Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Camp Verde?
- 2 Does the City of Camp Verde Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Camp Verde?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Camp Verde?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Camp Verde?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Camp Verde?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Camp Verde?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Camp Verde?
The desert climate of Arizona creates specific challenges for trees. Insects and diseases wreak havoc on the arid ecosystem. Abiotic factors such as drought, sunscald, and nutrient deficiencies lead to tree devastation in the Camp Verde region.
Surprisingly, recent University of Arizona research revealed, “human activities are responsible for about 90% of tree problems.” Improper staking and poor planting techniques can leave trees susceptible to damage, rot fungi, and girdling roots.
Some common issues that prevent healthy growth include:
Fungus
Branches, stems, and even trunks of a tree can be negatively affected by fungi growth. Mulberry and cottonwood trees, commonly found in Camp Verde, are highly susceptible to wood rot.
If you think the trees on your property are experiencing fungus-related disease, look for hoof-shaped swelling at the base of the tree. We may be able to trim the affected area without taking down the entire tree, depending on the extent of the damage.
Rust Disease
We commonly treat trees in Camp Verde to prevent infection of this recurring disease. Branches shaped like a witch’s broom are a telltale sign of the presence of this fungi.
Insects
The Camp Verde environment allows pests to thrive year-round. The Asian gypsy moth, longhorned beetle, and emerald ash borer are a few of the commonly found invaders of trees in Arizona.
Fire Blight
Pear and apple trees are highly susceptible to this bacteria disease. Leaves presenting with brown or black streaks, the presence of cankers on the trunk, and weakened branches are all symptoms of this common disease found in Camp Verde.
Does the City of Camp Verde Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Camp Verde has a Tree Advisory Committee (TAC) that works in tandem with residents to protect the community’s trees while expanding natural resources. Designated a Tree City USA, the TAC hosts Arbor Day celebrations, manages invasive species, and provides the community with educational experiences.
The Public Works Department is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of all the town’s tree resources. Any tree considered unsafe will be trimmed, pruned, or removed at the town’s discretion. Section 13-3-5 of the Town Code allows for the removal of any tree that is a hazard to power, gas, or water lines or that has become infected.
Residents are prohibited from removing or otherwise disturbing a tree on public property or located in the town’s right-of-way without prior authorization from the Public Works Department of Camp Verde.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Camp Verde?
No one expects a tree to fall, and when it does, it can become challenging to determine who is responsible for the cost of tree removal. We have created a short reference to help you determine how Arizona zoning laws determine tree removal issues in Camp Verde.
If you’re a homeowner?
Most states, including Arizona, do not hold a homeowner liable for a tree that unexpectedly falls on their property and causes damage through no fault of their own. Contact your insurance provider to file a claim for any property loss damage. Most companies will pay for any expenses related to a tree that fell by “an act of God.”
Keep in mind, if you knew the tree was dead or damaged and did nothing to remedy the situation before it fell, you could be held liable and/or the insurance claim rejected for negligence.
If you’re a renter?
A tenant in Arizona is not authorized to remove a tree from a rental property. Likewise, they are not responsible for the costs associated with tree removal. It is the sole responsibility of the landlord.
Renter’s insurance, while not required, is recommended to protect tenants from any unforeseen damage to their personal property.
If the landlord does not handle tree removal of a hazardous tree, tenants in Camp Verde are advised to send a certified letter to the landlord requesting immediate assistance. You can take legal action against a landlord who does not respond to written notice of a dangerous condition involving the rental property.
If you’re a landlord?
Under the Arizona Residential Landlord-Tenant Law, landlords must “provide safe, clean and habitable residences.”
As a landlord, you must make sure all trees are properly maintained to prevent harm to tenants. Even if the lease agreement states the renter is responsible for lawn care, this typically only includes watering and mowing and does not apply to tree removal costs.
If you’re a neighbor?
If a tree belonging to your neighbor falls on your property, your insurance company will still handle the claim for any damages you incur.
If a tree that belongs to you had no prior damage or disease falls onto your neighbor’s property, you are not responsible. Their homeowner’s insurance policy will cover any losses incurred by the fallen tree.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Camp Verde?
