Frequently asked questions

Questions? Look here.

Can’t find an answer? Call us at (973)238-9800 or use our contact form.

Tree Removal & Pruning
What tree services do you offer?

We provide professional tree removal, tree pruning, tree trimming, storm damage cleanup, hazardous tree removal, limb removal, and general tree care for residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a tree safely removed or want to improve the health and appearance of your trees, our team is here to help.

Why is tree pruning important?

Proper tree pruning helps improve tree health, encourages strong growth, removes dead or hazardous limbs, and enhances the overall appearance of your property. It can also help prevent branches from interfering with roofs, buildings, walkways, driveways, and utility lines.

Do you clean up after tree removal or pruning?

Yes. We make sure the work area is cleaned up once the job is complete. Our team removes branches, logs, and debris so your property is left neat, safe, and looking its best.

When should a tree be removed instead of pruned?

A tree may need to be removed if it is dead, dying, structurally unsafe, heavily storm-damaged, diseased beyond recovery, or growing too close to a home, driveway, power lines, or other structures. Pruning is often the better option when the tree is still healthy but needs maintenance, shaping, clearance, or dead branch removal.

How do I know if my tree is dangerous?

Signs a tree may be hazardous include dead branches, visible cracks in the trunk, hollow areas, leaning, root damage, fungus growth near the base, or large limbs hanging over your home or driveway. If you are unsure, we can assess the tree and recommend whether pruning, trimming, or removal is the safest option.

Can you remove trees close to houses, driveways, or other structures?

Yes. We have the equipment and experience to safely remove or prune trees in tight or difficult spaces. We take extra care when working near homes, fences, garages, sheds, driveways, and landscaped areas to complete the job as safely and efficiently as possible.

Commercial Tree Removal & Land Clearing
What commercial land clearing services do you offer?

We provide commercial tree removal, land clearing, brush mowing, grubbing, stump removal, and site cleanup services for contractors, developers, and large property owners. Our team handles projects ranging from smaller commercial tracts to large-scale clearing jobs and works to leave sites ready for the next phase of development.

Do you work with contractors & developers?

Yes. We regularly work with contractors, land developers, commercial real estate developers, and other professionals who need reliable land clearing and tree removal services. We understand the importance of scheduling, site access, safety, and keeping projects moving efficiently.

Can your remove and process material on-site?

Yes. We have the ability to process large amounts of material on-site when the project calls for it. This can help improve efficiency and support large commercial clearing operations.

Can you handle large-scale land clearing projects?

Yes. We have the equipment and experience to manage projects ranging from smaller commercial parcels to large-scale clearing sites. Whether you need selective clearing, full site clearing, or vegetation removal across a large area, we can develop a plan based on your project scope and site conditions.

What is included in your land clearing process?

Our land clearing process can include tree removal, brush mowing, grubbing, stump removal, material processing, and hauling debris off-site as needed. We tailor the scope of work to the property and project goals so the site is properly cleared and prepared.

Do you remove stumps, logs, and debris after clearing?

Yes. With our equipment, containers, and hauling capabilities, we can remove trees, stumps, logs, brush, and processed material from the site based on the scope of the job. Our goal is to leave the area cleared and ready for its intended use.

Plant, Shrub & Lawn Care
What plant, shrub, and lawn care services do you offer?

We provide professional plant, shrub, and lawn care services designed to help keep your landscape healthy, attractive, and well maintained. Our programs include treatment for insects, diseases, and weeds, along with core aeration, fertilization, and power seeding to support stronger, healthier growth.

Why is ongoing lawn and plant care important?

Regularly scheduled maintenance helps protect the health, beauty, and long-term value of your property. Consistent care can reduce the impact of insects, disease, and weeds while helping your lawn, shrubs, and other landscape plants stay healthier and more attractive throughout the year.

Are your technicians experienced and certified?

Yes. Downes complies with standards of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the NJ DEP, and that its technicians are certified by the NJ DEP with years of experience identifying, diagnosing, and treating lawn and grass diseases. 

How do I know if my lawn or shrubs need treatment?

Common signs include thinning grass, discoloration, patchy areas, unusual leaf damage, poor growth, weed pressure, or signs of insect and disease activity. If your lawn, shrubs, or ornamental plants are losing vigor or no longer look as healthy as they should, a professional evaluation can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment plan. This fits the page’s focus on diagnosing and treating lawn and plant health issues.

Do you offer lawn treatments such as aeration, fertilizing, and seeding?

Yes. Our programs include core lawn aeration, fertilizer applications, and power seeding, along with other treatments that support overall lawn health and appearance. These services are designed to strengthen your lawn and improve growing conditions over time.

Do you handle commercial lawn and shrub care accounts?

Yes. We provide plant, shrub, and lawn care services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need ongoing maintenance for a home, business, or larger property, we can tailor a program to fit your needs.

Hydroseeding
What is hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is a grass planting method that applies a mixture of seed, mulch, fertilizer, and water directly onto prepared soil. It is designed to promote faster germination, more even coverage, and strong early establishment compared to traditional seeding.

Is hydroseeding better than traditional seeding?

Hydroseeding offers several advantages over traditional seeding, including faster germination, more uniform coverage, and better protection for newly applied seed. It can also be a more efficient solution for larger areas.

Can hydroseeding help with erosion control?

Yes. Hydroseeding is commonly used for erosion control on slopes, embankments, and disturbed soil areas. The mulch and seed mixture helps protect the soil surface while supporting new growth.

What types of properties are a good fit for hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is a great option for large residential lawns, commercial properties, athletic fields, municipal spaces, erosion control areas, and environmental restoration projects. It works well for both new lawn installations and renovation projects.

Is hydroseeding more affordable than sod?

