Monmouth County, NJ Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Tree removal permitting in Monmouth County is a municipal matter with state-licensed contractor requirements. Most Monmouth municipalities require a tree removal permit for trees exceeding a specified trunk diameter measured at breast height (DBH) — typical threshold is 6 inches to 12 inches DBH, measured 4.5 feet above grade. Red Bank, Fair Haven, Rumson, Little Silver, Middletown, and Ocean Township have detailed tree protection ordinances. Commercial tree removal contractors must be Licensed Tree Care Operators (LTCO) or Licensed Tree Experts (LTE) under NJ's Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act (N.J.S.A. 45:15C-14) enacted 2019 — homeowners can verify at njtreeexperts.org. Street trees and right-of-way trees are managed by municipal shade tree commissions (most Monmouth towns have one under N.J.S.A. 40:64-1). Removal of street trees requires municipal approval and typically comes with replacement requirement. Hazardous trees (dead, diseased, structurally unsound) generally qualify for expedited removal with arborist documentation. NJ Invasive Species Council encourages removal of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is widespread in Monmouth. Protected species and heritage trees face enhanced protection (see separate heritage-trees entry).