7 Bergen Parks To See Cheery Cherry Trees

Find out where you can admire cherry blossoms in your neighborhood—and where you can pick up free tree seedlings this month!
Cheryl De Leon,
4 Parks Cherry Trees

If you can get past the sneezing and wheezing of spring allergies, trees this time of year are a source of seasonal joy. Their blooming buds and lush green leaves are a sign of new life and are, quite simply, very aesthetically pleasing.

Cherry blossoms, of course, are widely considered one of the prettiest trees thanks to their pink and white blossoms. Branch Brook Park in Essex County is celebrated as a cherry blossom heaven, but there are other trees that also make us go ga-ga. Plum blossoms, dogwoods and magnolias, among others, have similar blooms as cherry blossoms and are just as striking in spring.

Below are a few Bergen County parks where you can see the trees’ beautiful blooms:

  • Cherry Blossom Park. This pocket park in River Edge has a variety of plants, flowers and, of course, cherry blossoms (perhaps the name gave it away).
  • Davis Johnson Park & Gardens. This a serene rose garden in Tenafly has a sunken garden and plenty of flowering trees.
  • Overpeck County Park. The Leonia and Ridgefield Park sections of this park feature dozens of blossoms that are currently in bloom.
  • Pascack Brook County Park. Before you walk through the woods or grab a seat next to the pond in this Westwood oasis, take an easy stroll along the tree-lined path.
  • Saddle River County Park. Bike, jog or walk along the path from Ridgewood to Saddle Brook to see blooming cherry blossoms and other trees and flowers.
  • Van Saun County Park. One of Bergen’s most popular spots in Paramus is also a gathering place to see cherry blossoms and more.
  • Van Neste Square. This green space in Ridgewood’s downtown has walking paths that take visitors around the tree- and cherry blossom-lined park.

For Bergenites who can’t get enough of trees, the New Jersey Forest Service is once again holding its annual Tree Recovery Campaign. Through the state initiative, participating municipalities will be giving away five free bare root tree seedings (between 6 inches and 2 feet tall) to interested residents. In the past, Bergen towns have distributed red oak and persimmon trees, which are adapted to the environment.

Below is a list of giveaway dates. (More dates may be added, so follow the Forest Services’ Facebook page for updates.) The best part is you don’t have to be a resident of the town to receive seedlings!

  • Hillsdale, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon at Hillsdale train station
  • Washington Township, April 13, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bethany Community Center
  • Maywood, April 17, 7 p.m. at Memorial Park Pavilion
  • Paramus, April 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paramus Library
  • Mahwah, April 20, 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall
  • Washington Township, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at DPW yard
  • Glen Rock, April 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Theilke Arboretum
  • Demarest, April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Festival at Demarest railroad station
  • Ridgewood, April 21, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
  • Fair Lawn, April 21, 1 to 3 p.m. at Memorial Park
  • Oakland, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland Library
  • Saddle River, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Borough Hall

Share your spring tree and garden photos with us on Instagram—remember to tag us @bergenmagnj!

Categories: Bergen Health & Life