The Canopy

Field notes on tree care, from the ISA Certified arborists Essex & Morris County have trusted since 1984.

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A tree care blog for Essex & Morris County homeowners

Practical, local guidance from Dave Lombardi and the T&D Tree team — costs, timing, pests, storms and NJ tree law, written for Essex & Morris County.

Cost & PricingTree Care & PruningPests & DiseaseSeasonal & StormsSafety & NJ Tree LawBuying Guide

Pests & DiseaseLatestSpotted Lanternfly in NJ: How to Protect Your TreesThe spotted lanternfly is now well established across New Jersey. Here’s how it damages your trees, why the egg masses matter most, and the treatments that actually work.June 17, 2026 · 8 min read · by Dave LombardiRead the article

Cost & PricingThe Real Cost of Stump Grinding in NJStump grinding is priced by the inch — but a few factors swing the final number. Here’s how NJ pricing really works and how to keep costs down.June 3, 2026 · 7 min read Cost & PricingCrane vs. Climbing Tree Removal: How Big Trees Come Down SafelyBig trees can come down two ways: a climber rigging it down piece by piece, or a crane lifting whole sections out. Here’s when a crane is the safer, smarter choice — and how each method affects cost.June 3, 2026 · 8 min read Safety & NJ Tree LawHow to Tell If a Tree Needs to Be RemovedNot every struggling tree needs to come down. Here’s how an arborist decides between removal and preservation — and the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.May 27, 2026 · 8 min read Tree Care & PruningTree Roots Damaging Your Foundation or Sidewalk? What to DoTree roots cracking your sidewalk or pushing at your foundation? Here’s how roots actually cause damage, which fixes are safe, and when removing the tree is the smarter long-term move.May 27, 2026 · 8 min read Tree Care & PruningTree Pruning vs. Tree Trimming: What’s the Difference?“Pruning” and “trimming” get used interchangeably, but arborists mean different things. Here’s the real distinction — and why topping is never the answer.May 20, 2026 · 7 min read Pests & DiseaseCommon NJ Tree Diseases to Watch ForFrom anthracnose on dogwoods to oak wilt and bacterial leaf scorch, New Jersey trees face a long list of diseases. Learn to spot the symptoms early — when it’s treatable versus when the tree has to come down.May 20, 2026 · 9 min read Seasonal & StormsStorm-Damaged Trees: What to Do After a Storm in NJAfter a NJ storm, the wrong move around a damaged tree can be deadly. Here’s the safe, insurance-smart order of operations — and when to call for emergency help.May 13, 2026 · 8 min read Tree Care & PruningHow Often Should You Trim Trees?How often you should trim your trees depends on their type, age, and condition. Here’s a clear schedule for New Jersey trees — plus the warning signs that yours is overdue.May 13, 2026 · 7 min read Pests & DiseaseEmerald Ash Borer in NJ: Save or Remove Your Ash Tree?Emerald ash borer has killed millions of NJ ash trees. Here’s how to tell if yours can still be saved — and why a dead ash can’t wait.May 6, 2026 · 8 min read Tree Care & PruningBest Trees to Plant in New Jersey (Zone 6b/7a)Choosing the right tree for your New Jersey yard means matching species to Zone 6b/7a, clay soil, and the space you actually have. Here are the best native and disease-resistant picks — and the ones to avoid.May 6, 2026 · 8 min read Safety & NJ Tree Law7 Signs a Tree Is Dying or DangerousA failing tree often warns you months before it falls. Here are the seven red flags our arborists look for on Essex and Morris County properties — and what each one means.April 15, 2026 · 8 min read Safety & NJ Tree LawDo You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in NJ?In New Jersey, whether you need a permit depends entirely on your town. Here’s how local ordinances, DBH thresholds, and replacement rules actually work — and how we handle them.March 10, 2026 · 8 min read Seasonal & StormsWhen Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in New Jersey?For most New Jersey trees, late winter is the sweet spot — but oaks, elms, and spring bloomers each follow their own calendar. Here’s the arborist’s timing.February 11, 2026 · 7 min read Pests & DiseaseSpongy Moth (Gypsy Moth) Damage in NJ: Treatment & PreventionSpongy moth caterpillars can strip a New Jersey oak bare in weeks — and a second bad year can kill it. Here’s how to spot the egg masses now and stop the damage.February 11, 2026 · 8 min read Buying GuideHow to Choose a Tree Service in NJ: 10 Questions to AskThe wrong tree service can leave you liable, out thousands, or looking at a butchered tree. These 10 questions separate the pros from the door-knockers.February 4, 2026 · 9 min read Safety & NJ Tree LawWho’s Liable for a Fallen Tree in NJ?A neighbor’s tree crashes onto your roof — whose insurance pays? In New Jersey the answer usually comes down to one word: negligence.January 28, 2026 · 8 min read Tree Care & PruningDeep Root Fertilization: Does Your Tree Need It?Deep root fertilization gets nutrients where roots actually live — below New Jersey’s compacted clay. But not every tree needs it. Here’s how to tell.January 21, 2026 · 8 min read Cost & PricingHow Much Does Tree Removal Cost in NJ? (2026 Price Guide)A straight-talking 2026 breakdown of what tree removal really costs in Essex and Morris County — by tree size, access, and the factors that actually move the price.January 14, 2026 · 8 min read Seasonal & StormsHow to Prepare Your Trees for Winter in New JerseyFall and early winter are the make-or-break weeks for New Jersey trees. Here is exactly how to prep them for snow, ice and freeze — before the first nor’easter hits.January 14, 2026 · 8 min read

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Tree care blog guides by topic

Every article on the tree care blog, grouped by the question you are trying to answer.

Cost & Pricing

What tree removal, stump grinding and tree care cost in Essex & Morris County NJ, and what moves the price. Plain-English guides from T&D Tree Service.

Tree Care & Pruning

When and how to prune, trim and care for trees in New Jersey, from ISA Certified Arborist Dave Lombardi of T&D Tree Service in Livingston, NJ.

Pests & Disease

Emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, spongy moth and common NJ tree diseases: how to spot them and what to do, from T&D Tree Service’s arborists.

Seasonal & Storms

Getting NJ trees ready for winter and what to do after storm damage. Seasonal tree care guides from T&D Tree Service, Essex & Morris County since 1984.

Safety & NJ Tree Law

Tree removal permits, fallen-tree liability and the warning signs of a dangerous tree in New Jersey, explained by T&D Tree Service in Livingston, NJ.

Buying Guide

How to choose a tree service in New Jersey and what to ask before anyone climbs: insurance, credentials, written estimates. From T&D Tree Service.

How to Choose a Tree Service in NJ: 10 Questions to Ask

Meet the Author

Who writes this tree care blog

Every post on this tree care blog is written by Dave Lombardi, owner of T&D Tree Service. Dave is a second-generation arborist, born and raised in Livingston. His father founded the company in 1984, and Dave has run it for about 25 years. He has been an ISA Certified Arborist® since 2018 (verify his credential with the International Society of Arboriculture →).

The topics here are the questions homeowners ask Dave during free estimates: what a removal costs, when to prune, which pests to watch for, what to do after a storm and when a town permit is needed. If yours isn’t covered, ask Dave directly or call (973) 434-5557. You can also read more about Dave and the family business.

Dave Lombardi, ISA Certified Arborist and author of the T&D tree care blog

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