Hydroseeding is often a more cost-effective option than sod installation while still providing dense, attractive turf establishment when properly maintained. It is a popular choice for property owners who want strong results at a lower cost than laying sod.

Do you use different seed blends for different properties?

Yes. Seed blends can be tailored based on the conditions and intended use of the property, including sun or shade exposure, traffic levels, and overall site conditions. This helps create better results for each project.

Spotted Lanternfly Treatment
What is spotted lanternfly treatment?

Spotted lanternfly treatment is designed to help control and reduce this invasive pest on your property. These pests feed on a wide variety of trees and plants and can cause serious damage if left untreated. Our treatment services help protect your landscape and reduce the risk of further infestation.

How do I know if I need spotted lanternfly treatment?

If you are seeing spotted lanternflies on or around your trees, plants, or outdoor areas, it may be time to have your property evaluated. Taking action early can help prevent the infestation from spreading and reduce damage to your landscape.

Can you help prevent spotted lanternflies as well as treat an infestation?

Yes. We help property owners take preventive steps and provide effective treatment options if an infestation occurs. Our goal is to help protect your property before the problem becomes worse and address active infestations when they are present.

Why are spotted lanternflies a problem?

Spotted lanternflies are a serious invasive pest that can significantly damage valuable trees and landscapes. They are also a threat to agriculture, which is why early action and professional treatment are important when activity is found on your property.

Do you provide spotted lanternfly treatment for homes and businesses?

Yes. We provide spotted lanternfly treatment options for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you are trying to protect your home, business, or landscape investment, we can help you take steps toward prevention and control.

Why should I hire a professional for spotted lanternfly treatment?

Professional treatment helps ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively. Our team follows professional industry and regulatory standards and can recommend the right approach for protecting your property from spotted lanternflies.

Mulch & Topsoil Bulk Delivery
What mulch and topsoil products do you offer?

We offer bulk mulch in a variety of options along with screened topsoil for residential and commercial properties. Whether you need materials for flowerbeds, landscape upgrades, lawn improvement, or a larger commercial project, we can help you get the right product for the job.

Can I pick up mulch or topsoil instead of having it delivered?

Yes. We offer both delivery and pick-up options. Whether you prefer to have materials brought to your property or pick them up yourself, we can help you choose the option that works best for your project.

Do you supply mulch and topsoil for commercial properties and larger projects?

Yes. We work with homeowners as well as contractors, property managers, golf courses, municipalities, and other commercial customers. Whether your project is small or large, we can help supply the materials you need.

Do you offer delivery for both bulk mulch and topsoil?

Yes. We provide bulk delivery service so you can have mulch or topsoil brought directly to your home, business, or job site. We work to make the process simple, convenient, and efficient.

How do I know how much mulch or topsoil I need?

The amount you need depends on the size of the area and the depth of material required. If you are unsure, we can help you estimate the right quantity based on your project so you can order with confidence.

What is screened topsoil used for?

Screened topsoil is commonly used for lawn preparation, grading, filling low areas, improving soil quality, and other landscaping applications. It is a great option when you need clean, workable soil for planting or site improvement.

Mulch & Topsoil Installation
What mulch and topsoil installation services do you offer?

We provide professional mulch, compost, and topsoil installation for residential and commercial properties. Our blower truck service allows us to install materials quickly, evenly, and efficiently for landscape beds, large properties, and other site improvement projects.

Can you install mulch or topsoil in hard-to-reach areas?

Yes. Our equipment allows us to install mulch, compost, and topsoil in many areas that are difficult to access using traditional methods. This helps reduce disruption to the property and makes installation more efficient.

Do you provide mulch and topsoil installation for commercial properties and larger projects?

Yes. We work with both residential and commercial customers and can handle larger installation projects. Whether the job involves a home landscape, commercial property, or large-scale site application, we can tailor the service to fit the project.

How is blower truck installation different from traditional mulch installation?

Blower truck installation allows material to be placed more quickly, more evenly, and with less manual labor than traditional installation methods. It is especially helpful for larger jobs and areas that are difficult to reach with wheelbarrows or other equipment.

What are the benefits of professional mulch or topsoil installation?

Professional installation helps create more even coverage, improves efficiency, reduces waste, and saves time on larger projects. It also helps ensure the material is applied where it is needed for a cleaner and more consistent finished result.

Can blower truck installation help save time and labor costs?

Yes. Blower truck installation is designed to speed up the application process and reduce the manual labor required for spreading material. This can make it a more efficient solution for many projects.

Roll-Off Containers (Dumpsters)
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What roll-off container sizes do you offer?

We offer 12 yard, 20 yard, and 30 yard roll-off containers for residential and commercial projects. These container sizes are available for construction debris, demolition debris, vegetative waste, wood, concrete, and other approved materials, depending on the type of project.

Do you deliver and pick up the container?

Yes. We provide both delivery and pickup service for our roll-off containers. We will drop the container at your property or job site and return to remove it when the job is done.

Do you provide roll-off containers for residential and commercial projects?

Yes. We provide dumpster rental service for both residential customers and commercial contractors. Whether you are working on a home cleanup, renovation, demolition, or construction project, we can help.

What types of debris can I put in a roll-off container?

Roll-off containers can be used for many types of project-related debris, including construction material, demolition debris, vegetative waste, wood, and other general cleanup material. If you are unsure whether a specific type of debris is allowed, contact us (973) 238-9800 and we will help guide you.

How do I know what size dumpster I need?

The right container size depends on the type of debris, the amount of material, and the scope of your project. If you are not sure which size is best, we can help you choose the right option based on your job.

Can I use a roll-off container for landscaping or tree debris?

Yes. Roll-off containers can be used for many landscaping-related materials, including vegetative debris, brush, wood, and other project waste. Let us know what type of material you are disposing of so we can recommend the best service option.