Requests for tree service or complaints about trees are forwarded to the Director of the Department of Public Works. The director then assigns a foreman to investigate the complaint. If work is required, it is done in-house unless it is beyond the capabilities of the DPW, in which case it is contracted to a professional tree service. This plan is in accordance with the current Shade Tree Ordinance.

Due to controversial tree removals the Environmental Commission may look to solve such problems through a proposed revised chain of command or new ordinance. The commission has regular communication with the Borough Administrator who brokers the work or directions of the Environmental Commission. We have been interacting with the mayor and council, presenting to the planning board, and seek to meet with the business district groups and look to strengthen relationships and build understanding of trees as a necessity and resource in town. We have a representative from the planning board and a council member liaison on the environmental commission. This is effective in adding new trees in town when new development occurs and/or a payment to the tree account.

Training overview: Training needs for volunteers center on their advisory role (plus a practical but nonprofessional role in minor tree pruning and maintenance of natural areas). Employees of the Department of Public Works (DPW) do some minor pruning and removals. Work beyond the skills and equipment of the DPW will be contracted out.

Core training and continuing education units (CEU's): One current Environmental Commissioner and one Borough employee have completed core training. CEU requirements have been met by attendance at the NJ Shade Tree Federation annual meeting. For the past 2 years we have contracted a certified tree expert to come to Somerville and walk areas with Commission members. In this way more members have annually have obtained required CEU’s. Technical training needs include: planting, pruning, urban soils, hazard tree identification, tree care disaster planning, sidewalk/tree conflicts, tree selection, soil amendments, and root barriers.

Public employees responsible for tree maintenance: The personnel responsible for planting trees have been trained in proper planting techniques by a Certified Tree Expert or certification courses as part of the tree planting grants received from the Division of Parks and Forestry. The Borough Administrator has attended ANJEC courses that have included “Complying with Stormwater Regulations” and “Fundamentals for Effective Environmental Commissions”. Both the DPW Director and the Administrator have a CPWM license in which they attend such courses as part of Continuing Education credits.

As part of the training efforts, the Borough's DPW staff was provided the Fact Sheets on Emerald