Dear Editor,I appreciate the concern shared in the letter regarding Jersey City’s new tree ordinance, but I believe the argument against it is misinformed and overlooks its benefits for both homeowners and the community. Rather than unfairly burdening family homeowners, this ordinance aims to balance the rights of property owners with the crucial need to protect and restore Jersey City’s dwindling tree canopy.Here’s what the ordinance will actually do for homeowners, the environment, and the city:1. Homeowner Benefits and Flexibility: The ordinance doesn’t prevent homeowners from managing their properties; it ensures that the removal of trees—especially healthy, mature ones—occurs responsibly. For hazardous or invasive trees, the removal process is expedited, and there are exemptions or reduced fees in place to address safety concerns. The city forester, who oversees this process, helps homeowners by ensuring that any removal is necessary, and alternatives like trimming or maintaining the health of trees are considered first. These steps are vital for preserving mature trees, which are far more valuable in their environmental contributions than newly planted ones.2. Promoting Environmental Stewardship: Trees play an essential role in improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, providing shade, and cooling our urban heat islands—benefits that help all residents of Jersey City. This ordinance will prevent the unchecked removal of trees, which would otherwise exacerbate the loss of these benefits. By implementing a tree removal process, homeowners are encouraged to think twice about cutting down trees that provide long-term environmental and economic advantages, like reducing energy costs and improving property values.3. Restoring Jersey City’s Tree Canopy: Jersey City’s tree canopy has significantly declined due to rapid development and neglect. The ordinance is a proactive measure to reverse this trend, ensuring a greener, healthier future for our city. Developers are held accountable, with specific tree planting and protection measures built into their projects. This ordinance ensures homeowners are also part of the solution in preserving green spaces, particularly mature trees that take decades to replace. Homeowners will also have access to city-led tree planting programs, allowing them to actively participate in restoring the local canopy.4. Misconceptions About Cost and Burden: The estimated costs outlined in the original letter are exaggerated and misrepresent the flexibility within the ordinance. While there may be expenses, they are not as extreme as suggested, especially given the value of trees to both individual properties and the broader community. The ordinance is designed to protect everyone’s interest—not to create a financial burden. The fees are reasonable compared to the long-term environmental costs of losing mature trees, and the city will offer resources and guidance to minimize administrative burdens on homeowners. Forestry has a table that sets a tree’s value by species, size & other criteria – contrary to the claim that the Forester can charge whatever he wants Lastly, the idea that developers get a pass is inaccurate. Developers face stringent requirements and are often required to replace or pay into a fund for trees they remove. The ordinance aims to level the playing field, holding both homeowners and developers accountable for maintaining and restoring green spaces that benefit everyone.Rather than viewing this ordinance as a “money grab,” it should be seen as a necessary and thoughtful approach to preserving Jersey City’s green spaces in a way that works for both individual homeowners and the community at large. Investing in our environment now will pay off in the long term, for us, our children, and the future of Jersey City.The post Letter: The New Tree Ordinance Benefits Homeowners and the Community appeared first on Jersey City Times.