Lakewood, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Township of Lakewood Code § 19-15b, part of Chapter 19's tree removal permit article, states that it shall be unlawful and considered a violation of the chapter for any person to engage in the business of plant cutting, trimming, removal, spraying or otherwise treating trees, shrubs or vines within the Township without the applicable certification or license for the designated work. The section sits alongside the display and right-of-entry rules for tree removal permits: § 19-15a requires anyone cutting or removing trees under a permit to display it continuously during the work and for 10 days afterward, and to carry written authorization from the property owner if the crew is not the applicant.

Section 19-15b's licensing duty applies specifically to for-hire tree work, cutting, trimming, spraying or otherwise treating trees, shrubs or vines, meaning a landscaping or tree-service company working in Lakewood must hold the applicable state certification, such as a New Jersey Certified Tree Expert credential or a licensed pesticide applicator certification for spraying work, before taking on a job, separate from any tree removal permit the property itself may need under § 19-3. Section 19-14 extends every provision of the chapter to tree removal construction companies working on another person's behalf, so a hired contractor cannot rely on the property owner's permit to excuse its own licensing failure.