One nursery in Monmouth County that specializes in large trees has felt the economic downturn, resulting in fewer orders and a reduction in its workforce.

Halka Nurseries is a family-owned business operated since the 1950s. The Halka family says 2011 was it’s worst year in the company’s history. They say the economic downturn is to blame because new home construction has slowed and residents have less money to spend on landscaping projects.

To deal with the reduced demand, the Halka family has made some changes to the business model, including choosing to grow the trees they know are going to sell and laying off about half the workforce in the off-season.

For now, the owners of Halka Nurseries are happy with the amount of potential work they expect will be coming their way, but at the beginning of the season it’s too early to tell how productive of a year it will really be for their business. NJToday’s Lauren Wanko files this report from Millstone Township.

WATCH VIDEO: