Caroline Crane Almond - Merchantville, NJ - Dedicated Trees on Waymarking.com

This tree sits at the corner of the intersection and the corner of the grass line, just to the right of wooden steps which lead to a wooden platform where I am sure public proclamations are made and small bands play. To the rear of the tree is the street sign and in front is the 19th century stone mile marker. The tree is all frown up and probably has been there for at least a decade. Metered parking is available streetside

After walking the streets of downtown Merchantville for a few hours I discovered this is a “Shade Tree” kind of community with trees lining every street, business and each park and playground. The shopping area on Centre St, & West & Park Avenues are all very quaint. I spied lots restaurants, grocery stores, specialty shops, and all sorts of other eclectic shops. These dedicated trees enhance the natural beauty of this town.

As far as dedicated trees are concerned the town takes this very serious and has a commission with board members who have been taking care of this for 68 years! In 1942, Borough Council formed a Shade Tree Commission according to State provisions. This group was assigned the task of planting, caring and removing all trees that stand between the street and the side walk and all public property. The rest of the trees in Merchantville to be in the care of the property owner.

The Shade Tree Commission may be contacted through Borough Hall at 856-662-2474 ext.173. Today, the Commission maintains jurisdiction over all trees in the borough which are on community property including trees are growing between the sidewalk and curb, trees in Wellwood or Morrissey Park and trees on Municipal property. Memorial trees and plaques are available through the Commission.

The inscribed/etched white, polished stone marker at the foot of the tree is flush with the ground and set inside a bigger, rectangular piece of concrete. It reads: