Description

Our beloved friend and longtime volunteer, Joseph Ulrich, passed away on October 31, 2025 in a tragic accident while doing what he loved: taking care of trees.

Joe founded Palisades Tree Service in 1990 and cared for trees in our community for 35 years as the business’ owner and operator. Joe was a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert and an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.

Joe brought his extensive knowledge and passion for trees to support the Dumont Shade Tree Commission from day one as a member of the founding committee in 2006. Joe was instrumental in founding the arboretum, picking and planting the first 15 trees. He also helped found the tree nursery with his longtime friends Ray Slayman and Tom Fischella. He volunteered at plantings and spoke at numerous seminars during his 19 years of involvement with the Dumont Shade Tree Commission and the Friends of the Shade Tree.

The Friends of the Shade Tree is accepting donations for Joe’s memorial at the Dumont Arboretum to honor his years of dedication and uphold the beauty and shade he helped create.