Shade Tree Commission

Click links below to download paperwork.

Tree Owners Manual | Tree Removal & Installation Permit | Belmar Tree Hazard Report 2020

"Beautiful Belmar", Resident Tree Buying Program Form

Spring 2022 Tree Program

“Beautiful Belmar”

The Belmar Shade Tree Commission has procured the following pricing for
Belmar homeowners (order as many as you’d like!):

$325 per tree through Fernwood Nursery
Includes tree delivery and installation

Guaranteed for 1 year *Trees will be ~2 1⁄2” caliper (approximately 10’-12’ tall)

Permit ($10) required to plant between sidewalk and curb.

(Permit not required to plant elsewhere on your property).

Smaller Flowering Trees

(under utility wires, smaller areas)

Amur Maackia, Japanese Lilac, Carolina Silver Bell, Eastern Redbud

Larger Trees

(no overhead wires, larger yards)

London Plane, Red Sunset Maple, Swamp White Oak, Thornless Honey Locust, Kentucky Coffee Tree

Questions? Interested?

Email us at ShadeTree@Belmar.com

Stay tuned! More details will be available in the Spring.

Belmar Shade Commission Continues Branching Out

Congratulations to the Belmar homeowners who took advantage of the Shade Tree Commission’s tree buying opportunity this Spring! Homeowners planted various species: Trinity Pear, Red Sunset Maple, Eastern Redbud, Green Vase Selkova, Leyland Cypress and even a few Privets, although the Okame Cherry took the top spot for favorite. Several trees were planted in the ‘planting strip’ - the area between the sidewalk and curb - and several in yards. The Commission was excited to offer this program through Fernbrook Farms Wholesale Nursery of Bordentown, NJ, whose hardworking professionals certainly earned their pay this day. We hope these trees will thrive for many decades and bring pleasure to the homeowners and our neighbors, while improving Belmar’s overall tree canopy and adding shade and color to the community. If you’d like to see this program offered again, email the Commission at ShadeTree@belmar.com.

Speaking of Belmar’s tree canopy, the Shade Tree Commission applied for and was awarded a Stewardship Grant from NJ Urban and Community Forestry to conduct a professional tree inventory. Mr. Kevin Scibilia, a NJ-licensed tree expert and professional forester, has already begun documenting the trees in the planting strips and parks throughout the Borough. Over the next few weekends, look for Kevin and his assistant walking the streets and noting the species, size, health, and locations of our trees. With this inventory, the Borough will qualify for grant assistance and better understand the composition, structure and maintenance needs of our urban forest and better allocate resources to it. The findings of the inventory will be posted on the STC webpage. The STC will use the results of the inventory to update and implement forestry goals and objectives that are outlined in our Community Forestry Management Plan.

Expanding our tree canopy and maintaining the health of our tree population is a top priority for the Belmar Shade Tree Commission. Trees are a major line of defense against greenhouse gas emissions and the heat island effect. Canopy cover cools our streets, prevents urban flooding, cleans our air, expands wildlife habitats, prevents soil erosion, and increases the population of pollinators and birds and beautifies our town. A diverse urban forest is better able to resist pests and diseases and has the best chance for good growth and long-term survival.

Did you know that Belmar has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the last 8 years?! Check out our new signs around town! Questions or suggestions about the trees in our town? Email us at ShadeTree@Belmar.com or visit the STC webpage.

Checking Tree Health and Safety

The Belmar Shade Tree Commission reminds property owners that tree health can be difficult to determine, but checking your tree yearly may help you notice problems as they appear. Even healthy trees can fall down. A tree may be green and lush, but that does not guarantee that it is structurally safe. Inspect trees any time, but especially after storms. Examine the crown, branches, trunk and area around the roots for these common dangers: Broken, dead or hanging branches; Cracks, fungi and cavities; Weak trunk or branch unions; Encircling root compressing the trunk (a flat-sided trunk at the ground level is a good indicator); Recent lean, especially if the soil or grass has lifted on one side. See these examples below – if your trees have similar problems, we suggestconsulting a professional. Pruning can be dangerous work, but it can encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Winter is the best time to prune because branches are easy to see, diseases cannot spread, and there is minimal stress on the tree. Never prune trees within 10’ of utility lines; instead contact the local utility company. If pruning cannot be done with both feet on the ground or if power tools are required, hire an arborist. When hiring a professional to assess your tree, look for a New Jersey licensed tree expert with proof of insurance. Remember that a $10 permit application is required for pruning or removing trees in the planting strip between the sidewalk and curb. Permits are available at Borough Hall and at the Forms and Applications link onwww.Belmar.com. For more information, see the Tree Owners Manual , Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture.