Shade Tree Commission

Contact Shade Tree Commission

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is responsible for the care of our public trees, shrubs, and landscapes. The commission is comprised of volunteers who are residents designated by the Township Manager. 

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Read why Verona was selected as a Tree City here

Meeting Information:

Public Shade Tree Commission meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Verona Community Center Conference Room, 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, New Jersey, and via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95500877750.

2024 Meeting Dates:

  • January 8, 2024
  • February 12, 2024
  • March 11, 2024
  • April 15, 2024
  • May 13, 2024
  • June 10, 2024
  • July 8, 2024
  • September 9, 2024
  • October 7, 2024
  • November 4, 2024
  • December 9, 2024

Members: 

  • Carol Thomas - Co-Chair - Term Ends 12/31/2026
  • Bob Prout, Co-Chair - Term Ends 12/31/2027
  • Diane Conboy, Secretary - Term Ends 12/31/2028
  • Ira Jacobs - Term Ends 12/31/2024
  • Val Ryan - Term Ends 12/31/2027
  • Alternate #1 - OPEN - Term Ends 12/31/2027
  • Alternate #2 - OPEN - Term Ends 12/31/2025 
  • Deputy Mayor Christine McGrath - Council Representative - Term Ends 06/30/2024

Community Forestry Plans:

Shade Tree Data & Statistics:

Tree Maintenance Requests

Request for Township planting, pruning, removal, stump removal and tree related emergencies should be made by calling Public Works at 973-857-4804 or online here:

Which trees are Township Trees? 

All trees planted in the grass curb strips along most streets are township trees. Township trees can also be found in public recreation areas, rights of way and in a few specific locations just inside the sidewalk. Trees planted along Bloomfield, Grove, Fairview, Pompton, Lakeside and Mt. Prospect avenues are Essex County and State trees. Verona has been a  Tree City  for 30 plus consecutive years. This program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs.

What can you do to help Township trees? 

What can you do to help Verona’s trees? The most important thing you can do for newly planted trees in the curb strip or on your property is to give them a drink during the summer dry spells. Because of paved streets, sidewalks, and the compacted soil around them, these trees need extra water and care to stay healthy.

  • Be careful when weed whacking or mowing your lawn, any damage inflicted is detrimental to young trees.
  • Report any limbs that are dead or show signs of rot.
  • Report any trees damaged from storms or accidents. DO NOT attempt to trim, treat or repair a tree yourself.
  • Do not paint wounds on trees.
  • Consult the Shade Tree Commission for guidance if you are planning to plant a tree that may be near a Township tree.
  • Be sure to water new trees planted at your home weekly for a least the first year.

Do not place mulch against the tree trunk; keep mulch about 4 inches from the trunk and no more than 3 inches deep. If mulch is placed against the tree bark then disease, rot, unhealthy root growth and rodent or insect injury may result.

During home improvements/construction, residents and contractors are asked to take protective precautions and to be respectful of the Township's trees. Trees should be protected from machine damage to limbs and bark while soil around the base of the tree should not be driven over, thus causing it to become compacted.  Also be careful not to damage young trees with lawnmowers and string trimmers.

Benefits of trees 

The trees can become your friend if you get to know them. Look at its bark and it leaves to recognize them. Be Friendly to trees!

  • Trees improve air quality through photosynthesis.
  • Trees provide shade and reduce utility costs.
  • Trees prevent erosion of soil.
  • Trees enhance privacy.
  • Trees reduce noise pollution.
  • Trees increase property values as they soften and compliment
    architecture.
  • Add beauty to the environment.
  • Reduce human stress.
  • Improved neighborhood health and safety.

Getting to know your trees can be fun. Look at the leaves, twigs and bark to recognize the species.

Remember be respectful of our township trees!