Howell NJ Tree Removal Permit: The 1-Acre Rule (2026)

For most Howell homeowners: no. Howell’s tree ordinance has a clean cutoff — residential lots of 1 acre or less are exempt from tree removal permits. Over an acre, you need a permit from the township Land Use Office, and it’s one of the cheapest in Monmouth County: $15.

That 1-acre line matters more in Howell than it would in most towns. A lot of properties here — especially in the older sections and out on former farmland — run right around an acre or well past it. Before you take down a big pine or oak, it’s worth two minutes to check your survey or tax record and see which side of the line you’re on.

Here’s how the “Howell Township Tree Removal and Replacement Ordinance” (Code Chapter 188, Article XXII) actually works.

Lots of 1 Acre or Less: No Permit — With Two Caveats

You can remove trees on your own lot freely, unless:

The tree sits in a conservation easement, buffer, or wetland area on your lot — those restrictions apply regardless of lot size. If your subdivision backs onto woods or a stream, check your survey before cutting.
The tree is in the street right-of-way — that’s township jurisdiction no matter what (see below).

The township’s own FAQ recommends verifying both before any removal. When in doubt, one call settles it: Land Use Office, 732-938-4500.

Lots Over 1 Acre: The $15 Permit

Fee: $15 residential (commercial: $150) at last check — fees change, so confirm with the Land Use Office at 732-938-4500 when you file.
Submit the application in duplicate to the Land Use Office (Municipal Building, 4567 Route 9 North, 2nd floor) with a survey showing which trees come out — the form asks you to list trees over 4 inches in diameter.
Decision within 10 calendar days of a complete application. Permits are valid 1 year.
Building a pool or deck? The tree removal permit must be issued before the building permit — and there’s no extra tree fee when the removal is part of another land use permit.
Clearing for a homestead: on 1–3 acre lots you can clear the home-site area without replacement obligations (the township recommends keeping at least 25% of your trees). Over 3 acres, you file a plan showing what’s being cleared.

Dead, Storm-Damaged, and Hazard Trees: Exempt

Howell’s ordinance is homeowner-friendly here: removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees, storm-damaged trees, or trees leaning at an angle that threatens structures or people is exempt from the permit requirement on any lot. Photograph the tree before removal — that’s your proof it qualified. Every hazard job we do is documented this way.

This exemption does a lot of work in Howell. Our sandy, fast-draining soil means pines and oaks root shallow, and saturated summer thunderstorms and August–October hurricane remnants tip them regularly. If a storm leaves a tree leaning over your house, you don’t need to wait on paperwork — take photos, then request your free estimate and mark it urgent so emergency work moves to the front of the line.

What Happens If You Skip a Required Permit

Up to $1,000 per tree and/or up to 90 days in jail — and each tree is a separate violation. The township can also order replacement of illegally removed trees or payment into the Tree Fund ($400/tree). On larger removals, replacement scales hard: a tree over 16” in diameter can require 4 to 11 replacement trees.

In other words, on a lot over an acre, the $15 permit is the cheapest insurance in town. Skipping it to save fifteen dollars can cost thousands.

Street Trees and the Right-of-Way

Nobody may plant in the township, county, or state right-of-way — full stop.
Removing or trimming any existing tree over 4” in the ROW or on township open space requires written permission from the Director of Public Works — residents should contact DPW and request the work rather than doing it themselves.
Trees tangled in utility lines are handled by the utilities’ own certified crews — never a DIY job.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Howell? Not if your residential lot is 1 acre or less (and the tree isn’t in an easement, buffer, or the right-of-way). Larger lots need a $15 permit from the Land Use Office.

How do I find out if my lot is over an acre? Check your property survey or your tax bill — lot size is listed in acres. An acre is 43,560 square feet. If you’re close to the line, the Land Use Office (732-938-4500) can confirm.

How long does a Howell tree permit take? The township must decide within 10 calendar days of a complete application.

Can I remove a storm-damaged tree without a permit? Yes — dead, dying, diseased, storm-damaged, and hazardously leaning trees are exempt on any lot. Keep photos.

Who do I call about a township tree hanging over the road? Public Works — the township (with its Certified Tree Expert) handles dangerous trees affecting roads and can order removals affecting public rights-of-way.

What about Freehold, Farmingdale, or Colts Neck? Different towns, different ordinances — several Monmouth County towns adopted much stricter rules in 2024. Request a free estimate and we’ll check the rules for your address.

Official Howell Township Resources

This guide summarizes Howell Township Code Chapter 188, Article XXII and official township guidance as of July 2026. It is not legal advice — confirm details with the Land Use Office at 732-938-4500 before removing trees on a lot over an acre.