Bob Caffrey started Caffrey Tree & Landscape in 1978, building the business from the ground up with a focus on quality workmanship and personal integrity. Over the years, his company has grown from a modest tree service into a comprehensive landscaping and tree care provider, earning a reputation for reliable service and deep expertise. Today the business carries a strong A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to its long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction.
Caffrey’s commitment extends beyond customer service as seen through their generous community involvement. Their philosophy has always been that strong roots create strong communities — both in landscapes and in the neighborhoods they serve. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local organizations, or donating their expertise and services, they are happy to give back. In 2025 Caffrey Tree & Landscape received formal recognition for their contributions in both North Plainfield and Dunellen. At the latter, they planted over fifty flowering trees all around town. Trees that brighten up the downtown area, high school grounds, and town parks. But, their most visible contribution stands over 25 feet tall in the Village Green of Scotch Plains.
When Bob Caffrey saw that the Scotch Plains Township Christmas Tree was deceased and slowly dying, he didn’t just offer to take it down. He bought and donated a Norwegian Spruce that he dug out himself from an old Christmas Tree Farm in Pittstown, NJ. “I have a lot of history here,” he says. Having grown up in Scotch Plains, Bob went to Park Middle School (now Nettingham) and Scotch Plains Fanwood Highschool. He has decorated the town’s Christmas tree for decades - a service he reserves only to close friends as a favor. “It’s not my favorite work,” he laughs.
So what is I wonder? Caffrey Tree & Landscape offers a comprehensive range of services in landscaping, tree care, and plant health care. With over 45 years of experience, the “fun stuff” resides in their landscape design and maintenance solutions, including renovations and upgrades. I mean, who doesn’t love a good before and after project? Caffrey knows that a thoughtfully designed landscape can transform a home’s outdoor space into a vibrant and welcoming environment. Their planting services focus on creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes that reflect the owner’s style and require minimal maintenance. Caffrey’s favorite work is to bring a vision to life with the perfect plants, trees, and shrubs.
For those neighbors looking to upgrade their landscape design Bob recommends starting early. Engaging a landscape architect like Caffrey during the winter means you’ll have the first pick of plants and plantings in the Spring. Plants are selected for their suitability to a property’s specific conditions, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and climate. They use native and drought-resistant plants that need less water and upkeep, making it easy to care for. Caffrey is committed to preserving a property’s beauty while keeping safety and sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. This year Caffrey has removed 12,000 hazardous trees - but planted over 30,000 trees and shrubs. “We’re always looking to replenish the carbon footprint,” says Bob.
While certainly not fun - Caffrey Tree & Landscape also provides 24/7 service for emergency services when needed - and in 2025, local residents needed a lot! Several devastating storms and floods left significant property damage and displaced families from their homes. Caffrey’s urgent response services allow families to move from damage control to construction so they get back home faster. Their ISA-certified team provides same-day storm damage cleanup and emergency tree removal, clearing fallen trees, hazardous limbs, and blocked driveways with the right equipment (including cranes when needed). And while they can’t prevent storms, they can help minimize the risk of damage through preventative tree care. Carolyn, a Scotch Plains resident had storm damage with several trees down and a tree puncturing their roof, attic, and bedroom ceiling. “Mr. Caffrey responded quickly to my phone call and was out the next morning (a Sunday) with a full crew to begin work on removing an 80+ foot pin oak from my roof and other trees from my property. They worked for three days to remove all the downed trees and debris and even had to bring in a crane to pull the tree branches off the roof. Mr. Caffrey was present every day of the job. His kind, professional, and understanding manner was much appreciated during a time of crisis.” It is workmanship and responsiveness like this that contribute to the strong A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to its long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction. Their commitment to reliability and honest business practices has made them a trusted neighbor to many.
Caffrey Tree & Landscape is a truly local, family-oriented business. Alongside Bob are family members like his wife Karen and long-time team members who help ensure consistent communication and a customer-first mindset (we’re talking about you Lisa!) This close-knit structure allows clients to work directly with people who understand the company’s history, values, and standards.
Through more than 45 years of dedication to craftsmanship, customer service, and community engagement, Bob Caffrey has built a legacy that extends far beyond landscaping. His work exemplifies how a family-owned, locally dedicated business can thrive by prioritizing quality, trust, and personal care — shaping not just outdoor spaces, but the lives of those who live in them.