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May 31, 2023
How Tree Services in Smithville NJ Takes Care of These Native Trees

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 ShadeClose-up of Red Maple leaves on a tree ready for tree services in Smithville NJ

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.

A branch of an American Sweetgum tree with three colored leaves showing the characteristic spiny balls.

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.

Example of an Eastern Redbud

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!

October 31, 2022
Monmouth County Tree Service Lets Us Enjoy the Colors of Fall

One of the best parts of fall are the gorgeous colors that deciduous trees show off. Colors that span a full range. Leaves go from green to yellow to orange to red until they turn brown and fall off. This month, we’re going to take a closer look at what makes leaves change color and what affects how vibrant or dull those colors are. If you need Monmouth County tree service any time of year, contact us! We serve all of Ocean County and Monmouth County.

How Do Trees Know It’s Fall?

Deciduous trees always know what time of year it is. When temperatures start to rise after winter, they know its spring and time to start growing leaves. Similarly, as days get shorter and temperatures drop, deciduous trees know it’s time to start storing nutrients for winter. Surprisingly, the most influential factor is not the temperature, but the sunlight. As there is less and less daylight, trees get the message that winter is coming. Part of the process of getting ready for their dormant season is to drop their leaves. This allows them to reduce their energy usage during a season when there are little nutrients to be absorbed.

What Causes Fall Colors?

The chemicals contained within the leaves is what gives them their color. During long spring and summer days, the chemical chlorophyll is what absorbs sunlight and gives leaves their green color. Once the tree knows that autumn is here, they begin to wall off their leaves to preserve energy. The breakdown of the chlorophyll is the first step of the color change. Other chemicals that are contained within leaves are carotenoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. These turn leaves all types of colors that are concealed by the presence of chlorophyll. Carotenoids give leaves yellow and orange color, anthocyanins turn leaves hues of reds and purples, and tannins are the last remaining chemical that turns leaves brown.

Influences on Fall Colors as Seen by Monmouth County Tree Service

The top three factors that affect the brightness or dullness of autumn trees are temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. For the most vivid colors, the ideal conditions are lots of rain during spring and summer followed by a dry and sunny autumn. Slowly decreasing daylight in combination with cooler nights is what brings about a vivid fall show. A lack of moisture as seen in drought conditions can trigger trees to begin the fall process too soon. This results in leaves that fall from the tree before they go through a full color change process. Similarly, if temperatures drop too low, too fast, it can shock the trees into the same reaction and cause early leaf drop off severely stunting the display of fall colors.

Monmouth County Tree Service Lets Us Enjoy All the Fall Colors

While a trip to the mountains will give you the best view of fall foliage, even the trees in Monmouth County put on a show. The color palette of any place with broadleaf deciduous trees will change every fall. If you are looking to add a deciduous tree to your yard and want a specific fall color, check out this tree color list:

  • Monmouth County tree service fall foliage in colors of red, yellow, gree, and orangeAspen: Golden
  • Beech: Golden brown
  • Birch: bright yellow
  • Quaking Aspen: yellow
  • Poplar: golden yellow
  • Sugar Maple: orange-red
  • Black Maple: glowing yellow
  • Sweetgum: yellow, red, and purple
  • Red Maple: bright scarlet
  • Silver Maple: muted green
  • Dogwood: purple-red
  • Oaks: brown or russet
  • Hickory: golden bronze

Find out more about our Monmouth County tree service and contact us when you’re ready to schedule your free estimate.

February 28, 2022
How Conifers Survive Winter Without Losing Leaves
Any tree company in Ocean County knows how hard it is for any tree to survive winter. Last month we discussed how deciduous trees do it. By dropping leaves, non-evergreen trees can go into a state similar to hibernation. Conifers, on the other hand, stay green all year long. Why do some trees need to lose their leaves in order to survive winter and others do not? Let’s take a closer look at conifers, their leaves, and their shape to… Read More
December 1, 2021
Tree Companies in Ocean County Love These Trees Too
Last month we covered a few species of trees and what purpose they can serve in your yard. This month we’re going to continue this thread with some more tree species that tree companies in Ocean County love to see in yards. Not all trees need to serve a specific purpose, but if they can add beauty and provide an additional benefit, all the better. We can’t pass up the opportunity to remind all homeowners that professional tree care is… Read More
October 31, 2021
Tree Company in Ocean County Talks Tree Uses
The number of varieties of trees is extensive. In New Jersey alone, you can find about 80 different species of trees. It can be difficult to know what trees are best for certain situations. Certain species of trees are better for providing shade while others are purely for beauty’s sake. If you live in southern Jersey, one of the best people for advice on these decisions is a tree company in Ocean County, like us! When it comes to knowledge… Read More