160+ Dead Ash Trees Removed From Mendham Township So Far, Mayor Says

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — More than 160 ash trees have been removed from Mendham Township in an ongoing effort to control the Emerald Ash Borer and Yellow Ash Disease, but officials said the work is far from over.

The township allocated $150,000 at the end of last year to go towards removing dangerous and infected trees on township trails and recreation areas, as well as on preserved open space. This was after officials contracted a forester who identified 298 trees on Township properties and in open spaces that needed to be removed.

As of last week, Mayor Sarah Neibart said that contract vendor Rich's Tree Service has removed 166 trees so far, at a cost of about $66,000. Trees have been taken down on Woodland, the Dismal Harmony Parking area, Patriots Path, Old Mill Road, and alongside the Brookside Beach fence.

The removal started with the most dangerous trees, Neibart said.

The ash trees killed by the emerald ash borer across the township may not only be a nuisance, but the trees that remain may be harmful, according to tree care professionals.

Infested ash trees can quickly deteriorate and become dangerous, with limbs falling on your personal property, your neighbor's personal property, sidewalks and roadways.

The Township Committee said trees will remain in the natural habitat so they can offer protection for wildlife, and to limit the disturbance of the wildlife habitat while keeping trails open.

The mayor also said Rich's Tree Service is also offering state contract pricing to residents who have ash trees on their property that need to be removed. Read the full announcement here.