The Fair Lawn Borough Council meeting held on September 30, 2025, featured a significant focus on community environmental initiatives, particularly the borough's tree planting efforts. The meeting began with a recap of the recent fifth annual community tree planting event, where local officials, including the Green Team and the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, collaborated with residents to plant three new trees in Cresthill Park.

During the discussion, it was highlighted that the borough has introduced a new program allowing residents to plant trees in their own front yards. This initiative aims to enhance community involvement in maintaining and expanding Fair Lawn's tree canopy. The borough manager emphasized the importance of this program, noting that the regular residential tree program, which involves planting trees in the borough's right of way, is already in place but seeks to engage residents further.

The council members expressed their commitment to increasing the number of trees in the community, citing the emotional impact of losing trees, especially given Fair Lawn's rich history of having trees over a century old. One notable tree in the borough is over 300 years old, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to maintain a healthy tree canopy.

To support these initiatives, the borough has significantly increased its residential tree planting budget from $30,000 to $100,000 in recent years. This funding boost reflects the council's dedication to environmental sustainability and the benefits trees provide, such as reducing heat islands and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Fair Lawn's proactive approach to environmental stewardship through community engagement and increased funding for tree planting programs, with plans to continue these efforts in the future.