Shade Tree Commission

The Verona Shade Tree Commission assists the township with the care of our public trees. The commission is comprised of volunteers who are residents designated by the Mayor. The currents members are Bob Dickison (Chairman), Bob Prout, Gloria Starita, Robert Boeck, Sandra Borland. Verona Council Member Kevin Ryan is acting liaison to the commission; Email: kryan@veronanj.org

Public meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Conference Room, 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, New Jersey. 

Request for Township planting, pruning, removal, stump removal and tree related emergencies should be made by calling Public Works at 973-857-4804

Which trees are Township Trees?

All trees planted in the grass curb strips along most streets are township trees. Township trees can also be found in public recreation areas, rights of way and in a few specific locations just inside the sidewalk. Trees planted along Bloomfield, Grove, Fairview, Pompton, Lakeside and Mt. Prospect avenues are Essex County and state trees. Verona has been a Tree City for 26 consecutive years. This program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs.

What can you do to help these trees?

What can you do to help Verona’s trees? The most important thing you can do for newly planted trees in the curb strip or on your property is to give them a drink during the summer dry spells. Because of paved streets, sidewalks, and the compacted soil around them, these trees need extra water to stay healthy.

• Be careful when weed whacking or mowing your lawn, any damage inflicted is detrimental to young trees.
  
• Report any limbs that are dead or show signs of rot.
  
• Report any trees damaged from storms or accidents. DO NOT attempt to trim, treat or repair a tree yourself.
• Do not paint wounds on trees.
• Consult the Shade Tree Commission for guidance if you are planning to plant a tree that may be near a Township tree.
• Be sure to water new trees planted at your home for a least the first year.
  

Do not place mulch against the tree trunk , keep mulch about 4 inches from the trunk and no more than 3 inches high. If mulch is placed against the tree bark then disease, rot, unhealthy root growth and rodent or insect injury may result.

During home improvements/construction , residents and contractors are asked  to take protective precautions and to be respectful of the Township's trees. Trees should be protected from machine damage to limbs and bark while soil around the base of the tree should not be driven over, becoming compacted.

Benefits of trees

The trees can become your friend if you get to know them. Look at its bark and it leaves to recognize them. Be Friendly to trees!

• Trees improve air quality.
• Trees provide shade and reduce utility costs.
• Trees prevent erosion of soil.
• Trees enhance privacy.
• Trees reducing noise pollution.
• Trees increase property values as they soften and compliment
  architecture.
  

Getting to know your trees can be fun. Look at the leaves, twigs and bark to recognize the species.

Be friendly to trees!