Tree services you can request in Belmar

Tree permits in Belmar

Belmar handles tree permits through its Shade Tree Commission under Belmar Borough Code, Ch. 31, § 31-2 (Shade Tree Commission), amended April 30, 2024 by Ord. No. 2024-05 to meet New Jersey's stormwater (MS4) permit rules. As posted when we checked on October 30, 2026:

Permit needed for any removal: the code says no one may remove any tree from any property without first applying for and getting a permit from the Shade Tree Commission or its agent. The borough's MS4 guide confirms a permit has been required on private property since April 30, 2024. Pruning or planting a street tree also needs a permit.
How to apply: file the borough's “Application Permit to Remove, Prune or Plant a Tree” with the Office of Code Enforcement at least 72 hours before work starts, listing each tree and its species (add a simple diagram for several trees or new construction). No work until the permit is issued or the commission says none is needed.
Fee: the code sets the permit fee at $10 per tree. After the work, give the Borough Clerk written notice of completion within 5 working days for inspection.
Replacement: street trees 2.5 inches and up, and other trees 6 inches and up (measured 4.5 feet high), fall under a replacement table: replant 1 to 4 trees per tree removed, or pay $500 to $2,000 per tree into the tree fund. Residents who remove fewer than four trees per acre in the smaller size categories (under about 17 inches) within five years are exempt from replacement, but still need the permit. The size ranges in the posted table overlap, so confirm your tree's category with the commission.
Hazard trees: dead, dying, infested or dangerous trees can be removed with no fee or replacement, but you need to justify it in writing, for example photos or a statement from a NJ Licensed Tree Expert or arborist.

If the commission finds a street tree between the sidewalk and curb is dead, the owner can be ordered to remove it within 30 days. Fines start at $20 a day and, for replacement violations, are at least the cost of the replacement trees. Forms are on the Belmar Shade Tree documents page; see also Belmar's MS4 private property permitting guide. In Belmar, plan on a permit for every removal and apply at least 3 days ahead.

Local notes for Belmar

Apply early: the 72-hour rule means even a simple removal needs a few days of lead time; a licensed pro can help you list species and sizes on the application (how to check a NJ tree care license).
Tight lots and rentals: small lots, close neighbors and summer parking make fall through spring the easiest time to get a crew and chipper in; ask about rigging and sectional tree removal.
Salt, wind and flooding: blocks near the ocean, Silver Lake and the Shark River take salt spray and storm surge, so browning evergreens aren't always dead, and the borough asks for salt-tolerant replacement trees within 3 blocks of the ocean (salt damage, black pine decline).
Fallen limbs: the code says the borough keeps streets clear, but limbs and trees that fall on your own property are your responsibility (storm tree cleanup).
Neighbors: Spring Lake, Wall Township (including West Belmar) and Sea Girt.

Before you hire

New Jersey requires tree care businesses to be licensed through the NJ Board of Tree Experts. Ask for the company's Licensed Tree Care Operator number and certificate of insurance. For stump grinding, the free 811 utility markout is required before digging (NJ One Call).

Storm damage or a tree on a wire?

If there is immediate danger, call 911. Stay away from downed lines and report them to your electric utility (JCP&L, 1-888-544-4877, also serves this part of Monmouth County). Then see what to do after a storm and what insurance usually covers.