7-2-2024

New Tree Ordinance in Effect:

On June 4, 2023, the Borough of Haworth adopted an ordinance that would manage the removal and replacement of all trees within the Borough, public and private property alike. The ordinance is required by a mandate from the state for any municipality who applies for a Tier A Municipal Stormwater General Permit which authorizes the way in which small municipalities manage their stormwater to minimize discharging pollutants

A permitting process will be required for any resident looking to remove trees from their property. If the trees are determined to be dead or a hazard, they can be removed without a fee. If not, trees that are permitted to be removed will also require a replacement to be made.

All details are outlined in the ordinance, which you can find here

There is an ongoing need for enhanced stormwater management strategies, specifically ones that will aid in reducing flooding throughout the State. Trees play a critical, but often overlooked, role in the water cycle and in the mitigation of stormwater runoff issues such as soil erosion, pollutant reduction, and infiltration. This ordinance was introduced as an effort to ensure that these undervalued assets are considered throughout the State.

We feel that by implementing these new regulations, we are enacting crucial remedies to help not only reduce flooding in the state but also to help ensure our stormwater discharge will not harm the environment. Maintaining a healthy tree canopy in Haworth is paramount to making this happen. While this ordinance came at the state’s direction, Haworth values our natural environment and considers it an asset. We know this could take some getting used to for homeowners, and we hope the extra consideration will benefit us all long term. Your diligence and cooperation is greatly appreciated