ARBOR DAY E-NEWS 

‍GROWING A GREENER
FUTURE

‍Arbor Day is a special day dedicated to the planting, care and appreciation of trees. Celebrated in all 50 states, it serves as a reminder of the vital role trees play in our environment - from improving air quality and preventing soil erosion to supporting wildlife and combating climate change. Keep reading to learn about the Village's efforts to "re-tree" Ridgewood and how you can get involved. 

‍REQUEST A TREE

‍In 2024, the Village planted 212 new trees to repopulate our tree canopy, which has been devastated by extreme weather and outbreaks of pest infestations. Our goal for 2025 is to plant another 200 trees! If you would like to have a shade tree planted in the right-of-way in front of your home, please fill out and submit the Shade Tree Request Form. 

‍ADOPT A SAPLING

The Village's Adopt a Sapling program is coming to the Willard school district! Sign up to have a sapling planted in the right-of-way in front of your home. To date, 121 saplings have been planted in the Somerville and Orchard school districts. Be an early adopter in the Willard neighborhood! 

‍PICK UP A WHIP

‍No, we're not getting political! A whip is a young tree, without branches, which looks less like a tree and more like a long, upright stick. You can pick up a FREE Red Bud or Dogwood whip (while supplies last) at the Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair on Sunday, April 27th from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Stop by the Shade Tree Commission table. 

‍GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY

‍For approximately 40 years, the Ridgewood Beautification Team (RBT) has been dedicated to enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of Ridgewood’s Central Business District throughout the seasons. Grab a trowel and some gardening gloves, and join the RBT at Van Neste Square on Saturday, May 17th at 7:45 am. By lunchtime, the planters in the CBD will be transformed for spring and summer! Green thumb not required. Sign up here. 

‍MULCHING MATTERS

‍Mulching benefits trees by conserving moisture, moderating soil temperature, suppressing weeds, protecting roots and improving soil structure. Help us help our trees by participating in Mulch Monday in the Central Business District on June 23rd at 8:00 am. Email Councilmember Winograd for details. 

‍NOMINATE YOUR TREE

‍Let's get Ridgewood on the state registry map! Nominate your big tree and/or heritage tree. Each tree is examined by the state, and statistics such as height, diameter, condition and age are recorded. Fun fact: A Pin Oak on Hawthorne Place is the largest quercus palustris reported in Bergen County. It is 64 feet high, with a 96-foot average crown spread, and is approximately 195 years old.

‍NEW TREE ORDINANCE

‍On April 9, 2025, the Village Council amended Chapter 260 of Ordinance No. 4043 to include new language regarding "tree protection, removal and replacement." 

‍FOLLOW US!

Stay connected with the Shade Tree Commission by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Get updates on community tree plantings, care tips, local events, and ways to get involved with keeping our neighborhoods green and beautiful. 

Shade Tree Commission &
Ridgewood Beautification Team‍

‍www.ridgewoodnj.net

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