Frequently Asked Questions

Hawthorne Shade Tree Governance

The Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission (HSTC), is comprised of five volunteer members and two alternate members appointed by the Mayor to five year overlapping terms.  The Shade Tree Commissioners work together as a board on policy and measures related to the proper care and stewardship of Shade Trees in the town.  Public meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm.  Tree maintenance/remediation is managed and coordinated by the Borough and the hired contractor.

Hawthorne Shade Trees are in the "right of way".  That generally means 10 feet from the curb into the lawn (there are other measurement factors that determine the 10ft.).  If the tree is in the grass at the curb and there is a sidewalk, it is likely Shade Tree.  Our Arborist will be able to measure and make that determination.  If you are not sure, please call or email Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 ext. 218 or email HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org.

Please go the Borough website for the following links:

1. https://www.hawthornenj.org/324/Shade-Tree-Commission
2. http://ecode360.com/14639068
3. http://ecode360.com/14639043

It's always sad to see big mature trees removed. Trees on private property are not subject to the Shade Tree guidelines.  The Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission has no jurisdiction over trees on private property, however, please report the tree to the Hawthorne Building Department at 973-427-5555 x 261. 

Pruning and Removal Requests

If you think your Shade Tree needs to be removed, please contact the Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 ext. 218 or email HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org.  Our town arborist will be out within two weeks to review the situation and provide a remediation plan.  Please let us know if you think this is an URGENT issue so we can arrange a faster review.  Also note, for every tree  that is removed, the HSTC will do its best to replace the tree during the following planting cycle.

General turnaround time for tree remediation is 2-3 months, weather permitting, and if there are no other urgent tree remediation's that need to take place.  Steps we take are:

1. Record resident request and create a work order.
2. Work order goes to Arborist.
3. Assessment is made and logged after remediation plan is submitted by Arborist.
4. Remediation directions are submitted to our contractor.
5. Work is then prioritized.
6. Our goal is to complete remediation in 3 months or less if possible.  All requests are tracked and recorded to completion.  There may be weather and scheduling considerations that prevent a standard remediation timeframe.

Great question, stump removal is approximately 4 weeks after the Shade Tree is removed.  The area needs to be marked out by Public Works so no public services are impacted.  Also, we try to ground multiple stumps at a time.  

When in doubt, please contact the Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 ext. 218 or email HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org..  We can help with the next steps.

We understand you may want to appeal a decision recently made.  To appeal, please do the following:

• Submit the request in writing to HSTC.  This can be mailed or emailed.
• Include any and all back up to support your request (bills, invoices, pictures).
• Appeal should be submitted prior to a monthly meeting so we may have a chance to review.  Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm, in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Borough Hall.
• Results of the appeal will be sent to you in writing or you can attend the following months meeting.

Replanting's 

Your are correct, Hawthorne Shade Tree does try to budget for a planting each Fall.  These trees are placed in the right of way, generally 10 feet from the curb in front of your home.  We love when residents ask for these trees.  Please call or email Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 ext. 218 or HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org and make your request.  We will fulfill all we can.  These plantings are also used to replace trees removed for health reasons/road correction needs during yearly roadwork.  Tree Maintenance Request Form 

There is complete thoughtfulness in the trees selected by our arborist.  Our arborist selects trees based upon site conditions.

• If there are overhead utilities (wires), only species that mature small are used.  If there are no overhead utilities, then the species used is based upon the width of the planting belt (the space between curd and street).
• If at least 48" wide, then larger species are planted.  If smaller than 48" wide, then smaller species are used.  We are very aware of root-sidewalk conflicts and avoid trees with large roots.

Yes, once you have secured your Zoning Permit for sidewalk repair,* please call Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 Ext. 218 or email HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org to make your tree request.  The Borough arborist will come inspect the tree once the sidewalk is open and roots exposed.  No roots can be cut or trees removed without the arborist direction.  If trees are cut in any way, this may result in a violation to the homeowner and contractor.  

Tree Maintenance Request Form

*The borough has assumed responsibility for certain sidewalk repairs for trees planted after June 1, 2023; refer to the borough code for details.

Ordinance chapter: 444-25 #2316-23:  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Borough of Hawthorne plants a shade tree in the area between the sidewalk and the curb or street from and after June 1, 2023, and the shade tree is determined by the Borough Engineer to be the sole cause of the sidewalk becoming unsafe or unfit to walk upon, the Borough of Hawthorne shall undertake the repair or replacement of such affected sidewalk area at its cost and expense. 

The Borough of Hawthorne shall be under no obligation to make any inspection to determine whether or not an unsafe condition exists unless notice is received from the abutting owner that a suspected unsafe condition exists. In such event, the Borough Engineer shall inspect the sidewalk to determine whether or not there is an unsafe condition and whether or not the cause of such condition solely relates to growth of the planted shade tree. If the Engineer determines that the sidewalk requires repair or replacement and the cause is not solely related to growth of the shade tree, it shall remain the obligation of the abutting owner to make such repair or replacement.

[Added 5-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2316-23]

Yes, roadwork happens yearly.  The HSTC arborist works with the Borough Engineer to determine what if any tree remediation is needed to complete roadwork successfully.  Letters are sent to residents by the Borough Administrator to make you aware of the upcoming work. As a general rule, the arborist makes every effort to save every tree without compromising the tree or roadwork.  The Hawthorne Shade Tree also works with the arborist to replace removed trees with trees that are appropriate for the site.  If you have questions on roadwork, please contact the Administrator at 973-427-1168 or Boswell Engineering at 201-681-5594 for more information.

Shade Trees always need to be reviewed and then maintained by the town.  This helps to maintain the trees integrity.  We also want to review the overall health of the tree.  For pruning, please call or email Hawthorne Shade Tree at 973-427-5555 Ext. 218 or email HawthorneShadeTree@Hawthornenj.org..  Our town arborist will be out in approximately two weeks to review the situation and provide a remediation plan.  Pruning generally takes place in cooler weather.