The number of different varieties of trees is astonishing. According to Global Trees Campaign there are over 60,000 different varieties of trees! How is anyone ever supposed to select the right tree for their yard from that large of a list? It can be truly overwhelming. We’re here to help! We are going to begin dividing all these trees into a few categories to help distinguish between different types. Once you gain a better understanding of the large groups that trees can be put into, it is much easier to pick the right one for what you need. For example, some trees work better to provide shade where others are purely for ornamental value. Even after reading this article, you are likely to have more questions. The best people to call is a tree company in Ocean County, like Ben Bivins Tree Experts. If anyone knows trees, they do.
Two Main Categories of Trees
All types tress can be categorized into one of two types. Trees are either deciduous or coniferous. The distinguishing characteristic between the two is that deciduous trees shed their leaves every year and coniferous trees remain green all year long.
Tree Company in Ocean County Recommends Deciduous Trees for Shade
Let’s take a look at the first category, the deciduous trees. The word deciduous means “falling off or shed at a particular season” according to dictionary.com. Every fall, this type of tree will begin to lose its leaves. First, the leaves will turn all sorts of gorgeous shades of oranges, reds, and yellows. Then, when winter arrives, all the branches will be bare. In terms of reproduction, deciduous trees produce flowers that must be pollinated. When it comes to wood working, deciduous trees are termed hardwoods. Examples of these types of trees are oaks, maples, and birch trees.
There are many deciduous types of trees that are prefect to use as shade trees. The fact that these trees lose their leaves is what makes them ideal. This is because in the heat of summer, these trees grow a lush green canopy that blocks the sun from heating up homes. Then, in winter, when the branches are bare, the sun is free to radiate as much heat as it can to warm up a house.
While deciduous trees can be messy, there are many nature groups that encourage homeowners to leave their leaves. Not only can the decomposing leaves nourish your lawn and your soil biodiversity, it helps to keep all that waste out of landfills. Give it a try this year and leave your leaves! If you want to learn more about organic gardening, click here!
Conifers Fill a Different Need
Conifers, or evergreens, are named after the cones that these trees bear in order to reproduce. If a pinecone comes to mind, you’re picturing the right thing. Rather than leaves, these types of trees often have needles while others have leaves that resemble scales. Conifers are typically found in the northern hemisphere. While these trees are commonly referred to as evergreens, many can and do lose their needles each year. While deciduous trees are hardwoods, this category of tree are softwoods. When it comes to the construction industry, most timber used is from softwood trees. A few examples of conifers are fir trees, pine trees, and cedars.
One of the best uses of a conifer type tree is what is known as a windbreak. By planting a row of dense, conical evergreen trees or shrubs on the north or northwest side of your home, you can cut the wind chill in your home. The biggest benefit of this that your heating bill will be reduced because these tress help keep your home warmer.
Not only do some conifers drop their needles, but they drop large cones that can cause injury and damage to mowers if not picked up. Plus, they also create sap. Anyone who has accidentally leaned against a pine tree and got a palm full of resin knows how annoying it can be.
Tree Company in Ocean County is a Great Resource
No matter what your question about trees, your local tree company in Ocean County is a great resource of information. They have to know all about all kinds of trees in order to care for them in the best way possible. Have a question about whether to trim a tree or remove it? Call your tree company! Not sure what type of tree to plant where to best shade your home? Call your tree company! They call them experts for a reason.
2026 Update: Matching Tree Care to Changing Property Conditions
As properties change over time, the conditions surrounding mature trees can change as well. New patios, additions, driveways, drainage improvements, landscaping projects, and even changes on neighboring properties can influence how a tree grows and responds to stress. This makes periodic evaluation by a tree company in Ocean County valuable even when a tree appears healthy from a distance.
One concern is the area surrounding a tree’s root system. Construction activity, soil compaction, changes in grading, and repeated vehicle traffic can affect roots without producing obvious symptoms right away. Since roots supply water and nutrients while helping anchor the tree, problems underground may eventually appear as thinning foliage or declining branches.
Changes above ground matter too. A tree that once had plenty of open space may eventually begin growing too close to a roof, utility line, driveway, or neighboring structure. Selective pruning can sometimes help manage these conflicts while preserving the tree’s natural form. The appropriate solution depends on the species, age, condition, and location of the tree.
Ocean County properties also experience periods of severe weather that can reveal weaknesses that were previously difficult to see. Heavy rain, strong winds, and saturated soil may place additional stress on trunks, branches, and root systems. An inspection can help identify questionable limbs, structural defects, or declining areas before they become more serious concerns.
Working with an experienced tree company in Ocean County is therefore not limited to selecting tree varieties or responding to obvious damage. Professional tree care can also involve watching how trees interact with an evolving property. As homes and landscapes change, periodically reassessing mature trees can help homeowners make informed decisions about pruning, maintenance, preservation, and when necessary, removal.