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Tree Care JournalThe Canopy
Field notes on tree care, from the ISA Certified arborists Essex & Morris County have trusted since 1984.
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Expert tree-care answers for New Jersey 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
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.Tree Care & PruningHow Often Should You Trim Your 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.
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