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From the April - May 2001 Edition
Protecting Our Trees and Planting New Ones New Trees: Thanks to the efforts of Fair Lawn's Environmental Commission and Chamber of Commerce, Fair Lawn has been awarded a grant of 150 new trees from the New Jersey Tree Foundation. Under the terms of the grant, the trees must be planted and maintained by volunteers. Call Elaine Winshell at 797-7465 or e-mail if you would like to volunteer. This past year, the Council also allocated $100,000 for the purchase and planting of trees on public land (that includes street trees that are planted in the right-of way on residents' lawns). New Ordinance to Protect Trees: Over the past decade, Fair Lawn lost approximately 400 Borough owned trees per year to age and disease. To reverse this trend, the Mayor and Council in 1998 passed a tree maintenance and replacement program to preserve all public and private trees. The tree ordinance adopted by the Council contains penalties for damaging or removing trees. Its intention is to educate the public as to the value of trees and to provide for replacement when removal is necessary. The benefits of protecting trees identified by the Council include: prevent flooding and soil erosion, improve real estate values, reduce noise and air pollution, provide oxygen and reduce environmental temperatures. Also prohibited by the ordinance are activities that lead to the destruction of trees. A frequently encountered problem in Fair Lawn is covering the base of trees which prevents air, water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Elaine Winshell, Chair of Fair Lawn's Environmental Commission, told Fair Lawn News that many property owners unknowingly smother their trees in an attempt to reduce property maintenance. Related Links: Fair Lawn's Environmental Commission
What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.
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