SerpApi.Org
When America celebrated its centennial in 1876, the mighty oak tree was just a sapling.
It steadily grew, stretching 80 feet into the sky in a space that evolved into a residential Bergen County backyard. But last August, the beloved landmark was suddenly razed by a contractor removing trees on neighboring school property.
Illegally, Lenora Pascuzzo might add.
Pascuzzo — the Hackensack homeowner whose backyard formerly held the massive, 150-year-old tree — is now suing the city, school board, county, state and other governmental agencies for allegedly cutting down the tree without notice or her permission.
“This case is about far more than the loss of a tree,” said her attorney, Christopher T. Karounos. “It is about respecting private property and holding public entities accountable when they fail to do so.”
The lawsuit alleges trespassing, destruction of real property interests, negligence, reckless disregard and other claims. Pascuzzo is seeking “all legally recoverable damages,” including diminution in property value, restoration damages, replacement-value damages, loss of shade, loss of privacy, loss of environmental benefits and aesthetic value.
The lawsuit, filed June 11, also names the South Plainfield-based Rich Tree Service, Inc. as a defendant.
“The law doesn’t give anyone — especially the government — the right to trespass first and ask questions later,” Karounos added. “Before destroying something that took a century and a half to grow, the least anyone should do is make sure it belongs to them.”
On Aug. 12, 2025, the defendants or their contractors crossed onto Pascuzzo’s private property without authorization, according to the lawsuit. They then cut down and removed the tree, which was located roughly 40 feet inside Pascuzzo’s property line, it said.
The tree provided shade, privacy, beauty and environmental benefits, Karounos said, and it was a “defining feature” of Pascuzzo’s home. He called its destruction “an entirely preventable loss” stemming from a failure to verify property ownership.
Hackensack Mayor Caseen Gaines denied wrongdoing on behalf of the city, telling NJ.com no municipal employees handled tree maintenance during or around the time and location alleged in the lawsuit.
Hackensack School Board President Jennifer Harris said the lawsuit is being handled by its insurance carrier.
It “will pursue all appropriate claims against the party responsible for the removal of the subject tree,” she said.
Rich Tree Service didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Spokespeople for Bergen County and the state agencies named in the lawsuit also didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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