Shade Tree Board

Council Liaison: Julie Brodsky

Certified Tree Expert/Arborist: Liz Stewart

Chairman: Clayton Bosch

Members: Clayton Bosch, Marilyn Clark, Josephine Higgins, Kathleen Bagley, Bert Taylor, David Berger, Roberta Green, Lyle Garcia, Katie Murphy, Vaughn Flowers, Evan Wiener, Andy Lukac

Secretary: Diane O'Brien - 201-391-4977 Ext. 200

Inspector: Lyle Garcia - 201-391-4977 Ext. 214

The committee is a volunteer group currently composed of eleven members. Our council liaison is Councilwoman Julie Brodsky. The committee is an advisory group working with the Mayor and Council with the objective of preserving and enhancing the Borough tree canopy. As such, they work cooperatively with the various boards, the Borough engineer, Department of Public Works, the Construction Official, and Shade Tree Inspector Lyle Garcia.

As part of their advisory responsibility, the committee strives to assure that the Borough Tree Preservation Ordinance is complied with by our residents, contractors, and tree service companies. The Ordinance regulates the removal and planting of trees both in the right of way and on private property with the understanding that owners have the right of reasonable use and enjoyment of their property.

*A permit is required to remove any tree which measures over 6" caliper. If you wish to remove a tree your tree service company should complete an application available at the Borough Hall or on the Borough website. Tree removal may also require replacement with another tree.

*The Borough has a street tree program which allows residents to have shade trees planted by the Borough in the right of way in front of their property. Requests for planting may be obtained at the Borough Hall.

Occasionally, homeowners may experience conditions where dead or dying trees on a neighbor's property may pose a hazard. In situations such as this the condition should be discussed with the neighbor to resolve the problem. If a compromise cannot be reached a complaint may be filed.

We’re excited to share the results of Woodcliff Lake’s completed street tree inventory, a comprehensive effort that provides a clear picture of the health, diversity, and value of our community’s street trees. Conducted by certified arborists and finalized in December 2024, this inventory cataloged more than 5,400 public trees located along borough streets and in key public spaces. This data gives us a strong foundation for responsible tree care, long-term planning, and continued investment in Woodcliff Lake’s trees.

Key Findings:

• Tree Health: Woodcliff Lake’s trees are in excellent overall condition. Over 88% of inventoried trees are in good or fair health, showing strong structure and vitality. Only a small fraction of trees were identified as critical or dead. Trees recommended for removal are primarily those already in decline or affected by past pests or disease, representing a small percentage of the total population.
• Tree Diversity: Our tree population is exceptionally diverse—one of the strongest indicators of long-term resilience. The inventory identified 147 distinct tree species, with no single species making up more than 8% of the total population. This diversity helps protect the borough from widespread losses due to pests or disease and supports birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. While overall diversity is excellent, the inventory also highlights specific streets where future plantings can further improve balance.
• Tree Size and Age Range: Woodcliff Lake has a healthy tree community representing a wide range of ages and sizes. Hundreds of young and recently planted trees reflect continued reinvestment in the canopy. At the same time, the borough is home to 369 large trees over 30 inches in diameter, including mature and heritage specimens that provide significant environmental and aesthetic benefits. The largest recorded tree—a black oak—is estimated to be nearly 160 years old.
• Planning, Safety and Stewardship: Every street tree was mapped, photographed, and evaluated using professional tree-management software, allowing the borough to proactively manage maintenance and safety risks, plan and prioritize future plantings, respond more efficiently to storms and other emergency events, and share accurate information with residents and elected officials.
• Community Engagement: Throughout the inventory process, residents frequently stopped to ask questions, share feedback, and express appreciation for Woodcliff Lake’s trees. This strong community interest reinforces how much our tree canopy is valued and highlights the importance of transparent information and thoughtful planning.

Below are some graphs and additional data to give you a visual representation of the inventory itself. All data for trees without assessments will be updated by the end of the project, which we expect to complete in just a couple of weeks.

We encourage everyone to stay informed and involved in preserving and enhancing our beautiful tree-scape. Thank you for your continued support!

Woodcliff Lake Shade Tree Committee