Permit rules can change, and towns update forms and ordinances. Use this page as a starting point, then double-check the details using the official links and contact info below before scheduling removal.
Berkeley Heights
Permit required for removing private trees 6” DBH+ and street/right-of-way trees 2.5” DBH+; replacement requirements apply for many removals.
Info: Official info page
Application: Official application (PDF)
Phone: 908-464-2700 ext. 211
Email: trees@bhtwp.com
Clark
Residents must apply for a residential tree removal permit to cut down a tree on their property; contractor cleanup is required.
Info: Official info page
Application: Permit application portal
Phone: 732-388-3600 ext. 3020
Email: elambert@ourclark.com
Cranford
Tree removals require an application submitted to the Building Department; street/right-of-way trees are handled separately through the Shade Tree Commission and may not be handled by residents/outside companies.
Info: Official info page
Application: Tree removal application (PDF)
Phone: 908-709-7213
Email: shadetreecommission@cranfordnj.org
Elizabeth
Street trees appear to be handled only by the City/right-of-way authority; private tree removals (notably 6” DBH+ per acre) are regulated under the City tree removal/replacement ordinance, but the public-facing permit process/form is unclear—confirm with the City.
Info: Official ordinance (PDF)
Phone: 908-820-4027
Fanwood
Fanwood clearly regulates Borough/street trees (including trees within 10 feet of a Borough street/roadway) and provides a tree removal permit form; the private-property trigger is not clearly stated in the public materials found—confirm with the Borough.
Info: Shade Tree Commission page
Application: Tree removal permit (PDF)
Phone: 908-322-8236
Email: clerk@fanwoodnj.org
Garwood
Permit required for street trees 2” DBH+ and private-property trees 6” DBH+; handled through the Shade Tree Officer/Department.
Info: Shade Tree page
Application: Shade Tree work request / permit info
Phone: 908-789-0710
Email: garwood@garwood.org
Hillside
Permit required before removing any tree on any land in the Township (including ROW/easements); handled through the Tree Inspector / DPW.
Info: Tree removal ordinance (eCode)
Application: Tree removal application (PDF)
Phone: 973-926-1110
Kenilworth
Public materials clearly show an application for removal of a Borough-owned tree (through the Clerk/Public Works Committee); a separate private-property rule is not clearly stated in the public info found—confirm with the Borough Clerk.
Info: Borough forms page
Application: Borough-owned tree removal application (PDF)
Phone: 908-276-9090
Linden
Permit required through the Engineering Office before removal of any tree (dead or alive), with limited exceptions; no more than three healthy trees may be permitted per year on a property (per the summary collected).
Info: Shade Tree permits info page
Application: Permit documents page
Phone: 908-474-8493
Email: engineering@linden-nj.gov
Mountainside
Permit required when removing/destroying more than four trees within a 12-month period (with the town’s definition of “tree” tied to size); handled through the Borough / Public Works form.
Info: Public Works page
Application: Tree removal permit (PDF)
Phone: 908-232-2409
New Providence
Permit required for all tree removals; trees 4” DBH+ go to the Enforcement Officer; more than three trees may trigger Borough Engineer review.
Info: Building Department page
Application: Permit portal
Phone: 908-665-1098
Email: dtimko@newprov.us
Plainfield
Application required for street trees 2.5” DBH+ and private/non-street trees 6” DBH+; Shade Tree Commission regulates street/right-of-way tree matters.
Info: Shade Tree Commission page
Phone: 908-226-2578
Email: ndela.costley@plainfieldnj.gov
Rahway
Tree removal permit required and approved by the City Engineer for removal of private or city trees; process managed through Engineering.
Info: Division of Engineering page
Application: Engineering page (forms/requirements)
Phone: 732-827-2060
Roselle
Application required for street trees 2.5” DBH+ and private trees 6” DBH+; handled through Shade Tree Division.
Info: Shade Tree Division page
Application: Forms page
Phone: 908-245-2920
Email: lulrich@boroughofroselle.com
Roselle Park
Permit required for private/non-street trees 6” DBH+ through Code Enforcement; street tree removals require municipal authorization through the site plan approval process; hazard trees exempt from replacement (per the summary collected).
Info: Permit forms & public documents
Application: Tree removal application (PDF)
Phone: 908-245-6222
Scotch Plains
The Township requires Council consent for shade trees in streets/parks/public places; a clear “ordinary private yard” permit page wasn’t located in the materials found—confirm with the Township for private-property specifics.
Info: Tree and pothole issues / requests
Phone: 908-322-6700 ext. 243 or 244
Springfield
Permit required for trees over 8 inches (measured at 4.5’ above ground); handled through DPW / Township Forester; public/right-of-way trees may only be removed by DPW or with DPW authorization; dead/diseased trees exempt from replacement but still require a permit (per the summary collected).
Info: Shade Tree page
Application: Tree removal permit application (PDF)
Phone: 973-912-2253
Email: keith.decker@springfield-nj.us
Summit
Permit required before removing a private tree 12 inches or more in diameter; handled through the Department of Community Services.
Info: Tree removal permits page
Application: Tree removal permit application (PDF)
Phone: 908-273-6404
Email: summitdcs@cityofsummit.org
Union Township
Permit required for living trees over 10 inches (measured at 4.5’ above grade) and for removals in public property/ROW/easements/buffer yards and certain permit situations; handled through Zoning Officer / Building Department via GovPilot forms.
Info: Building Department page
Application: Tree removal forms (GovPilot)
Phone: 908-851-8509
Westfield
Permit required for removal of trees 6” DBH+; site plan/subdivision may require a Tree Preservation Plan; handled through Public Works/Forestry.
Info: Tree preservation plan & permit page
Application: Tree plan & removal application (PDF)
Phone: 908-789-4100 ext. 4613
Email: cgibson@westfieldnj.gov
Winfield Park
Application required for street trees 2.5” DBH+ and private/non-street trees 6” DBH+; submitted to the Township Clerk (per the summary collected).
Info: Public notice / ordinance (PDF)
Phone: 908-925-3850
Email: m.slowik@winfield-nj.org