Want a Street Tree? How to Request or Sponsor One From Haddonfield's Shade Tree Commission

If the strip of grass between your sidewalk and the street is missing a tree, Haddonfield will plant one. You can request a borough tree through Public Works, or sponsor one for $400 and pick the species. Either way, the Shade Tree Commission decides whether the spot works and handles the planting.

The commission usually plants each spring and fall and plans six to eight months out, so fall is a good time to ask.

Option 1: Request a tree

This is the simple route. Call Sue Nelson at the Department of Public Works, 856-429-0183, ext. 0. She adds your name and address to the list of resident requests.

The tree goes on the borough-owned park strip or right of way next to your property. If the location is suitable, the commission says it hopes to plant within two years.

The borough's guide doesn't list a fee for this option.

Option 2: Sponsor a tree

Email the commission at shadetrees@haddonfield-nj.gov with your name, address and phone number. A member will contact you to check whether the site works.

Here is how it goes from there:

• You pick three species from the borough's approved planting list. The commission buys one based on what its supplier has.
• Your site shapes the choice. Space and overhead wires decide which trees can go in.
• The cost is $400 per tree. That covers the tree, planting and a gator bag.
• You pay after the site is approved. The check goes to the Borough of Haddonfield with "STC Escrow Fund" in the memo, sent or delivered to Borough Hall, 242 Kings Highway East, Room 101, attention Deanna Bennett.
• You get top priority. Sponsored trees go in during the next spring or fall planting, depending on the species.

Your end of the deal

Both options come with the same promise. You agree to help water the tree through its first two to three growing seasons. The commission also recommends adding mulch properly each spring and links a mulching guide on its page.

Who runs this

The Shade Tree Commission is a borough commission of resident volunteers appointed by the commissioners: five voting members and two alternates. It has complete control over planting and caring for trees on borough property. The borough says Haddonfield has earned Tree City USA status from the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 30 years in a row.

The commission usually meets the third Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. in Borough Hall Room 102, with a break in July and August. This month the borough calendar listed the meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 a.m., so check the posted agenda before you go. Both alternate seats are open, and the commission says it is recruiting.

Doing yard work this month too? Our guide to fall garden cleanup in Haddonfield covers what to rake and what to leave.

FAQ

Does a requested street tree cost anything? The borough's guide doesn't list a fee for a resident request. You do commit to watering it for the first two to three growing seasons.

How much does it cost to sponsor a tree? $400 per tree, which covers buying and planting it, a gator bag, and watering through the next season's dry spells.

How long until it is planted? A requested tree goes in within about two years if the spot works. A sponsored tree gets top priority and is planted during the next spring or fall planting.

When does the Shade Tree Commission meet? Usually the third Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. in Borough Hall Room 102, with no regular meetings in July and August. Check the borough calendar for exact dates.

Sources

• Haddonfield Shade Tree Commission page
• How to Request or Sponsor a Tree (PDF)
• Borough tree species planting list (PDF)
• Borough events calendar

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