Shade Tree Commission

About the Shade Tree Commission

The Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission is a 5-member commission appointed by the County Commissioners to serve 5-year terms.

The Commission works with the Hunterdon County Department of Public Works to help maintain and enhance the trees within County road rights-of way as well as provides advice to the Division of Parks and Recreation on trees within parklands. The Commission in conjunction with the County also hosts the County's Annual Arbor Day Event. Every year a tree is planted in one of the many county owned facilities or park locations.

The Commission also provides advice and expertise on landscaping on County building projects.

Meetings

  • 6 pm
  • The last Wednesday in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November
  • Hunterdon County Planning Board Conference Room
    Route 12 County Complex
    Building 1, 1st Floor
    Flemington, NJ 08822

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • William Wild, Chairman
  • Keith Decker, Vice-Chairman
  • Tom Mathews, Secretary
  • Hans Hanbicki, Member
  • Neil Hendrickson, Member
  • Dan Bush, Alternate 1
  • Vacant, Alternate 2

Arbor Day

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska with the planting of over a million trees. Presently Arbor Day is celebrated worldwide due to the benefits trees provide. Each year, the County celebrates with the ceremonial planting of a tree at one of the County parks or grounds and a school program that donates a shade tree to any of the county schools that would like one.

  1. 2023
  2. 2022
  3. Past Years Photos

2023 Arbor Day at Cedars Pavilion at Deer Path Park

The Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission and Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation held their Arbor Day Ceremony on Friday April 28, 2023 at Deer Path Park’s Cedars Pavilion. The ceremony attendees included members of the Shade Tree Commission, County Commissioner Shaun Van Doren, Hunterdon County Staff and the public.

The tree planted was the Swamp White Oak (Quercus Bicolor), which is a rounded shade or street tree. It has dark green deciduous leaves that are 3” – 7” long with a leathery texture. As fall sets in, the leaves turn shades of yellow, bronze and red-purple. This is a medium growing tree, that grows in height on average of 13” to 24” per year, reaching heights of 50-60’ and having a spread of 50-60’. It grows in acidic, moist, well-drained, and wet soils and tolerates compacted soil, drought, and areas with poor drainage. The Swamp White Oak yields 1” long acorns, that are oblong and grow in pairs. This oak species prefers, direct and unfiltered, full sun for at least 6 hours of the day. The tree is known to attract a variety of birds. These trees have the ability to live more than 300 years and will benefit generations to come. We hope you enjoy this beautiful addition to your landscape.

During the ceremony, Commissioner Van Doren read the proclamation presented to the Shade Tree Commission.

Tree with Gold Shovels

Emerald Ash Borer stages of life and tunnels in tree trunk

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The Emerald Ash Borer was discovered near Detroit in 2002, probably on solid wood packing material. It is spreading to everywhere that ash trees grow, including New Jersey.

Read more about the Emerald Ash Borer (PDF)

Spotted Lanternfly in different stages of life

Spotted Lanternfly

The newest concern in our area is the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect native to southeast Asia that was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, but is now spreading quickly. Although the name suggests it is a fly, it is really a planthopper. The adult Lanternfly can hope a long way, especially when jumping from a high tree.

Read more about the Spotted Lanternfly (PDF)