Welcome New Community Member,
Welcome to Mountain Lakes, a community that was honored in 2005 with inclusion on the National and State Registries of Historic places as a planned residential park. Mountain Lakes is characterized by a chain of nine man-made lakes, natural streams and springs, acres of woods and wetlands, dedicated parkland and undeveloped borough-owned lots, native vegetation, and fieldstone walls. The original houses, strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States, display a close relationship between land contour and building structure, with natural material in construction and a simplicity of design that emphasizes functionality over ornamentation. This harmonious blending of residences and landscape, with its overall forested look, is our town’s legacy to enjoy and embrace.
The ambiance of old and new homes nestled among an established tree canopy may have been what first attracted you to this town. These trees bring comfort, beauty and peace to our homes, sheltering them from winter winds as well as summer sun, thus reducing energy costs year round. Shade trees reduce noise pollution while providing food and shelter for wildlife. This treasured environment can be protected by thoughtful enhancements to your property.
We encourage you to look at your new home in relation to the community that you have just joined. While landscaping changes may be in your plans, it is imperative to take a conservative view when considering your trees, with health, age and beauty in mind. Please try to retain older trees to mix with newer ones. It takes many decades to grow a tree to maturity and mature trees increase property values. You can help maintain this resource by protecting trees during construction and by planting shade trees that will grow large and leafy on your property. This will preserve the forested canopy for future generations to enjoy.
The Borough Council has enacted an ordinance (No. 10-05) that protects trees on personal property with restrictions on and permits required for their removal within the setback area. A copy of this ordinance may be viewed on the Borough Website, (Sections 102-33 through 102-37). Before cutting down any trees on your property, please contact the Borough Manager.
The Shade Tree Commission is dedicated to sustaining the character of our community through the protection of existing trees and the planting of new ones. Feel free to contact us, by calling Borough Hall or through our Web page for recommendations and insights when it comes to your trees. We encourage you to visit our page on the Borough Website where you will find educational articles and links to other informative Websites. The Shade Tree Commission will continue to inspect, maintain and plant trees in the town right-of-way, but that is simply not enough to preserve and enhance the tree canopy for years to come. Please work with us to keep our community the lovely, forested setting in which you chose to reside.
Thank you and enjoy your new home.
The Shade Tree Commission