Shade Tree

 The Township of Nutley has had an active Shade Tree Program since 1912.

The Shade Tree Department is responsible for the maintenance and care of Street and Park Trees under the direction of the Director of Parks and Public Property.  The Shade Tree Department consists of four full time employees who are qualified to trim, remove and plant trees among various other tasks that come with the Shade Tree Department.  We also have a Township Forester that makes inspections on Thursdays.

Nutley has been Tree City USA Approved since 1988 and celebrates Arbor Day every year with our Living Memorial Tree Planting Program and Bench Dedication.  Our Living Memorial Tree Planting Program has benefited our parks system since 1992 adding over 1100 various types of trees.  It continues to be a popular program to which we have added a bench dedication program.

To report a tree maintenance concern you can call (973) 284-4966 or email shadetree@nutleynj.org.

Memorial Tree and Bench Dedication Program

Recovering from the loss of a loved one can be a difficult task.  Although we never forget our loved ones, we should find a unique way to memorialize their lives. The Department of Parks and Recreation implemented the Memorial Tree Planting and Bench Dedication Program as a lasting tribute to loved ones that have passed. Not only does the tree represent a remembrance of a significant part of our history, it also will symbolizes a renewal of life for generations to come.  For more information please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (973) 284-4966.

Additional Information

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY ADVISORY

The Spotted Lanternfly (Loycorma delicatula) is a planthopper insect native to parts of Asia – the adults being approximately one (1) inch in length and ½ in width.  It was first observed in the United States in 2014 and has spread over the Northeast.  Its preferred host is also native to China – the Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima – but they also prey on red maple trees, grapevines, and over 70 additional tree species and plants.  They damage and sometimes kill their host and are considered an invasive insect.

The greatest threat it poses is to crops and ornamental plants.  Spotted Lanternflies feed on the sap of their host plants and trees.  Their sticky, sweet excrement attracts additional insects, and the resulting black sooty mold is extraordinarily difficult to remove from cars or other items near the host tree.

In its early life cycle, it can be easily controlled by spraying it with a vinegar solution.  Later in its life cycle, a more potent insecticide will have to be used.  Insecticidal soaps, Neem oil, and pyrethrins present biological and environmentally acceptable means of control.

In China, parasitic wasps and a fungal pathogen keep the population in check.  These may be introduced in the US.  

Residents can go to www.badbug.nj.gov or Spotted Lanternfly (nj.gov)  for treatment options and more information.  Another way to control the Spotted Lanternfly is to remove its favorite host, all Trees of Heaven, from the vicinity of your home.

For more information, or if you would like to speak with our Township Forester, John Linson, please call the Parks Department at 973-284-4966.  He is available on Tuesdays.