The mission and goal of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) is to enhance the environmental health and enrich the appearance of Highland Park by advising the Borough on shade trees along its streets and planting in public open spaces.

STAC is proud that Highland Park is recognized annually as a Tree City USA, a distinction given to towns that have displayed a concerted effort to maintain and add trees through an active program.

Interested in knowing the details about trees in your neighborhood? Check out Highland Park's Interactive Tree Inventory, created by resident David Tulloch with the assistance of STAC volunteers.

Contact

Rosie Baruh, Co-Chair
Melanie McDermott, Co-Chair
highlandparktrees123@gmail.com

Shade Tree Requests

To request a street tree be planted in the Borough right-of-way in front of your home or business, please complete download a Shade Tree Request Form and mail it in, or complete the Request Form online. Trees are planted at no cost to you, as funds become available. Street trees can only be planted on Borough property. After receiving your request, a member of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee will evaluate your location for suitability for planting. While we aim to plant primarily native trees, we welcome input from homeowners on the choice of species. The final selection will depend on availability as well as the necessity of sizing the tree to the location (considering constraints such as overhead wires and narrow planting strips).  The property owner must be willing to water the new trees; instructions will be provided. Thank you for beautifying our town and caring for our environment! 

Resources

• Managing Emerald Ash Borer
• Notice to Residents - Threat to Borough trees
• Community Forestry Management Plan
• Shade Tree Request Form
• Tree Recommendations 

Why Plant a Tree?

Highland Park street trees are valuable assets for the community!

• They help to conserve energy by blocking winter winds and shading the summer sun.
• They reduce noise pollution by absorbing sounds.
• Trees filter and cleanse our water.
• On average, trees add from 5 to 6 percent to the value of a house.
• A large shade tree can produce enough oxygen for ten people each year.
• Trees make the Borough cooler by reducing the “urban heat island” effect.
• They control soil erosion.
• They enhance the appearance of our streets.
• They clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants.

When we lose a tree due to age, illness, or the effects of weather, it is important that we plant a new one in its place. It is the policy of the Borough to obtain the permission of the home owner before planting a tree in the margin between the sidewalk and the street, even though that space is mostly Borough property. We are asking you to participate in our efforts to replace trees lost to recent storm damage.

Save money on mulch!

Most of us are using too much mulch! Save money and save trees by following two simples rules:

1. Never let the mulch touch the tree (at least 3 inches away its best).
2. Use less mulch be no more than 3 inches deep.

To much mulch piled up against the tree will kill it.  Too much mulch smothers the roots, rots the bark and kills the tree.

Piles of mulch against a tree are called mulch volcanoes--don't do it.
Do much in a donut shape - a ring around the tree, 3 inches away, no more than 3 inches deep.

Tell your gardener and tree service! Save our trees--and save money!

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