Rahway Tree Survey 2022
As you drive around Rahway this spring and summer you may see groups of people gathered around trees in bright yellow vest with clipboards. They are professional tree experts taking a survey of all the street trees in The City of Rahway.
After deciding that a tree survey was long overdue, the city applied for and received a grant. Now a professional team is in action throughout the city. This survey is expected to take months, perhaps into the fall.
As a spokesperson from Mayor Giacobbe’s office explained, “Rahway has an extensive population of shade trees and they provide us with many environmental and health benefits, but only when carefully planned for and maintained. Our Department of Public Works is in the process of conducting an extensive tree inventory, accounting for the size, species, and condition of every tree on public property.”
According to Lauren Ferrigno the tree inventory will accurately record the number, location, size, species, condition, and maintenance needs of every street tree in Rahway. During this process the city will also be able to determine:
- Available “vacant” planting sites
- Record growing conditions of each tree
- Available new planting sites
- Identify needs for pruning, removal, planting, and pest management
This process will allow for city officials to move forward with the possible formation of a Shade Tree Board or committee, spearheaded by concerned citizen Bob Markey. The responsibilities of a future Tree Board are now in discussion.
Perhaps together, a Tree Board and the Department of Public Works will exercise control over the regulation, planting, care, and control of the trees and shrubbery located along the streets, public places, and parks of Rahway. Other factors of the tree survey will allow for the Shade Tree Committee to determine what types of trees can be planted in specific areas to ensure proper pruning can take place and there are no barriers with overhead utility lines based on the height of the trees.
Rahway is a designated ‘Tree City USA’.
Established in 1976 the Tree City USA program is a nationwide movement that helps provide the framework for communities to manage and expand public trees. More than 3,400 cities, towns and villages have received this status. There are four requirements to become a Tree City: (1) A tree board or department (2) Having a community tree ordinance* (3) Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry (4) Celebrating Arbor Day.
As part of Rahway’s commitment to this goal, the Department of Public Works actively works with home owners to select, plant and maintain street trees on their property.
Trees in our region have been devastated the in the past few years. First by the Asian Long-horned Beetle which killed many maples, a favorite for autumn color. Next by the Emerald Ash Borer and now by the Spotted Lantern Fly. That was followed by multiple hurricanes including super storm Sandy. Sadly, the toppling of so many trees put fear into many homeowners who removed otherwise healthy trees.
The untold tale of those storms is that millions of trees in New Jersey did not fall and that storms are a natural way of culling weak or compromised trees.
The good news is that there are many trees that grow under 20 feet high. They fulfill the requirements of taller trees, for shade and respiration but don’t interfere with electric overhead wires and are safer than massive trees.
Tree experts in Rahway are well qualified to discuss these details and help you decide which street tree variety is best for your property. Your only responsibility is to water it, especially during the first year which is crucial for the healthy root growth of all plants.
If you would like to request a street tree you can find the application on Rahway’s website, (www.cityofrahway.org) under Rahway Public Works.
You can find the application under ‘forms and information’ Tree planting request form, or call Public Works for more information.
Trees are an integral living part of our environment in the northeastern United States. Trees provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife, shade from the summer heat, produce oxygen and add four seasons of beauty to our area. From early flowering trees until the burst of autumn color and snow-covered branches, it is impossible to imagine life without them.
*It is against the Rahway Tree Ordinance to ‘Fasten any rope, wire, signs or cause harm to city trees.
Keep Rahway Green & Beautiful!
Happy Spring,
James
