Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Auburn?
- 2 Does the City of Auburn Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Auburn?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Auburn?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Auburn?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Auburn?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Auburn?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Auburn?
In the heat of the summer, you rely on the trees in your Auburn yard to offer shade or a quiet place to stretch out in a hammock. The area is home to some stately native and non-native trees. You probably have a few of the trees in your yard that we see are most commonly grown. These include:
- Long Leaf Pine
- Tulip Poplar
- White Oak
- Southern Live Oak
- Bald Cypress
- Tonto Crape Myrtle
- Pink Dogwood
Most of these trees thrive in the area, although there are times when one of these trees needs to be removed. Most Auburn homeowners want to know what happened to their tree. Here are a few of the most common tree issues we see in the area:
Damage During Storms
This area of Alabama sees some violent storm fronts. When these thunderstorms move through Auburn, sometimes, they create tornadoes that can tear the roof off of your home or pick up and toss a tree like it was a feather.
Tornadoes can generate wind speeds of up to 300 mph depending on the category. Your home might not be in the direct path of a tornado, but the winds can extend on either side of the twister up to a mile with 50 miles behind suffering through catastrophic winds.
During a storm, you might notice a tree that’s been hit by lightning may either be damaged or dead. After the storm passes, our team will be ready to evaluate your trees and determine the extent of the damage.
Damage Caused by Disease
Like any other living organism, trees are susceptible to disease. While your tree isn’t going to catch a common cold, there are some serious diseases that the trees in your Auburn yard might develop. These diseases include:
- Anthracnose
- Leaf Blister
- Leaf Rusts
- Leaf Spots
- Needle Casts
- Needle Rusts
- Pine Needle Blight
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
The causes of these diseases vary. However, once a single tree in your yard becomes infected, it’ll likely pass the pathogen on to the others. When you catch a disease early, there’s a possibility of treatment and saving the tree. You need to know the signs which are:
- Leaves that appear misshapen, damaged, or discolored
- Missing bark on the tree trunk
- Failure to grow or withered look
- Areas on the tree trunk that appear sunken
- Smaller than normal limbs or leaves
- Fewer leaves in the canopy
There are other signs depending on the disease. If you notice something different or concerning about a tree in your yard, our team can check it out and help you find a solution.
Damage From Pests and Insects
The warm, moist climate in Auburn provides a haven for insects and other pests. They play a part in the local ecosystem but can be detrimental to your trees. These critters can make a meal out of the trees in your yard or burrow into one to make a home.
Either way, this damages your trees. If one of the trees in an area has an infestation, it’s entirely possible that others do as well. Most commonly, we see these insects in the Auburn area:
- Asian Citrus Psyllid
- Asian Gypsy Moth
- Asian Longhorned Beetle
- European Cherry Fruit Fly
- European Gypsy Moth
- Spotted Lanternfly
These critters can infest a tree before you even realize it’s happening. However, if you look for the signs of insect damage, there might be treatment available when it’s caught early. Some signs include:
- Bugs crawling on the tree
- Leaves that turn colors or grow misshapen
- Bald patches in the tree bark
- Holes and channels in the trunk
- Limbs and leaves grow smaller than norma
- Stunted growth
Our team can evaluate the tree for you and help you decide the proper course of action.
Does the City of Auburn Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Auburn has an urban forestry program that takes care of the trees on public land within the area. If a tree needs to be removed on public land, they’ll take care of it. When the tree is on private property, it’s up to the homeowner to make arrangements to have it removed and pay for these services.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Auburn?
When a tree falls in Auburn, it’s almost always the homeowner’s responsibility to remove it. However, there are cases when a tree falls on public land and the city removes it. Another possibility is an area of easement owned by a utility company. Trees on this land are the responsibility of the utility company to remove.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the Auburn homeowner, you’re probably responsible for removing the tree when it’s on private property. If the tree sits close to the road, it might be on an easement. Check with the city and your local utility companies to determine if it’s on an easement. A fallen tree on an easement should be removed by the city or the appropriate utility company.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter, you might handle the landscape chores, but this wouldn’t include a large project, such as removing a tree. This type of project would be the responsibility of the homeowner. You do need to let the homeowner know if you see a damaged tree or a fallen one, so they can take care of it.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are also homeowners. This makes you the responsible party for removing the tree. While the tenant might handle mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges, you can’t make them responsible for a major project, such as laying sod and removing a diseased or dead tree.
If you’re a neighbor?
Often, we see trees that are lying across several yards. When this happens, the homeowner is responsible for removing the tree. But which one? It depends on the location where it once grew. If it grew in your yard, then it’s your responsibility. It’s always beneficial to talk to your neighbor when a tree is lying in both of your yards.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Auburn?
The two soil types that we see most often in the Auburn area are sandy soil and loamy soil. Out of the two, you want the sandy soil in your yard. This soil soaks up the water from rainstorms and drains it effectively. The other soil type will absorb the water but hold on to it longer, which could lead to root rot. Our team can conduct a soil test to determine the type in your yard.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Auburn?
Yes, you can expect the weather in Auburn to affect the health of your trees. Tornadoes might displace a tree or damage it. Another concern from the weather is the possibility of lightning striking a tree. If this happens, it may damage the tree or kill it. There’s also high rainfall and humidity that can soak into the soil and lead to root rot and other diseases.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Auburn?
Dead trees near a power line might be on an easement owned by the power company. The power company is responsible for removing any trees if this is the case. However, if it sits on private property, you, as the homeowner, are responsible for removing it. In some cases, a dead tree falls onto a power line. This is an emergency, and you need to call emergency services to handle it.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Auburn?
Every Auburn homeowner wants an answer to this question. The cost of tree removal in the area ranges between $245 and $2,110 with an average of around $525. Your cost is dependent on a few factors:
Tree Location
When a tree sits close to your home or other trees, our team needs to take more time and erect safety equipment to cut it down without damaging your home or the other trees. This can raise the cost of the tree’s removal.
Wood Chips
As part of removing a tree, our team can run the tree through a wood chipper. Many Auburn homeowners want these wood chips to use as mulch to place around other trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Mulch is a great way to slow the absorption of water and increase nutrients in your soil.
Tree Height
When we cut down a tree, we want to make sure there isn’t any damage to your home or injuries to our team. We start at the top of the tree and cutting in small sections remove it. A tall tree takes additional time and safety equipment to ensure there isn’t damage or injuries.
