About the Committee

Importance of Shade Trees

A healthy shade tree canopy is vital in a suburban community as trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen back into the air. In just one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb the amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles. This same acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people. In addition, they help to cool community streets while providing a haven for birds and other wildlife.

Tree Planting & Benefits

The Committee seeks to plant approximately 25 to 30 new trees each fall in the town easements between municipal sidewalks and the street. The trees that are situated in the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and the curb are taken care of by the Borough. Any resident who wishes to have a tree planted within this right-of-way can do so by calling the Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee at 201-664-7100, ext. 149 and leaving your name, address, and telephone number.

The Committee also encourages all Borough residents to consider planting trees on the owner’s side of the easement within front and back yards. In addition to their beauty, trees planted strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. These same trees can slow the water evaporation from thirsty lawns, reduce stormwater runoff, and prevent soil erosion. The shade provided by trees shields adults and children from harmful ultra-violet rays, and a leafy canopy can muffle the sound from roadways.

Tree Loss

The Westwood Mayor and Council have recognized that the shade trees existing within the Borough of Westwood are of vital importance to the public good due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits and the economic value that they lend to property within the Borough of Westwood as a consequence of their existence. The loss of any shade tree within the Borough of Westwood is a loss to the entire community and, as such, should be avoided except when removal is necessary for reasons of safety, public necessity, or unavoidable development.