Tree Removal & Stump Grinding in Lake Como, NJ

Lake Como is the small Monmouth County shore borough squeezed between Belmar and Spring Lake, named for the lake on its border with Spring Lake (the town was called South Belmar until 2005). It's a tight grid of year-round homes and summer rentals a few blocks from the ocean, so tree work here is mostly big street and backyard oaks, maples and evergreens growing close to houses, fences, garages and overhead wires, with very little room to drop anything in one piece. Tell us about your job and we'll pass it to one local, independent tree company that serves Lake Como.

Tree services you can request in Lake Como

Tree permits in Lake Como

Lake Como regulates tree removal under Lake Como Borough Code, Ch. 10, § 10-4 (Tree Removal). As posted when we checked on November 1, 2026:

Most homeowners don't need a permit: the code says it does not restrict removing trees on your own property when no building permit for a new or replacement house is being sought.
New construction and teardowns do: on a vacant lot being built on, or where the main house is being demolished, you need a tree removal project permit from the Zoning Officer before removing any tree 4 inches or more across at 54 inches up. Trees cut within one year before a building permit application still count.
Fee and review: the application fee is $50, with a site plan or survey and a tree replacement plan. The Zoning Officer has 30 days to decide on a complete application.
Replacement: each regulated tree removed is replaced with 1 to 8 new trees (at least 2.5 inches) depending on size, or you pay $200 to $1,600 per tree into the Tree Replacement Fund. Dead and diseased trees, as determined by the Zoning Officer, aren't counted.
Fines: $100 to $1,500 per tree removed without a required permit.

The borough code also says owners must remove dead and dying trees and stumps when Code Enforcement finds them a hazard, with 10 days' notice before the borough does it and bills the property. The online code lists a 2024 amendment (Ord. No. 2024-5) to this chapter that may not be folded in yet, and the Tree Removal Permit form is on the Lake Como downloadable forms page. If you're building, demolishing or the tree is in the curb strip, call the Lake Como Zoning Office before anyone cuts.

Local notes for Lake Como

Tight lots: houses sit close together, so most removals are climbed and lowered in pieces; tell the pro about fences, garages and the drop zone (tree removal, trimming).
Dead trees and stumps: the borough can order owners to clear dead or dying trees and stumps it finds hazardous, so don't let a dead tree sit (dead tree removal, stump grinding).
Salt and wind: blocks closest to the ocean take salt spray and nor'easter wind, so browning pines aren't always dead (salt damage, nor'easter tree damage).
Neighbors: Belmar, Spring Lake and Wall Township.

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.