Over the past three years Chester Borough, with help from Morris County, has removed many of the largest ash trees from the Borough right-of-way. Most recently the Shade Tree Commission competitively bid and took down 23 ash trees in the Borough right-of-way.
There are many ash trees on private property in the Borough. Ash trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) can decline quickly and become hazardous (hazardous tree – possibility of dropping limbs or falling on your personal property, your neighbor’s personal property, sidewalks, and roadways). Property owners should take appropriate action necessary to mitigate hazardous trees on their property.
Borough of Chester Ordinance 183-22 F(3)
Trees and shrubs. On-site dead and dying trees, limbs, and leaves, or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons on adjacent properties or the adjourning public rights-of-way shall be kept pruned, trimmed, or removed to prevent such conditions. The properties on which such natural growth is located shall be kept clean so as not to constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof.
If you aren’t sure about ash trees on your property you can contact the Shade Tree Commission at