2009 Cool Cities Tree Planting Initiative

PROJECT CONTACT (HAMILTON TOWNSHIP)

Robert C. Poppert, PP, AICP
Chairman, Shade Tree Commission
2090 Greenwood Avenue
Hamilton, NJ 08650
(609) 890-3645

PROJECT CONTACT (NJ FOREST SERVICE)

Alex McCartney
625 Canal Rd.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 873-3051

Frequently asked questions:

Where will these trees be planted?

Natrona, Saybrook, Grayson Crescent, Winslow, Clifford, Fenwood, Lowell, Eaton, Elmore and Erie Avenues. Trees will be planted within the Township right-of-way between curb and sidewalk.

Who is sponsoring the tree planting initiative?

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Clean Energy Program and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Community Forestry Program.

Is participation in this year’s program mandatory?

Yes, all pre-determined sites within the neighborhood will get trees based upon existing site conditions and constraints.

Who will pay for the trees and their installation?

The money is funded by the BPU and is funneled through the NJDEP. Hamilton Township is not required to provide any financial assistance to this program. The trees will be planted by a contractor chosen by the NJ Forest Service.

If I already have trees between my curb and sidewalk, do I still get trees?

If there are existing healthy trees between your curb and sidewalk and no space exists, then it is very likely that your property WILL NOT get a tree.

If I have a dead/damaged or hazardous tree between by curb and sidewalk, who can I contact to get it removed?

Please call Rob Poppert at 890-3645 or e-mail him at rpoppert@hamiltonnj.com. Trees that are warranted for removal will be removed by the Department of Public Works.

Will the tree chosen damage or lift my sidewalk?

NO. Species of tree are chosen based upon the width of space between curb and sidewalk and overhead obstructions. If the space between curb and sidewalk is narrow, small species of tree will be planted that are proven to grow in more constructed environments. The Township is very aware of this concern and we will take every precaution to ensure that the trees selected are suitable for each specific site.

What kind of trees will I get?

The types of trees to be planted are dependent on certain site criteria, such as: width between curb and sidewalk, location of overhead and underground utilities, street and traffic control signs, locations of residential driveways, etc. Examples of “small trees” are Serviceberry, Redbud, Cornelian Cherry, Yoshino Cherry, Japanese Tree Lilac, Hornbeam and the Trident Maple. Examples of “large trees” are Red Maple, Katsura Tree, Ash, Golden Rain Tree, Callery Pear (not Bradford), Linden and Elm.

Who will maintain the new curbside trees?

We hope that all residents that get a new tree at their curbside will help to water and care for the tree during the first two years of growth. However, the NJ Forest Service will help monitor the trees during the first year and then Hamilton Township will assume this responsibility thereafter.

What do the white marks/numbers in the street represent?

These are preliminary locations of the trees. These white marks are necessary so that utility markouts can be done so as to determine the exact location of all underground utilities (gas, electric, phone, sewer, water, etc.)

Related website links:

DEP Community Forestry

http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/forest/community/

NJ Forest Service

http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/forest/

Tree Care Tips from the Arbor Day Foundation

http://www.nationaltreetrust.org/trees/nineThings.cfm