AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Mobile, AL

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Mobile?

The trees here in the greater Mobile area are the kind that, if they could talk, would have some stories to tell. This Gulf Coast city has forests and parks galore. It seems that everywhere you look, you either see one of the big beautiful Magnolias, or one of the Willow Oaks that both proudly fan their large leaves as if saying, “Hey guys check me out!” There is no other experience like visiting the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile. Not only are you surrounded with the beauty of a civil war era plantation type mansion, But you can absolutely lose yourself in those big oaks that surround this property all sporting a healthy covering of rich Spanish Moss, Mobile history at its finest, and more examples of ‘if only those trees could talk!’. Mobile trees are in some places, head and shoulders above any others! But with all that beauty it’s kind of hard to fathom these trees are under attack – even as we speak!

The Mobile tree population has a lot of the same issues that other coastal communities see with regard to their tree line. Things like Blights, Canker Disease, and invasive insects such as Aphids and Borers. These are the types of tree problems seen most frequently no matter where you go. It seems that the trees of Mobile are under attack from giant swarms of termites! That’s right, termites. Some rather large trees were brought down in Baldwin County, and the insides were totally destroyed by swarming termites. 

Mobile had seen this behavior from termites back in the mid to late 80s and thought they had cured the problem. City Arborists concluded in March 2021 that the swarms were back, and they were back with a vengeance. Measures put in place in the late 80s were no longer effective and that is the main reason they are back. 

In keeping with its ‘Tree City USA’ standing, city officials decided that not only were they going to put newer and stronger measures in place to deal with the termites again, but also the City Council of Mobile was essentially going to re-write the city’s tree ordinance that was originally adopted in 1961.

Does the City of Mobile Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

In December 2020, the City Council of Mobile took their currently enforced tree ordinance and tossed it out like an old rag. Between January and March 2021, this same council rewrote everything pertaining to the ordinance. Every item in the body of their city’s government that pertained to a tree, a tree permit for removal, and inspection afterwards, was brought into the 21st century with massive updates and language designed to do one thing – Protect the Trees of Mobile at all costs!

Now the city had offered to come to privately owned homes and pick up any trees or tree debris that was caused by an act of God, as they put it. But this new Tree Ordinance being offered specifically set up a specific route for city trucks to take on a weekly basis for brush and limbs that had fallen during the week. They also put new qualifications into effect for tree permits and would honor those permits only if the City Arborist went out to view the situation, and then sign off on it.

Yes, they suddenly provided a lot more than just assistance, they were now offering an entire suite of services to help keep the Urban Canopy, and City Forests looking good and well taken care of!

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Mobile?

Got a tree down in your yard, and you don’t think it belongs to you. What are you going to do? Before you crank up your chainsaw and take matters into your own hands, think for a moment. If the root system of this tree is on your property, it belongs to you. If the root system is on your neighbor’s property, it’s theirs! It doesn’t get any easier than that.

But what if your neighbor caused your tree to become damaged in some way, what are your rights according to Alabama State Law? The way that the law reads regarding such an issue, you can file a lawsuit against your neighbor for causing damage to your tree. These laws vary state to state and some are just downright comical to read, but the bottom line still leans toward ownership of the tree according to its root placement.

Let’s look at the following situations regarding this tree that has suddenly found its way to center stage in our lives!

If you’re a homeowner?

If you own your home, you probably own the land that it sits on. This tree is definitely your responsibility!

If you’re a renter?

With regard to rental properties, it can seem a bit confusing. If the tree has come down due to a storm, the City of Mobile will gladly pick it up. If you just want it removed or even trimmed, do not touch it until you okay it with the actual property owner. Failure to do so may result in your arrest followed by jail time!

If you’re a landlord?

This is pretty much like the homeowner above. If you have, and own, six rental properties and this storm comes through and knocks down 5 trees in three yards, better get busy! The City will help you in hauling it off but for any further clearing of trees and getting all of the existing trees on the ground, that is going to belong to you!

If you’re a neighbor?

Neighbors should remain as cordial as possible. If you begin to feel your face turning red and your internal temperature skyrockets up, relax, take a deep breath and remember that it’s only a tree and this can simply be solved if you’ll just keep your head on straight! Call your homeowners’ insurance carrier, there may be some funds there that you can access to help you in this sticky situation.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Mobile?

The soil found in the greater Mobile area is typical of any beach town across the nation. There is of course a high amount of sand that gives what soil is actually present, the ability to absorb and hold water. This is good and bad for the trees. The good side of it is that the roots of the tree can be surrounded with water-laden sand. However, the bad side of it is that all the excess water tends to loosen root systems and making them susceptible to becoming uprooted with just a small amount of water is present, but it is there for a prolonged period of time.

It is also believed that this watery soil condition can also inhibit a tree’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. When the roots are surrounded by sandy water, some fine particulate matter from the sand can block up the tiny pores in the roots that absorb nutrients. Keeping a close eye on your Mobile soil is your best course of action and formulating a healthy soil plan with our arborists.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Mobile?

Mobile’s weather patterns are pretty much in line with any other beach-type town. The sunny days are sweltering and the storming days are a bit scary. Then there’s always the possibility of a tropical storm or heaven forbid, a hurricane. That’s a top 3 list for enemies of trees, in Mobile or anywhere else. The weather is hot and humid, but the trees of Mobile and Mobile Bay seem to handle the humidity quite well. The only pressing weather issue with them as of this moment are those freak afternoon thunderstorms that can produce a small twister and of course high winds that can pick a tree up and toss it like a child throwing a toy!

Yes, the weather in Mobile does affect the tree health in the area, but so do all the other beach towns along the Eastern Seaboard.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Mobile?

Most, if not all power companies, have a division in place to deal with keeping those power lines free and clear of any vegetation. Alabama Power is no different. If you want to report a tree on or near a power line, use their handy online tool. You can also check out the FAQs at the bottom of the page concerning their policies and procedures for keeping the trees down and the power lines up.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Mobile?

Now let’s put up some numbers concerning the costs associated with having a tree removed in Mobile, Alabama. The way we are going to present this is by showing you what the averages are. The average low, high, and average price paid for a tree removal here in beautiful Mobile:

• Average low cost for tree removal in Mobile, AL $505
• Average high cost for tree removal in Mobile, AL $688
• Average price paid for the removal of a tree in Mobile, AL 596

However, some jobs cost as little as $150, while others can reach up to $1,800 or so. Now we are going to show you a few different situations that can cause those amounts to increase or possibly even decrease.

Size of Your Tree to Be Removed

The above number reflects the removal of a medium-sized oak tree under 40-feet tall. Is your tree one of those eighty to ninety-foot monsters that take three people to join hands and stretch around its trunk? You’ll likely be looking at a bill over $1,500 in that case.

Did Your Tree Cause Any Damage?

Did the falling tree cause damage to your home? to your neighbors home? Did it crush any cars on its way down? All of these will greatly affect your final tree removal costs.

Does Your Tree Just Need to Be Picked Up?

If your tree has fallen and missed all the houses and vehicles on the way down all you need is a good clean up. This might cause your price to drop unless it is still standing, is over 90 feet tall, and needs to come down in nice controlled small sections at a time!