Ensuring that the right tree is in the right place is one of the many important duties of the Merchantville Shade Tree Commission. The Commission is a volunteer organization that plants and maintains all trees in Merchantville that are between the curb and sidewalk or within the borough right of way areas without sidewalks as well
as public trees in parks or on municipal property. It also reviews all resident applications for work on borough trees including planting, trimming, and removal and administers the Memorial Tree Program.
Decisions about Merchantville’s tree population stem from guidelines and ongoing education provided by the New Jersey Shade Tree Federation, whose mission is to educate municipalities, professionals in the tree industry, and the public on the care and maintenance of shade trees. The Commission also uses data in its decisions that was collected five years ago during a comprehensive inventory of Merchantville’s trees.
Armed with this information, the commissioners have recently developed planting guidelines for new trees, making a strong effort to plant only natives or nativars, and for removing older, compromised trees. Native trees are ones that originate within a specific region. Nativars are cultivated from a straight species/wildtype native plant to enhance a particular characteristic. An example would be a native plant that has been cultivated to enhance color or size or other features. In the past two years, the Commission has planted upwards of 25 young trees, including the generous donation of three pawpaw trees planted at the Community Center and another 22 trees along curb strips, which include native dogwoods, redbuds, and sourwoods.
The Merchantville Shade Tree Commission has been in existence for many years. Given its past and recent efforts, it is not surprising that Merchantville earned the title of “Tree City USA for 40 Years” in 2018, a recognition by the State of New Jersey Forest Service.
When planting curb side trees, the commissioners take into consideration the mature height of the species and its impact on power and cable lines. In general, they avoid planting under power lines as there is a certainty that the new trees will grow into them harming both the tree and the lines. They water and mulch new plantings to ensure a healthy start. They also identify and visually inspect trees that may need to be removed, taking into consideration how much of the tree is dead (½ to ¾) and again, its encroachment on power lines.
Do you have a question or concern about a tree on or near your property, or need information on trees and trimming specifically for your property? You can reach out to the tree commission via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Describe your question, concern, or information need and the specific address. No need to include a photo as a commissioner will always visit the site for a detailed inspection. The Commission is glad to supply you with printed information on how to trim your trees, how to choose a tree for your property, and how to plant it. It also has lists of native trees that do well in smaller spaces and recommends you shop at local nurseries which specialize in native plants.
The Commission also welcomes new members as there is an ongoing need for residents who want to help trim young trees. Experience is nice but not necessary as commissioners will hold training sessions that provide information on procedures and techniques.
To join in, reach out to the email cited above. The current commissioners are Alice Diamond, Lynn Geddes, John Feldman, Alexis Degan, and Pearson Barlow. Ray Woods is the Borough Council liaison.