Shade Tree Policy Growing Slowly

The village council continues to mull a new shade tree policy that's sure to generate controversy.

On Wednesday night, Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said the prevailing opinion is it's a poor idea to continue to plant trees in the right of way. Tree roots often struggle to find energy and can rip up sidewalks and streets. (The village will still maintain the existing trees in the right-of-ways.)

Newly planted trees would be planted on the inside of the sidewalk, on private property. "It would in most cases be up to the discretion of the homeowner," Walsh said. Only deciduous trees are expected to be approved, and they cannot be planted near wires or infrastructure.

Some have strong feelings about planting in the right of way, but forcing property owners to replant trees if they remove any for the purposes of development will likely engender strong opinions. Otherwise, fees will be tacked on to go toward other plantings.

Residents not developing their properties can remove trees at their will, though the village will "strongly discourage" it, Walsh said. A previous proposal would force all homeowners to replant or pay into the "tree trust."

Ridgewood has lost 500 trees in recent storm events.

"We want Ridgewood to stay a tree city," Walsh said. "We want to encourage the replanting of trees."

The council will continue to review the plan for further deliberation.