Tree Removal in Lacey, NJ (Forked River)

Lacey's two kinds of lots

Lacey Township, which includes Forked River and Lanoka Harbor, has two very different settings. East of Route 9, lagoon neighborhoods put homes, bulkheads and docks close together, often with a tall pine or oak right beside the house. West of the Garden State Parkway, homes sit in pine forest on bigger, sandier lots. Both see a lot of removals, for different reasons.

Common removal jobs in Lacey

Pines over lagoon homes. Little room to drop anything means sectional removal with ropes, and sometimes a crane to lift wood over the house.
Dead pitch pines on wooded lots. See the dead pine guide.
Storm-damaged trees after nor'easters off the bay.
Trees in the way of projects: additions, pools, driveways, solar panels and fences.

Lacey's tree permit rule

Lacey regulates tree removal under Chapter 313, “Trees,” as amended by Ordinance 2024-18. A permit is required to remove a street tree of 2.5 inches DBH or more, or a non-street tree of 12 inches DBH or more (DBH is trunk diameter measured at about 4.5 feet up), with a $75 fee. Applications go through the Zoning Office (Lacey Ord. 2024-18). Rules change, so confirm with the township, and ask your tree company whether it handles the application.

What tree removal costs

Price depends on height and trunk size, how close the tree is to the house, bulkheads or wires, whether a crane or bucket truck is needed, and cleanup. For local context, published estimates for nearby Toms River put typical removals at roughly $500 to $2,300, averaging about $1,400 (HomeBlue). Lagoon lots with no equipment access tend to sit at the higher end. Grinding the stump is usually priced separately. See our tree removal cost guide.

Lagoon-lot tips

Ask how the crew will protect bulkheads, docks, boat lifts and your neighbor's property when lowering wood.
Check where the chipper and truck will park; many lagoon streets are narrow.
If the tree is near the water, ask whether any extra approvals apply to shoreline work before you schedule.

Before you hire

New Jersey requires tree care businesses to be licensed through the NJ Board of Tree Experts. Ask for the Licensed Tree Care Operator number and a certificate of insurance, and get the scope (wood removal, stump, cleanup) in writing. More on Lacey is on the Lacey page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Lacey Township?

Under Lacey's Chapter 313 as amended by Ordinance 2024-18, a permit is required for street trees of 2.5 inches DBH or more and other trees of 12 inches DBH or more, with a $75 fee through the Zoning Office. Confirm with the township.

Why is tree removal on a lagoon lot more expensive?

There's usually no room to drop the tree, so it comes down in small roped sections or with a crane, and crews have to protect bulkheads, docks and neighboring homes.

Is stump grinding included?

Usually not unless you ask. Request it in your quote so the price covers it.

Cost and permit guides

Last updated October 18, 2026. Prices and rules come from the cited sources and can change. They aren't quotes or legal advice. Free referral service, not a tree company. Your request goes to one independent local tree company, which may pay us for the referral.