Submitted by Melanie Burdorf
Home or property owners in Long Hill can apply to purchase up to two deciduous shade trees for $175 through a Challenge Grant offered through the Shade Tree Commission (STC). Through this program property owners may purchase a tree for about half the retail value with the Township paying the balance with Grant funds. Installation is free and arranged by the Town, resulting in substantial savings for property owners. Business owners are also encouraged to apply, particularly along the Valley Road corridor.
Those interested in participating must complete an application available from Town Hall or on the Township website accompanied by a check for $175 per tree with a two-tree limit. Only 20 applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Forms on the website are located either on the STC page or the forms and permits tab. Please be advised that all trees must be located so that they can be seen from the street.
Members of the STC will contact the property owner and schedule a visit to approve the location of the trees on the property. The STC reserves the right to make the final decision on location and arrangement for installation. Once installed, the property owner becomes responsible for the watering and maintenance of the tree as prescribed by the Commission.
Additional information is available from adminassistant@longhill.gov
(above, l-r) Melanie Burdorf, STC member; and Susan Jeans, chairperson of the STC with a previously planted Challenge Grant tree.
