Board members urge review of tree‑trimming practices and enforcement after aggressive removals

Several planning board members urged staff to investigate tree‑trimming practices after multiple reports of aggressive or excessive cutting along township and county corridors.

A member said crews appeared to be "butchering" trees along Davidson, New Brunswick Road, Elizabeth Avenue and Cedar Grove Lane and asked whether contractors are accountable or required to use certified arborists. The board discussed the shade‑tree ordinance and whether licensing or enforcement mechanisms are being applied when utilities or private contractors prune or remove mature street trees.

One member described watching a crew and concluding that no professional arborist seemed to be present. Another member said trees along Elizabeth Avenue were cut to improve billboard visibility, which removed an extensive natural buffer; the board noted future affordable‑housing projects will require replacement plantings.

Chairman Orsini suggested staff check the township code section on trees and clarify enforcement. The board asked counsel and relevant staff to report back on whether the ordinance requires certified arborists and how to improve oversight.