Mystery in Ridgewood: Why Are Downtown’s Newly Planted Trees Suddenly Dying?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, An alarming trend is unfolding on the sidewalks of Bergen County. Members of our staff have observed an inordinate number of recently planted young trees rapidly dying throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD).
The sudden loss of these trees has sparked serious concern among local environmentalists and residents alike, raising questions about what—or who—is responsible for damaging the Village’s green canopy.
Is Poison the Culprit? The Weed Killer Speculation
While young trees face plenty of urban stressors, the sheer volume of failing trees has pointed toward a more malicious or negligent cause. Current local speculation is that liquid weed killer may be the primary culprit behind the sudden die-off.
Chemical herbicides sprayed improperly near the base of sidewalks can easily leach into tree wells, poisoning the root systems of young, vulnerable saplings.
A Call to Action for Ridgewood Residents
Local advocates are trying to piece together exactly what is happening. Has anyone witnessed liquid weed killer being sprayed around downtown sidewalks or tree wells by property owners, commercial tenants, or landscaping crews?
If you have any information, photos, or have seen active chemical spraying in the commercial district, the community is urging you to speak up to help protect the remaining streetscape.
Flipping the Script: Save the Trees at ‘Mulch Monday’
While local groups investigate the cause of the dying trees, residents have an immediate opportunity to fight back, heal the downtown canopy, and improve the neighborhood’s aesthetic.
The annual Mulch Monday event is officially scheduled for Monday, June 29, at 8:00 AM in the Central Business District.
Why Volunteering Matters
Participants will spend the morning mulching tree wells throughout the downtown area. Properly applied mulch acts as a natural shield for urban trees by:
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Insulating roots from extreme summer sidewalk heat.
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Retaining vital moisture so young trees can survive dry spells.
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Creating a physical barrier that discourages improper chemical spraying right at the root line.
How to Volunteer and Help
If you want to lend a hand, earn community service hours, or help preserve the beauty of your hometown, volunteering is easy.
To sign up for Mulch Monday or report information regarding the dying trees, please email Councilmember Siobhan Winograd directly at swinograd@ridgewoonj.net.
Bring your work gloves, grab your neighbors, and let’s protect Ridgewood’s trees!
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Maybe there’s a lot of dogs peeing on the new tree or maybe you should have the soil tested,
Ohhhhh,