In Southern New Jersey, there are several tree species that thrive in the region’s climate and soil conditions. Planting native species is so important and provides a number of benefits. Native trees are perfectly adapted to the soil and environment. This not only makes for stronger trees, but healthier trees too. Healthy trees are better able to ward off pest infestations and diseases. Lastly, native tree species better support local wildlife by providing safe habitats and nutritious food. As a company that provides tree services in Smithville NJ and the surrounding areas, here’s some of our favorite native trees.
The Red Maple Provides Color and Shade
Red Maple, Acer rubrum, is a NJ native tree that grows well the climate of Southern New Jersey. These trees reach an average height of 50-feet. Their height makes them ideal trees to add shade to your yard. It offers beautiful red foliage in the fall and grows relatively fast. As a native species, it adapts well to the variety of soil types NJ has and is tolerant of wet conditions. Tree services of the Red Maple include occasional pruning as long as it has enough room to grow naturally. If planted too close to a structure, a tree the size of a mature Red Maple can cause serious damage and will eventually need to be removed. If you have the option, be sure to check with one of our tree experts on the best planting location for any tree to avoid dangers later.
An American Sweetgum is Perfect for Shade Also
Liquidambar styraciflua, or the American Sweetgum, is another great shade tree for Southern New Jersey. With a maximum height of 60 to 80 feet and a total width of 40 to 60 feet, the Sweetgum tree provides great shade. American Sweetgum is often used as a street tree. It has attractive star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but can also grow well in average soil with a high clay content. One thing the American Sweetgum demands is full sun as it is intolerant of shade. It is always important to think of a plants full size at maturity and the speed of growth before planting. Improper planting locations are a top reason that trees become weak and sickly. Strong, healthy trees require less tree services in Smithville NJ than trees that are struggling to survive.
If You Love Dogwoods, Try an Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a small, ornamental tree that produce stunning pink or purple flowers in early spring, even before its leaves emerge. It grows well in a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade. The one thing a Redbud doesn’t like is standing water so be sure there is adequate drainage wherever you are planting it. In fact, Eastern Redbuds are fairly drought tolerant once established. As an ornamental tree, the mature height of a Redbud is only 20-30 feet. Where the tree is planted dictates how much pruning and trimming an Eastern Redbud needs. With professional help, you can train this tree to limit itself to one trunk and grow like a much smaller tree.
Contact Us for Everything Related to Tree Services in Smithville NJ
When selecting trees for your specific location, consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and available space. Also think about any specific long-term landscaping requirements you may have. Of course, mature size is a big determining factor when it comes to picking the right location for a new tree. It is always a good idea to consult with local arborists like Ben Bivins Tree Experts who have knowledge of the specific conditions in Southern New Jersey to get the best advice on tree services in Smithville NJ. Contact us today!
It can be hard to know as a homeowner if a tree needs to be trimmed or if the entire tree should be removed. Anytime you have any type of problem with your trees, you can always reach out to us to evaluate the health of your trees and determine the best course of action. Not all trees need to be removed. Occasionally, trimming is best. Last time, we spoke about how the location of a tree can be very influential in the decision to trim or remove a tree. There are many other factors that affect that decision. Any time you have a question about what tree service your tree needs, contact the number one tree company in Ocean County.
The Health of the Tree is Priority Number One

Aside from a tree being planted in a bad location, the health of a tree is the number one aspect that as a tree company in Ocean County, we look at to decide whether or not to remove a tree. Sometimes, sicknesses can be helped. Other times, a tree is too far gone. Unhealthy trees can not only become a safety issue, but can also spread diseases to other trees. If other trees are at risk, tree removal is the best option.
One clear indication of a tree that needs to be removed is if the tree is hollow. If you can’t tell on your own if the only healthy part of the tree remaining is the bark, give us a call. One of our tree professionals can evaluate the tree’s status.
A clearer sign that a tree should be taken down is if more than 50% of the tree is damaged or ill. Some wounds and diseases can be treated and healed if found early enough. However, if not found in time, sicknesses and diseases can quickly take over a tree. For example, a tree with oak gall might be able to be saved. But, if not taken care of soon enough, the tree will eventually need to be removed.
If you look at your tree and it looks like it wants to lay down and take a nap, it’s time to go. A tree that is unable to keep itself upright is a sign of weak or impaired roots. The roots are the foundation of a tree. A home with a faulty foundation will crumble. A tree with a weakened roots will not survive. It’s best to let these trees go and protect yourself and your property.
Other Clues You Should Call a Tree Company in Ocean County
There are many other red flags that a tree shows when it needs to be removed.
In addition to diseases, a tree that is covered in fungi or mushrooms. Although mushrooms growing near the base of a tree doesn’t always equal root problems, when fungus takes over the trunk of a tree, contact a professional to make the call.
A leaning is tree is bad. A tree covered in cracks and crevices in the trunk is just as bad. The bark of a tree is it’s first-line of defense and when that armor gets reduced, the tree will likely succumb to pests and sicknesses.
Even if you don’t catch the cracks in the trunk, you’ll start to notice when the tree starts dropping branches. Especially when you notice that all the branches on one side of a tree are gone. When this happens, it can cause a tree to fall due to uneven weight distribution. In addition, it is likely a sign that something is wrong with the tree.
If you see any of these warning signs, give us a call. You can also contact us whenever you are worried about your tree for another reason. Our tree experts can help gauge the health of your tree. Sometimes it’s the trees you aren’t worried about that have to be removed so a professional opinion is always best.