Toms River, NJ Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 50% of record circumference
- Determined by
- Conservation Officer/Env. Commission
- Permit effect
- Denied if specimen tree lost
- Dogwood/holly protected at
- 1 inch diameter
Summary
Toms River's tree ordinance singles out "specimen trees", exceptional trees measured against New Jersey's Record Trees registry, and bars issuing a removal permit that would take one down.
Any living deciduous or coniferous tree(s) that has superior characteristics and quality when compared to trees of the same species or other trees in its vicinity within the Township of Toms River. Such a tree must also have a circumference that is 50% of the registered circumference of the same species as noted in New Jersey's Record Trees. The determination of a "specimen tree" can be made by inspection of the Conservation Officer, the Environmental Commission or their designated agents. TREE Any living deciduous trees having a trunk of a diameter greater than three inches DBH (diameter breast high), any living coniferous tree having a trunk of a diameter greater than four inches DBH, or any living dogwood (carnus flarida) or American holly (ilex opaca) tree having a diameter of one inch or greater DBH.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 471-3 defines a SPECIMEN TREE as a living tree with superior characteristics compared to others of its species nearby, with a circumference at least 50% of the state-registered record circumference tracked in New Jersey's Record Trees; the Conservation Officer or Environmental Commission makes that call. Under § 471-4D, the standards for issuing a removal permit specifically require the work "will not require the removal of a specimen tree." Dogwood and American holly get similar special treatment: the chapter's TREE definition protects them starting at just one inch in diameter, versus three or four inches for other species.
Violations & Fines
Removing a qualifying specimen tree without authorization triggers the chapter's general penalty: $100-$1,000 per day, up to 90 days in jail, plus required compensatory replanting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a "specimen tree" in Toms River?
Can I get a permit to remove a specimen tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle protected tree species.