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Shade Tree Commission

SHADE TREE COMMISSION – CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-32.2

The Shade Tree Commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor for a term of five (5) years, except that those first appointed shall be on a staggered basis. All appointments except those to fill vacancies, shall be effective January 1 next succeeding the appointment. Any vacancy occurring by reason of the death, resignation or removal of any Commissioner shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Mayor (1971 Code 2-19.2)

Second Thursday of Each Month at 5:30 pm @ MMCC

The Commission Annually Elects Chairman and Appoints Secretary

Matthew Schoffel – Chairman
Mary McMurray – Secretary
Larry Magee – Tree Conservation Officer

Council Chair (1 Year Term):

Brian Livesey 12/31/25

Members - 5 Year Terms
Larry Magee 12/31/27
Sue Patla 12/31/28
Matthew Schoffel 12/31/28
Sally Stillwell 12/31/28
Ray Stuetz 12/31/25

The shellbark hickory , is a common hickory in the Eastern United States and southeast Canada. It is a large, deciduous tree, growing well over 100 ft (30 m) tall, and can live more than 350 years. The tallest measured shellbark , located in Savage Gulf, Tennessee, is over 150 ft (46 m) tall. Its trunk grows from 2 to 3 feet wide, shedding its gray bark in long strips as it ages. Shellbark hickories reach maturity and start producing seeds at around 40 years old. The average lifespan is 200 years, but some longer-lived shellbarks can continue to produce seeds until age 300. Great for future generations to admire!

American persimmon trees can grow up to 60 feet tall with a 25 to 30 foot spread. Often used in landscapes as an ornamental tree, they do produce edible fruit. The American persimmon , also known as the common persimmon , is native from Florida to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas. Persimmon trees can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The American persimmon can tolerate temperatures down to -25 F. Spacing for persimmons depends upon the desired use in the landscape. Trees should be a minimum of 10 foot apart for small growers and for larger growers, space out at 20 feet. In the south, fruit drop for persimmons is common

The redbud tree , also called the Judas tree, is relatively small when mature. It usually stays about 20 to 30 feet tall, although some specimens might become a bit taller. ... This tree is moderately fast growing, becoming about 7 to 10 feet tall and 15 to 35 feet wide by age 5 or 6 . Leaves are heart-shaped with a long stem. Redbuds are not large trees and will reach between 20 and 30 feet in height and 15 to 35 feet in width. The trunk is generally divided close to the ground. Growing redbud trees in naturalized or woodland areas is popular as is using them for a shrub border or specimen.

Eastern Redbud cercis canadensis 20 or 200 seeds image 0

2025 Meeting Schedule

Each Meeting will start at 5:30 pm in the Environmental/Shade Tree Property Room

January 9, 2025
February 13, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 8, 2025
June 12, 2025
July 10, 2025
August 14, 2025
September 18, 2025
October 9, 2025
November 13, 2025
NO MEETING IN DECEMBER

The Shade Tree Commission is made up of 5 volunteers appointed by the Borough Council. These dedicated and experienced individuals meed monthly and utilize the services of the Public Works Department.

The basic functions of the Shade Tree Commission are as follows:

To maintain the overall health of Borough owned trees
Review all development applications to ensure compliance with tree ordinances
Inspect new commercial and residential developments to ensure the trees are planted in compliance with Borough ordinance
Apply for Tree City USA status and growth awards
Inspect damaged and/or sick trees and make recommendations
Maintain a listing of all trees which are recommended for planting in Matawan
Offer advice to residents with tree problems

If you are planning on removing trees in your yard, please contact the office to obtain a tree removal permit prior to completing the removals.
The rules and regulations concerning trees in Matawan can be found in the Code Book at "2-32"