The arid desert climate presents a challenge for healthy tree growth. An increase in salt saturation caused by excessive use of inorganic chemicals and poor drainage limits the trees’ ability to flourish. Mineral accumulation in the soil is known to cause premature defoliation and stunted growth.
Compacted soil leaves no room for air or water to move naturally and can prove detrimental to trees in Camp Verde. Soil grade changes will also create a stressful environment.
If the soil has poor drainage, it does not have access to an adequate supply of sustainable nutrients, oxygen, and water essential to its growth. When the trunk is damaged, the roots start to decay, creating circumstances that are sometimes irreparable.
The soil in Camp Verde that is most beneficial to the life of a healthy tree is often a well-drained, deep clay and sandy loam – commonly found above the floodplains of the Verde River.
Uphill of the riverbeds, the low hill region has shallow soil that is stony with large rock outcrops. While good for rangeland habitats, the native soil is not prime for abundant tree growth.
The mesa tops have developed soil formed from basalt deposits, containing a high content of clay. This soil swells when wet and shrinks as it dries. The deep cracks caused by shrinkage in the ground are known as vertisols. It makes root growth virtually impossible, making the existence of trees minimal at best.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Camp Verde?
The Central Arizona Highlands is located between the Colorado Plateau and the Sonoran Desert. The United States Department of Agriculture cites a climate that consists of an annual cycle of “winter precipitation, spring drought, summer precipitation, and fall drought.”
The lowest elevation in the region is the Verde Valley, where Camp Verde is situated. Trees are affected by winter temperatures and frost that deplete a tree’s energy system. Extreme summer temperatures, a lack of rainfall, and high humidity can also negatively impact healthy tree growth in the region.
The distinct topography of Camp Verde lends itself to a unique ecosystem that prevents many challenges to the trees that commonly grow in this region.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Camp Verde?
Arizona Public Service (APS) provides energy to 2.7 million customers, including Camp Verde residents.
In a downed power line, they recommend staying 100 feet away and immediately contacting 911 for emergency assistance. It is always in your best interest to assume the wire is energized.
If you notice a tree touching or growing too close to a power line, contact APS. A forestry representative will come out within ten days to inspect the situation. If deemed necessary, APS will “prune or remove trees that are growing into high-voltage electrical distribution and transmission lines along streets, alleys or easements.”
Under Arizona State Code 40-260.42, if you need to trim, prune, or otherwise remove a tree on your property that is within six feet of a power line, contact APS before the work begins. If you are using mechanized equipment, the safe distance is 10 feet.
Homeowners are responsible for pruning tree branches that “become tangled in the power line connecting to your house.” APS will schedule a convenient time to temporarily disconnect your power lines to enable you to work safely on the tree without risk of electrical danger.
The power company can be reached at 602-371-7171.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Camp Verde?
Let’s face it, no one wants to remove a tree, but sometimes it is unavoidable.
The average cost to remove a medium tree in Camp Verde is about $700, with $150 being on the low end and $2,000 for a tree of excessive height and girth.
Several cost factors go into determining a final cost for tree removal:
Size of Tree
The first factor looked at when removing a tree is its size. The following prices, while not exact, will give you a better idea of what it will cost to take down a tree on your property.
- Small tree: Under 12 feet – $150 to $400
- Medium tree: 19 to 24 feet – $400 to $900
- Large tree: Up to 60 feet – $1,000 to $1,500
- Extra Large tree: 60 feet and up with at least 36 inches in diameter – $1,500 to $2,000+
Type of Tree
The cost of tree removal is also dependent upon the type of tree. Some trees have extensive root systems that make them more difficult to remove, while others have a large canopy making the job more tedious.
Some problematic trees commonly found growing in Camp Verde include pine, juniper, fir, cypress, spruce, larch, and cedar.
Accessibility
Another factor that raises the cost of tree removal is the location on your property. If it is in the center of the yard with no obstacles, our crews will have an easier time removing the tree.
If there are fences, outlying structures, gates, or neighboring property in the way of the tree, there will be a premium surcharge. There will be an increase in labor costs because of the time needed to complete the job safely.
