Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Phenix City?
- 2 Does the City of Phenix City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Phenix City?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Phenix City?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Phenix City?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Phenix City?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Phenix City?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Phenix City?
There are several non-native invasive insect species and other tree diseases affecting Alabama and Phenix City. One of the most significant threats is southern pine bark beetles. This insect kills its host tree to reproduce and attacks large quantities of pine trees causing substantial damage. It is currently Alabama’s biggest tree threat, killing an average of 60,000 pines trees yearly. This insect lays its eggs under the bark and after hatching, the larva eats the tree from the inside, eventually killing it. Signs of an infestation include yellowing or browning needles, leaking sap, and boreholes in the bark. If you suspect one of your trees has been infested with this pest, it’s important to call in our experts right away to stop the spread. Once these insects mature, they can quickly spread throughout an area.
The emerald ash borer is another threat to local trees. A metallic green insect, the ash borer attacks all species of ash tree and as the bark beetles, its larvae are very destructive. One emerald ash borer can lay up to 200 eggs, in the crevices of a tree’s bark. When they hatch, they tunnel inside the tree, feeding on it for the next two years. They typically infest the crown of a tree first, which can make early detection difficult. Signs of an infestation include leaf loss or yellowing, and dying branches in the crown. The best way to remedy this situation is to have us cut down the infected tree, cut the wood into 1 inch or smaller pieces, and burn it on-site. Typically, infected trees cannot be saved, and it’s important to have them removed as soon as possible to prevent the insect’s spread.
Not all threats to local trees are due to local insects, Many fungal species are also important to look out for. For example, Annosus root rot is a disease caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum. It affects all species of conifers and enters through a wound in the tree where it spreads throughout the root system, rotting it. Since trees growing near each other have root systems that touch one another, this disease spreads quickly throughout areas. Signs of an infection include clusters of dead or dying trees, trees that are leaning due to lack of proper root support, and stringy-looking white rotten If you notice any of these issues, call in our professionals to take a look right away.
Does the City of Phenix City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If you’re a local resident who has been trimming and pruning their trees, the city will help you dispose of the branches. Tree trimmings that are no longer than six feet, no larger than 4 inches in diameter, and no heavier than 50 lbs can be disposed of along with your regular trash. The city will remove one cubic yard load per week for free, anything more than that comes with an additional fee. If you need to dispose of a branch or debris that is larger than these measurements, they can be picked up by arranging a special collection and paying an additional fee.
The city is responsible for maintaining and removing trees located in the public right of way, such as street trees and within public parks. Homeowners are responsible for removing fallen, infected, or dying trees located on their property and may do so without a permit.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Phenix City?
If you’re dealing with fallen trees on your property or a neighbor’s, you’re probably wondering who is responsible for the costs associated with their removal. Let’s take a look at some different situations you might be dealing with and discuss who is responsible in each case.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the property owner, homeowners are responsible for the removal of fallen trees on their property. This remains true even if the tree has fallen onto a neighbor’s yard, or into a public right-of-way area. There are some situations where you might have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers the cost of removal, such as if you have a storm damage policy. If one of your trees has fallen as the result of a storm, or if you have several large trees on your property that you’re concerned about for the future, it’s a good idea to check in with your insurance company and consider adding tree removal cost coverage if you have not already done so.
If you’re a renter?
Renters are not responsible for the financial costs associated with tree removal as they are not the property owner. The landlord is responsible for these costs and cannot legally pass them on to their tenants.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are responsible for removing fallen trees on all of their owned properties. As we discussed with homeowners, it’s always a good idea to check in with your insurance company and see if any portion of removal costs is covered by your current policy.
If you’re a neighbor?
Neighbors have the right to trim any portion of a neighbor’s tree branches that reach over property lines onto their land, as long as doing so doesn’t harm the health of the tree. It’s a good idea to inform your neighbor in advance if you decide to do this. If a tree whose trunk was on someone else’s property has fallen onto yours, they are responsible for having it removed.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Phenix City?
There are several types of soil present throughout Phenix City. The Chattahoochee River area includes flood plains where the soils are high in clay content while other areas feature high levels of sand and gravel. In general, much of the soil in this area is sandy loam. The higher sand content in this soil type allows it to drain well, which allows water to become evenly distributed among the roots without pooling and causing damage to them. Additionally, loamy soils are high in the nutrients that trees need. Together, the soil in Phenix City is nutrient-rich, well-draining, and ideally suited to several tree species including poplar, red oak, and many species of pine.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Phenix City?
Phenix City experiences a humid subtropical climate, with evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. Trees in this area typically don’t experience drought periods that can harm their growth, however, weather can still pose a potential problem in the form of storms. Phenix City experiences seasonal thunderstorms with occasional severe winds that can harm branches, or even uproot trees. Trees that have been infected with a disease or pest are particularly at risk as their structure has been weakened, leaving them more likely to fall in windy conditions.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Phenix City?
Phenix City is powered by two electric utility companies, Alabama Power and Tallapoosa River Electric Co-op. In both instances, they advise local residents to never attempt to trim or remove trees located within 10 feet of power lines themselves. These companies trim and manage trees located near power lines throughout Phenix City. If you notice a dead or fallen tree near power lines, you should call your electric company right away and report it so that they can send an expert out to fix the situation.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Phenix City?
Tree removal can be pricey, and the cost is determined by many factors. Different parts of the country can expect to pay differing amounts for our tree removal services. In Phenix City, costs vary between $183 and $2,059 at the higher end, with average costs being $571. Let’s take a closer look at the primary factors influencing these prices.
Trunk Diameter
It’s not only the height of the tree that’s important when determining removal costs. One of the first things our experts will look at when determining the price of removal is the width of the tree’s trunk. A thick, wide trunk is more difficult to remove than a slender one. Sometimes additional equipment will be necessary and the amount of time removal will take can also increase, which affects the cost you will be charged.
Urgency
A good rule of thumb is if it’s not an emergency you can expect to pay less. If you need a tree removed because it fell and is blocking your driveway or is on top of your house, then you need the help of our experts right away. Situations like these typically cost more than non-emergencies that can be scheduled weeks in advance. If your tree has fallen as the result of a storm, many of your neighbors are likely experiencing similar issues, so our local tree removal experts can be very busy.
Tree Shape
Trees are removed in sections and no two removals are identical. Our experts will examine the tree’s shape and branch pattern and develop a removal plan based on each tree’s unique structure. Trees that have several large sections to remove are more time-consuming and challenging and will cost more than trees with a more simple branch pattern. Trees that have branches overhanging other buildings or roads can also be more costly.
