LONG HILL PROPERTY OWNERS CAN BUY TREES THROUGH GRANT

Home and 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).
The cut off date for applications for the spring planting season is April 15, 2017. Through this program, property owners can purchase a deciduous shade tree for about half the retail price with Long Hill paying the balance with grant funds, and arranging for installation by the town at their home or property.
The program is designed to be a way for home or business owners in Long Hill to enhance their property individually, and the township as a whole, in a cost effective manner, according to Don Farnell, vice chairman of the STC.
Historically, this program has been used primarily by homeowners to enhance their properties, but this spring the STC would like to encourage all property owners, particularly businesses in the Valley Road corridor, to participate, Farnell said.
There is a limit of two trees per home / property owner on a first come first serve basis. This spring the challenge grant will be limited to 20 trees.
Deciduous tree species available for the Challenge Grant program are determined by commercial availability as determined by the STC.
Property owners interested in participating must complete an application form available at Town Hall or on the Township website at longhillnj.gov and submit a check for $175 per tree with a maximum two trees per property owner.
Members of the STC will review all applications and contact the property owner to schedule a visit to locate the trees on the property Farnell said. All trees must be located so they can be seen from the street. 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 STC.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Township website from either the Shade Tree Commission page or from the forms and permits tab.
Additional information is available from adminassistant@longhillnj.gov