Princeton, New Jersey
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Princeton
Princeton requires a permit to remove any tree more than 8 inches in diameter, and neighbors next to the property are notified before the permit is issued. Replacement is scaled to the size of the tree removed, so a very large tree can mean four new plantings, on site, off site or through the town's Shade Tree Trust Reserve.
- County
- Mercer
- Tree rules
- Princeton Code chapter on trees and shrubs (Ord. 2016-34, amended 2020-26); Shade Tree Commission
- Key local rule
- Permit for trees over 8 inches in diameter; neighbor notice; size-based replacement
- Electric utility
- PSE&G
- Main hazards
- Nor'easters and tropical storm remnants, emerald ash borer, old oaks over historic houses
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Princeton?
Yes, for any tree more than 8 inches in diameter. That threshold dates from the 2014 consolidation of the former borough and township codes, when the Shade Tree Commission and municipal arborist settled on a single, simple rule. Contiguous property owners receive notice before the permit is issued and before work begins.
- Over 8 inches
- Permit required, with replacement.
- Neighbors
- Adjoining owners are notified of the application.
- Contractors
- Must be registered, and New Jersey requires licensed tree experts or tree care operators.
Central Jersey warning signs
Ash thinning from the top
Emerald ash borer, now widespread.
Beech leaves with dark bands between veins
Beech leaf disease, which has spread into New Jersey.
Oaks with bacterial leaf scorch
Brown margins in late summer, slow decline.
Spotted lanternfly on tree of heaven
An invasive pest established across the state.
Ordinances and the state model
Ordinance 2016-34 lets an applicant plant replacement trees on the property, at an approved off-premises location, or pay into the Princeton Shade Tree Trust Reserve for each tree removed, with at least half of the required trees planted rather than paid for. Ordinance 2020-26 added definitions for caliper and canopy, tree protection zones, contractor registration and more detailed applications.
In 2022 the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection began requiring every municipality to adopt a community-wide tree removal and replacement ordinance as part of stormwater permits. Princeton's rules were already stricter than the state model.
How replacement scales with size
Princeton moved from one-for-one replacement to a sliding scale. The exact table is in the current code.
| Tree removed | Replacement idea | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller regulated trees | One replacement | On site, off site or the trust reserve |
| Large trees | More than one replacement | Same options |
| 39 inches or more | Four replacements, as reported when the rule was adopted | At least half planted on or off premises |
Confirm the current schedule with the municipal arborist before planning a removal.
Old trees in a college town
Princeton's older neighborhoods, around the university, the Western Section and along Nassau Street, are shaded by oaks, beeches, tulip poplars and sycamores that in some cases predate the houses. Many sit on small lots with little room to drop wood, so removals rely on rope rigging and cranes in the street.
Ash were once common along streets and in yards. Emerald ash borer reached Mercer County in the 2010s, and the town has been removing and replacing ash since. The scaled replacement rule was a response to the loss of large canopy trees to construction and pests at the same time.
Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and the remnants of Ida in September 2021 both brought down large trees across the area.
Applying for a Princeton tree permit
Measure and photograph
Diameter at breast height, condition and location.
Prepare the application
Including a narrative and site plan where required.
Neighbor notice
Adjoining owners are notified.
Replacement plan
On site, off site or trust reserve.
Hire a registered, licensed contractor
Required for the work.
Princeton tree questions
Does a dead tree need a Princeton permit?
Check with the municipal arborist. Dead and hazardous trees are handled through the permit process, often with photos or an arborist letter.
Who looks after Princeton street trees?
The municipality, through its arborist and the Shade Tree Commission.
Do neighboring towns have the same rules?
Every New Jersey municipality now has a tree removal and replacement ordinance, but details differ. West Windsor, Lawrence and Montgomery have their own.
What license does a tree company need in New Jersey?
New Jersey licenses tree experts and tree care operators under the state's Tree Expert and Tree Care Operator Licensing Act.
Reach a tree service in Princeton
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Princeton area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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