Deciduous Shade Trees Available Through Grant
Home or property owners in Long Hill can apply to purchase up to two deciduous shade trees for $200 each through a challenge grant offered through the Shade Tree Commission.
Through the 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 Township, resulting in substantial savings for property owners.
Business owners are also encouraged to apply, particularly those businesses along the Valley Road corridor. All trees must be located so they can be seen from the street.
Tree species available for the grant are maples, redbuds, native pears, and a few evergreens. The challenge grant trees may be used to replace an ailing ash tree which may have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer.
“We have seen the hazards of planting too many trees of one species such as the ash tree.” said Shade Tree Commission Chair Susan Jeans. “This year therefore, we are expanding our species list to include some new and exciting choices.”
Those interested in participating must complete an application available on the township website at https://www.longhillnj.gov/notices/2020/Shade-Tree-Challenge-Grant-Application.pdf. This application should be accompanied by a check for $200 per tree with a two tree limit and mailed to Township of Long Hill 915 Valley Road Gillette, NJ 07933.
Applications are due by September 14, 2020. Only 20 applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Trees will be planted by mid-October. A Shade Tree Commission representative will contact the property owner to approve the location of tree(s) on the property and to select the variety of tree that would be the best fit for the location.
The commission 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.
