Riverton, NJ Shade Tree Commission

The Borough of Riverton has a proud history of being a totally urbanized forested community. Every street is tree lined and Riverton has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a "TREE CITY USA" for the past 23 years. Your Shade Tree Commission has the responsibility of maintaining this tradition. Included are helpful suggestions for home owners to enhance our beautiful forested community.

-- Barry Emens, Shade Tree Commission Chairman

NEWS:

The Space Shuttle White Pine tree was planted in Riverton Park next to the Pompeston Creek on May 6, 2011. It is currently growing and seems to have adapted very well to its new site. The Shade Tree Commission will be placing an appropriate plaque next to the tree in the near future. The trees latitude and longitude coordinates and other pertinent information have be sent to the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry in Trenton to be added to their data base. Pictures of the Space Shuttle White Pine and Riverton's 2011 Arbor Day activities relating to this tree will be displayed at the NJ Shade Tree Federation Annual Conference and Meeting in Cherry Hill on October 21st and 22nd, 2011.

Shade Tree Commission
Barry Emens, Chairman

Pat Brunker
Eric Berndt
Nelson Dimpter
Gene Bandine

The Shade Tree Commission is offering an opportunity for a Federal Tax Deduction that can contribute to a long-lasting benefit of natural beauty and health to your town. Donations of $100.00 or more for the purchase of new street trees will be recognized by a memorial plaque located inside borough hall. Contributions of less than $100.00 will also go towards the purchase of new trees. A seperate account has been established for these funds! To make a contribution, or for more information, please call the borough office, at 829-0120.

The Commissioner's philosophy is to preserve each existing tree as long as feasible. When one must be replaced, an appropriate species is carefully chosen for the locations. Not all species are good trees for our streets. Some trees get too big, some have shallow roots and lift sidewalks, some are subject to blights or have difficulty with pollution, and some attract pests or have difficulty with existing trees.

For these reasons, residents are not permitted to plant trees in the borough property along the streets.

The Commission has done a census of our trees to tell us the species, location, size and health of each one in town.

Riverton has 2474 trees lining the streets & parks. The most numerous tree by variety along Riverton Streets is the London Plane.

Which trees are Borough Trees?

When you think of a town like Riverton, with its many trees, both private and public, it is not hard to envision a forest. We have urbanized the forest by building a small city of homes, shops, streets and walkways. Hence a new name has been given to our town trees, the Urban Forest.

An urban forest has three basic physical needs:
1) Planting, 2) Maintenance (includes protection), 3) Removal

The Riverton Shade Tree Commission is charged with the care of Publicly owned part or Riverton's Urban Forest.

The property owner is responsible for the care of trees on their properties. Which trees are Borough trees? All those trees planted in the curb strips along most streets. Also in a few specific locations just inside the sidewalks, right of ways and in the park and public recreation areas.

The Riverton Shade Tree Commission is appointed by the Mayor and Council of Riverton. They serve without pay, as a public service for the continued beauty of Riverton.

The Commission oversees the care of our "Urban Forest:, with the help and guidance of professionals.

Click here to refer to Chapter 118 of the Borough of Riverton Code to read the Tree Ordinances.

What can you do to help your trees?

Probably the most important thing you can do for the trees near your property is to give them a drink during summer dry spells. Because of paved streets, sidewalks, and compacted soil around them, many trees need extra water to stay healthy.

Report any large 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. Call the Borough Clerk or the Shade Tree Commission.

Try to keep the soil around the trees from becoming compacted.

Consult the Commission for guidance if you are planning to plant a tree that may be near a Borough tree.

Be sure to water new trees planted near your home, at least for the first year.

To report concerns regarding a borough tree please click our downloadable form here.

Be Friendly to the Trees near your home

Have you really looked at the trees along the street by your home, or do you ignore them until the fall?

The trees can become friends if you really get to know them. Take a look at one of them. Look at its bark, its leaves.

Can you guess what kind of tree it is? How long do you think this tree has grown here? Do you know how this tree helps you? Do any birds or animals call this tree home?

If you have children at home, they may enjoy answering these questions and getting to know their tree.

In return for the care we give our trees, they give us:

• Cleaner air; they remove carbon dioxide and replenish our oxygen.
•Quieter streets; they cut down noise by as much as 70%
• Cooler summer days and nights; they breathe out moisture.
• Enhanced property values in a town where we're proud to live.