East Brunswick residents take issue with tree removal

By JEREMY GROSSMAN

Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK Several residents of the Laurence Brook Manor neighborhood voiced their concerns about what they claim is the townships aggressive removal and replacement of trees in the area.

At the March 9 Township Council meeting, resident Kris Jhamb of Banner Court said he and his neighbors have noticed what they feel is a pattern of overzealous tree removal by the Division of Parks.

In just the past few months, Ive personally observed several dubious tree removals and horrific pruning acts on my own and neighboring streets, Jhamb said. There are certainly justified situations that can pop up from time to time, but in these cases, Im seeing the systematic removal of branches basically anything below 15 feet.

Jhamb also criticized the township for a real failure over the longer term to replant trees that were removed.

Where replanting does occur, replenishment of the trees are, without exception, much smaller, cheaper varieties that really barely pass as shade trees, Jhamb said.

These actions are creating eyesores. Theres unsightly planting gaps and also very aesthetically unbalanced streets. We will be left with a neighborhood thats been systematically denuded with much less attractive space to live and walk around.

Faith Martenz of North Drive agreed with Jhambs comments.

I have had three trees removed on the property along the curb line since Ive lived in my house over the past nine years, Martenz said. Not one has been replaced no seedlings, no nothing.

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East Brunswick residents take issue with tree removal