Arbor Fest tree planting revels

Shade Tree Advisory Committee, DPW partner on events April 25–29

April 23, 2023 Staff

WESTWOOD—Westwood residents, thanks in advance for being a part of 2023 Westwood Arbor Fest tree planting celebrations.

In 2022, the Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee in conjunction with Westwood’s Department of Public Works planted 37 trees in front of resident houses, three trees in Gritman Park, and three trees in Veterans Park.

One of the trees in Gritman Park is a seedling from the historic 500-year-old Salem Oak, which the Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee picked up from the New Jersey Forest Service in Jackson Township.

The invitation reads, “We’re excited to have you help us plant red maple trees in honor of Arbor Day!”

The planting schedule:

  • Tuesday, April 25 at 5 p.m. in Brookside Park;
  • Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. in Nugent Park;
  • Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. in Overbrook Park;
  • Friday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Jake Voorhis Park; and
  • Concluding celebrations Saturday, April 29 at 9:15 a.m. in Hegeman Park.
  • Come ready to plant rain or shine. Can’t make the celebrations? You can request a free tree for your curb line. Visit the Shade Tree Committee page on the Borough of Westwood website, westwoodnj.gov, for the tree request link.

The committee tells Pascack Press, “A healthy shade tree canopy is vital for suburban communities as trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen back into the air. In just one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb the amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles. This same acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.”

Other benefits of having a tree canopy:

  • Trees cool community streets by providing shade and releasing water vapor in the air through their leaves.
  • Trees conserve energy by reducing air conditioning needs by up to 50%.
  • Trees create a habitat for wildlife.
  • Trees reduce water pollution by preventing stormwater runoff.
  • The leaf canopy muffles the noise from roadways.
  • Trees shield children and adults from ultraviolet rays.
  • Trees increase property values.
  • Trees provide aesthetic beauty while cleaning the air.

Operations plan passes

Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Borough Council approved and adopted the Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee 2023–2024 Operations Plan this March. The Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee (WSTC) was created to provide guidance on the planting, maintenance, education, and preservation of all Borough trees.

Its mission is to plant as many new trees as possible within the borough, while maintaining and expanding the borough’s tree canopy, and to educate the community on the value and importance of trees. Follow the Westwood Shade Tree Committee on Facebook.