Loss Of Tree Canopy In Madison Highlighted At Council Meeting

MADISON, NJ — It goes without saying that Madison Borough is dedicated to preserving the beautiful canopy of mature street trees that line the community street, as well as the diversity of trees within the Drew Forest.

However, tree loss remained an issue in 2022, with a net loss of 236 trees recorded within the borough.

Council Member Rachel Ehrlich informed the public of the current state of the borough's tree canopy in a statement issued by the Shade Tree Management Board. According to the board, Madison's arborist has responded to over 225 resident requests for tree assessments by 2022.

Trees can be evaluated for a variety of reasons, including disease detection, invasive species removal, scenic enhancements, danger to adjacent properties, and transplanting or removal in a growing state to other locations.

According to the Shade Tree Management Board, 466 trees were removed from the Madison tree canopy in 2022. In response, only 230 trees were planted to compensate for the loss.

In early summer, 90 trees were planted throughout Madison as part of the borough's annual tree-planting initiative. The plantings are intended to "help us add to our tree canopy, which helps in reducing summer peak temperatures and air pollution," according to borough officials.

"The main reason for the loss of trees are invasive insects, which as we know especially affects our ash trees as well as diseases that affect our native oaks, which are a keystone species for New Jersey habitat," Ehrlich said.

As Madison continues to lose its tree canopy residents are being urged to plant native hardwood trees on their property, if able. A recommended tree list can be found on the Shade Tree Management Board's website.

"If you looked at an aerial view of Madison in years past, you'd quickly notice the great loss of major shade trees, especially along our roads. As the town has grown and traffic increased, pollution and development have accelerated the loss of shade trees," Chris Schorr, president of Friends of Madison Shade Trees said.

Trees are important in urban environments because they provide shade during the summer, improve air quality, and filter and retain stormwater. They can also aid in mitigating some of the negative effects and social consequences of urbanization.

According to Ehrlich, planning for the 2023 tree-planting initiative has already begun, and residents are being asked to look for and report any potential spaces for public trees within the borough.