Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

973-635-0674

54 Fairmount Avenue 
Chatham, NJ 07928

Meeting Dates

The Shade Tree Commission meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:30pm.

28 Mar
Library Board Meeting
Date 03.28.2024 7:30 pm
31 Mar
Easter Sunday
03.31.2024
3 Apr
Planning Board - CANCELLED
04.03.2024 7:30 pm
8 Apr
Mayor & Council Meeting
04.08.2024 7:30 pm
10 Apr
MACC
04.10.2024 9:00 am
Board Members
Colleen Truppo - CHAIR
Regular Member – Chair 01/01/2021-12/31/2025
Kristy Chmura - VICE CHAIR
Regular Member – Vice Chair 01/01/2023-12/31/2027
George H. Sweetin
Regular Member 01/01/2023-12/31/2027
Gina Viola
Regular Member 01/01/2024-12/31/2028
Miles Gilmore
Regular Member 01/01/2023-12/31/2027
John Tortorella
Regular Member 01/01/2021 - 12/31/2025
Dean Wilson
Regular Member 01/01/2022-12/31/2026
Beverly Klepper
1st Alternate 01/15/2023-12/31/2027
VACANCY
2nd Alternate 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2026
Liz Holler, Minutes Secretary
Tony Torello, Shade Tree Enforcement Officer
 

Shade Tree Commission

The Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission was established in 1909. The Shade Tree Commission’s responsibilities include planting and maintaining trees along Borough streets, public rights-of ways, and municipal open spaces.

It is the goal of the Shade Tree Commission to create and maintain optimum tree cover and species diversity, while keeping up a pruning and removal program that will keep our streets and parks safe.

The Shade Tree Commission doesn’t just plant new trees – we take care of our existing trees too, and sometimes that means removing a tree that is diseased or considered a hazard. Maybe you’ve seen a tree being taken down on your street or in your neighborhood, or want to know why some trees are being pruned. Or maybe you have a suggestion of where you’d like to see us plant more trees! Email us at shadetree@chathamborough.org  with your questions.

Shade Tree Information

Tree Protection Ordinance

Chatham Borough has a Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance, which extends to trees on private property. A permit is required to cut down any tree over 6 inches in diameter: permits may be obtained from our website or at Borough Hall. Tree Removal Permits must becompleted before any trees are removed in the Borough.

The preservation, maintenance, protection and planting of trees aids in the stabilization of soil by the prevention of erosion and sedimentation; reduces storm water runoff and the potential damage it may create; aids in the removal of pollutants from the air and assists in the generation of oxygen; provides a buffer and screen against noise and pollution; provides protection against severe weather, aids in the control of drainage and restoration of denuded soil subsequent to construction or grading; provides a habitat for birds and other wildlife and otherwise enhances the environment; protects and increases property values; preserves and enhances the Borough’s physical and aesthetic appearance, and generally promotes the public health and welfare. The regulations contained herein are designed to maintain such beneficial impacts while not interfering with the right of the Borough property owner appropriately to preserve, protect and remove trees.

 Tree City, U.S.A.

Chatham Borough has been designated a Tree City USA community since May 2001. This designation is earned by communities across our nation that have enacted a tree ordinance, established Shade Tree Commission that follows a comprehensive urban forestry program, and promotes the awareness of the value and importance of tree with an annual Arbor Day celebration.