Urban Forestry in Kearny

The Town of Kearny is blessed with a valuable resource – the numerous trees planted along Kearny streets and in Kearny parks. It is the job of the Shade Tree Division of the DPW to maintain a healthy urban forest. This includes a routine pruning cycle, planting new trees and removing hazardous and dead trees.

Tree City U.S.A. Recognition

The Town of Kearny was recently notified that it has been awarded Tree City U.S.A. status for the past 30+ consecutive year. Only two other municipalities in New Jersey have received this designation longer than Kearny.

Tree City U.S.A. is a program to recognize communities that effectively manage their public tree resources. The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognize towns and cities across America that meet the standards for Tree City U.S.A.

The standards are as follows:

• Must establish a forestry department
• Must adopt a community tree ordinance
• Must spend as least $2.00 per capita on tree related issues
• Must facilitate Arbor Day observance that includes a proclamation.

Tree Removal Program

Trees are removed because they are diseased, dead, or deemed to be a hazardous to public safety.

Tree Replacement Program

The Shade Tree Division plants trees each spring, depending on the funding available. Various varieties of trees are planted along Kearny streets according to the amount of growing space, the width of the planting strip, the presence of overhead utility wires and the proximity to intersections and signs. Residents can also request plantings in front of their properties, free of charge, by contacting the DPW at 201-998-3700.

Water during dry periods

If you have a new or young tree planted in front of your house, keep it healthy by watering it during dry periods. New trees need about one inch of rain per week to become established. If they do not receive this rain, provide a deep soak by gently running the hose at the base of the tree for about an hour. Maintaining a 2” -4” layer of mulch around the base of the tree will keep the soil moist longer. However, do NOT pile the mulch against the trunk of the tree. This will cause the bark to rot and decay, eventually killing the tree.

Adopt a Tree Program

Trees add to the quality of life in our Town. The Town of Kearny has been recognized for its leadership in the preservation, protection and replacement of trees. The National Arbor Foundation has awarded the Town of Kearny the “Tree City USA” distinction for the past 37 years as of 2013 and that achievement will continue with your support and assistance. In an effort to increase our tree replacement rate we have initiated an “Adopt-A-Tree” program. Individuals, group, and businesses can participate in the program by completing the “Adopt-A-Tree” application to donate a tree of their choice to be planted within the community or make a cash donation to the program fund.

General Information

Objectives:

• To improve the environment and quality of life in town. Trees combat pollutants, temper our climate via their evaporative powers, provide shade and protection (which helps reduce our utility bills), muffle noise, hide ugliness, combat erosion, deflect wind, offer homes for wildlife, produce food, are esthetically pleasing and beautify our surroundings.
• To supplement and accelerate planting and replacement of Town owned trees which have expired for a variety of reasons including age, disease, accidents, and natural disasters.
• Target A: Residential Areas where feasible, between curb and sidewalk
• Target B: Public properties, non-residential areas.
• To promote care of trees by the donor / sponsor in early years, following the suggestions on the “Care” sheet which will be distributed with the planting of trees.

Method:

• • Cash or Check donations to the Town for tree acquisition and planting are considered a tax deductible gift. All trees are to be purchased and planted by the Town or its authorized agents.
  • Planting will be conducted under the supervision of the Department of Public Works.

All trees become the property of the Town.

• Donors may select the species of tree upon consultation with the Department of Public Works from their recommended list.
• Trees will be planted in some locations where trees have died and have been removed by the Town. Donors may specify the planting of Town owned trees on their properties in consultation with the DPW.
• Donors may make an unspecified location donation on other than their own property.
• Plaques in Honor of or in memory of can be added to trees planted in park locations.

Adopt A Tree Sponsors

Thomas D. McKeon, Esq
Angela C. Femino, Esq
Ralph Y. Brown
Ronald & Georgiann Hook
William & Jill Waller
Robert Stralkus
Michael McCurrie
Debra A. Byrnes & James W. Byrnes
L.J. Kennedy Trucking Co.
Mary Torres
JACJON Associates
Ms. Deborah A. Albury
Brave Woman Support Group
Karen Smith-Del
Patty Da Silva
Diane Riley
Eleanor Rokas
Arthur & Irma Rozzelle

Number of trees donated by sponsor