Shade Tree Advisory Committee

The Shade Tree Advisory Committee is appointed by the Common Council and is charged with creating an inventory of the city's significant historic and landmark trees. 

The committee makes recommendations for preservation of landmark and historic trees and provides input on the city's tree management program.
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Future home of city tree

Every year, the city plants trees in the right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb or within 10 feet of the curb if there is no sidewalk. To learn more about this program email: trees@cityofsummit.org

How to care for your city tree

tree suckersVolunteers Needed

October 22, 2024

The City of Summit Shade Tree Advisory Committee is seeking volunteers to help with the removal of tree suckers (small branches that grow at the base and on the trunk of trees) from the city’s tree population. Volunteers will receive training and can work on their own schedule. No climbing on ladders or use of power tools necessary.

The city is divided into 11 areas for this project and volunteers are usually assigned to an area close to home. Please contact John Kilby, Summit Shade Tree Committee Chair, at JohnWKilby@gmail.com or 908-273-0440.

Summit Tree Species 2021

Click to download

Cover page of Summit Tree Species with pictures of trees and descriptions. Summit is planting trees

In 2021, the City of Summit planted 250 trees in public areas and along streets, working toward our goal of 1,000 new trees by 2023. Learn more about these beautiful additions to our community.

Regular Committee Meetings

Logo of a calendar with text "Monthly Meeting"
  • DATE: The first Thursday of each month 
  • TIME: 4:30PM
  • PLACE: City Hall - 512 Springfield Avenue
  • PHONE: (908) 273-6404

Committee Members

* Committee members are appointed by the Common Council.

Fill out an application online

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Name Title / Role
John Kilby Chair
John Linson City Forester
John Beirne Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Scott Jorek Member, Citizen-at-Large
Jaclyn Lasaracina Council Liaison
Sarah Meiring Member, Citizen-at-Large
Paul Stern Planning Board Liaison
Miriam Zahn Zoning Board Liaison
Vacant Builder/Developer
Vacant SEDAC Representative

Photos of Trees Around Summit

  1. 1 tiny forest
  2. 2 group of people posing for photo in forest area for arbor day celebration
  3. 3 trees in public park area
  4. 4 fall tree
  5. 5 public park area
  6. 6 public park area
  7. 7 tree along downtown street
  8. 8 tiny forest
  9. 9 yellow tree along downtown road with cars parked
  10. 10 autumn colored tree in public park area
  11. 11 cherry blossom tree in municipal parking lot
  12. 12 tiny forest
  13. 13 bright red and orange tree on residential street with houses in background
  14. 14 autumn colored tree in public park area
  15. 15 Newly planted tree with tag on it
  16. 16 tree in downtown lit up with green light
  17. 17 public park
  18. 18 Tree outside train station
  19. 19 Newly planted tree with tag on it
  20. 20 Kwanzan Cherry Tree with elementary school in background
  21. 21 red leafed tree
  22. 22 three people posing for photo with tree for arbor day celebration
  23. 23 two people planting a tree in public park area downtown
  24. 24 public park area with grass and trees
  25. 25 aerial photo of municipal golf course
  26. 26 tree lined street with houses in background
  27. 27 public park area
  28. 28 snow tree
  29. 29 landmark trees
  30. 30 summit deliverables 2
  31. 31 summit deliverables 6
  32. 32 Snow Muni 4
  33. 33 background photo