Town of Secaucus Updates Tree Conservation Ordinance to Protect and Enhance Urban Canopy

SECAUCUS, NJ – October 14, 2025 – The Town of Secaucus has officially updated its tree conservation ordinance to better protect and replenish the local tree canopy and manage stormwater runoff. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) instituted a new requirement in November 2022 that all municipalities adopt and enforce an ordinance for tree removal and replacement under its stormwater regulations, if the municipality did not already have an ordinance that met the requirements. This updated ordinance replaces a version that was last updated in 1993.

The new regulations underscore the critical role trees play in the community's environmental health. A healthy tree canopy improves air quality, reduces stormwater runoff, provides essential shade, and cools urban heat islands. Trees are a vital part of the water cycle, helping to mitigate issues such as soil erosion, pollutant reduction, and infiltration. Mature trees alone can absorb thousands of gallons of water annually.

This updated ordinance is a crucial step in preserving the beauty and environmental health of our Town. Our tree canopy mitigates stormwater runoff while promoting biodiversity and suitable urban environments, and overall, makes Secaucus a better place to live for everyone. This adoption aligns our local policies with state requirements and ensures the protection of these invaluable natural resources for future generations.

Key provisions of the updated ordinance include:

• Permit Requirement: A Tree Removal Permit is required before removing any tree with a trunk diameter of three (3) inches or greater, measured at breast height. This applies to all standing trees, whether alive or dead.
• Application Process & Fees: To apply, property owners, business owners, and/or contractors must complete an application, tag trees for removal, and include a sketch showing the location of the tree(s) to be removed and replaced. The Administrator of Tree Conservation will schedule an inspection within twenty (20) days. For properties not zoned as residential that do not involve a site plan or subdivision, a $50 application fee is required at the time of application.
• Tree Replacement: For healthy trees that are removed, a replacement tree may be required. If a property owner cannot accommodate the required replacement trees on their lot, they must contribute a nonrefundable $400 per tree, pursuant to the replacement requirements, to the Secaucus Tree Fund. Replacement trees must be chosen from the Town-approved list of species.
• Exemptions: Dead, damaged, diseased, hazardous, or invasive trees are exempt from fees and replacement requirements. However, a Tree Removal Permit is still required.

This ordinance applies equally to homeowners, contractors, and large landholders to ensure consistent protection of the Town's collective tree canopy.

Before removing any trees from your property, property owners are asked to familiarize themselves with the provisions of this ordinance, which can be found here. You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions document regarding the permit here. Tree removal permit applications may be obtained at this link, or by contacting the Administrator of Tree Conservation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please contact the Administrator of Tree Conservation, Environmental Department or Construction Department with questions about this new requirement or for assistance with the application.