity.

In addition, the Commission will communicate to residents and businesses in the City the need to protect and maintain each and every tree. This will be accomplished through education programs and specific projects in Hoboken.

Finally, the Commission will promote the addition of as many new trees as possible consistent with the need to insure that they are installed properly and maintained to extend their life.

VISION

The Shade Tree Commission vision will be accomplished through its efforts in partnership with the Department of Environmental Services, Mayor, City Council, business partners and community volunteers.

The City of Hoboken will have 4,000 healthy, well maintained trees on City and County streets by 2020.

HSTC ON THE MOVE

Can you Dig It?

Hundreds of trees have been planted through the HSTC annual tree planting program. Request a tree from the Street Tree Planting Program.

Who's that Tree?

The HSTC has developed a complete inventory of all trees in the City. The database also served to document damage from Hurricane Sandy.

In the Pits

Join us to weed and mulch all 170 tree pits and paint tree guards along Washington Street. Find volunteer opportunities here.

Celebrate Arbor Day!

HSTC annually plants trees near schools or in public parks to celebrate Arbor Day.

Why plant trees?

Check out 13 Reasons to plant trees, the benefits of trees in an urban environment and NJ DEP – Community Forestry.

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