Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Peoria?
- 2 Does the City of Peoria Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Peoria?
- 4 How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Peoria?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Peoria?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Peoria?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Peoria?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Peoria?
Peoria trees face many challenges when it comes to pests and disease. The hot desert climate also puts trees at risk of becoming sick or dying. Here are a few of the most common issues that can affect trees in Peoria.
Pests and Diseases
Palo Verde root borers are dangerous pests that can kill an otherwise healthy tree. The larvae bore into the ground and eat the roots of your tree, cutting off the tree’s line to nutrients and water. If you notice a branch beginning to die, call an arborist right away. If left untreated, dead branches and trees can become a falling hazard.
Phytophthora causes root rot in woody trees, leaving them sick and vulnerable. This fungal disease thrives in soil temperatures that are above 60 degrees and remain continuously moist. To prevent this disease, ensure that your trees are growing in soil with proper drainage and make sure you water them frequently. If you notice signs of root rot, call an arborist right away. If treated early, your tree can be saved.
Sooty canker is a fungal disease that is found in many smooth-barked trees in the Southwest. It causes limbs to turn brown and wilt, and moist areas may appear on the bark. Beneath the bark, a black, sooty fungus will be present. This disease can spread as spores blow in the wind, so if you notice any symptoms of sooty canker, make sure you call an arborist right away.
Climate
Peoria experiences extreme heat for days on end during the summer months. Native trees have learned to adapt, but many non-native trees can become distressed. Make sure you water your tree more often during hot spells and wrap the trunks of young trees to prevent sunburn.
Does the City of Peoria Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city of Peoria doesn’t offer any assistance to homeowners for tree removal, so if you need to have the job done, contact a local arborist. The state of Arizona, however, requires all residents to obtain a permit before removing or transplanting any native plants or trees. Because Arizona is home to so many varieties of rare native trees, the state wants to ensure that they continue to thrive. If you have a native tree on your property that is dead or dying, fill out a permit application before calling an arborist for tree removal in Peoria.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Peoria?
When a tree falls, it’s important to know where the responsibility lies. In cases where neighbors are disputing over a fallen tree, Peoria lawyers often refer to the Massachusetts Rule to explain liability. Here’s a quick breakdown of the rule.
If you’re a homeowner?
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and paying for the trees on their properties. If a tree falls on your property during a storm or other “acts of God,” your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost.
If you’re a renter?
Renters get to enjoy the freedom from the responsibility of home and landscape maintenance. If you’re a renter and a tree falls, your landlord’s insurance will pay for the tree to be removed. If the tree falls onto your personal property, their insurance should pay for that as well. In some cases, insurance companies may dispute the payment. If this is the case, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you receive payment for your damages.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, you are responsible for the trees on each of your rental properties. This includes regular maintenance on each tree to ensure that they are all healthy and strong. If a tree falls on one of your rental properties, your insurance should cover the cost. If your insurance company can prove that you had neglected the tree and knew that it was at risk of falling, your insurance premium will likely go up.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the costs. Neighbors have long disputed tree responsibility and property lines and this is where the Massachusetts Rule comes into play. When a tree falls onto your property, it doesn’t matter if it’s your tree or not. Your insurance will step in to pay. The only time this may be disputed is in cases where the insurance company can prove that the tree had knowingly been a hazard. If they can successfully prove it, your insurance company will go after your neighbors for payment.
How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Peoria?
Peoria soil lacks several nutrients, including phosphorous, nitrogen, and iron, that non-native trees need to grow healthy and strong. Native trees have adapted to the soil in Peoria and need very little of them to survive. These nutrients are very important for overall tree health.
Phosphorous helps roots to grow, while nitrogen promotes the growth of healthy leaves and branches. If your tree’s soil lacks iron, the leaves can turn yellow and sickly.
Nutrient deficiencies in trees can be serious and can cause trees to become sick and die. In order to keep your trees healthy, you can add nutrients back into the soil. Non-native trees can benefit greatly from annual fertilizing and fruit, nut, and citrus trees need it as well. Native trees to Peoria have adapted over the years to require little fertilization to thrive.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Peoria?
Peoria weather is dry and generally very warm and native trees have learned to adapt to the conditions. Here are a few ways the weather can affect Peoria trees and what you can do to help them stay healthy.
Extreme Heat
Peoria summers are hot and dry and temperatures can spike at higher than 110 degrees. Although native trees are used to the heat, they can suffer if the temperatures remain high for more than a few days. To combat this problem, make sure you water your trees more often. The best time to water plants is in the evening so the water can soak in before it can evaporate in the sun. Try to keep the soil moist during periods of extreme heat so your trees remain hydrated and healthy.
Sunburn
Although it sounds strange, tree trunks are susceptible to sun damage, and the result is a “sunburn”. This issue affects young trees and can injure the tissue beneath the bark. To avoid sunburned trees, wrap their trunks with a white tree guard to protect the vulnerable trunk from the sun’s harsh rays.
Frost
Although plummeting temperatures are rare in Peoria, frost can accumulate overnight on occasion. Since native trees aren’t used to freezing temperatures, it’s important to protect them ahead of time. When the forecast shows a threat of frost, prep your trees by applying a frost-proof spray or place a frost blanket over your most vulnerable trees. Make sure your trees have plenty of water before a frost hits as well. Many homeowners even string Christmas lights throughout their trees when frost is predicted. The warmth created by the lights is just enough to protect trees from frost damage.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Peoria?
Salt River Project, or SRP for short, is the utility company that prunes trees near power lines in Peoria. If left to grow into the power lines, your tree can cause serious issues like power outages and even fires. It’s important to keep an eye on your trees and call SRP at 602-236-8888 for assistance. The utility company will prune tree branches that interfere with power lines between poles. If you have a palm tree within 10 feet of a pole, the company will likely need to remove it. If SRP determines that a tree needs to be removed, they will remove the tree at no cost to you and will recycle the tree’s trunk and branches into mulch.
If, on the other hand, your tree branches are interfering with the power lines that run to your home, you will need to call a local arborist for assistance. Before your scheduled appointment, call SRP so they can temporarily shut off your power. That way, your arborist can safely remove your tree in Peoria.
If you notice an electrical emergency, call 602-236-8811, or for Spanish, call 602-236-1100.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Peoria?
Tree removal is never a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s impossible to determine the cost without a quote specific to your situation. A local arborist can give you a price for tree removal in Peoria by considering several factors. Some of them include:
Tree Size
The size of your tree will greatly affect the size of the job that needs to be done. A short tree with a small trunk will be much easier to remove than one that is very tall and thick. Your tree’s trunk diameter will need to be measured, as well as the height of the tree, to determine the final price of removal. Taller trees will also require a lot of pruning before they can be safely removed. This will take extra time and manpower, resulting in a higher bill.
Tree Location
Tree removal jobs that are near homes, power lines, or other structures are typically more complicated processes. Your arborist will take extra safety measures to ensure that your home and power lines aren’t damaged by equipment or falling limbs, and they deserve to be compensated for the extra work. Expect to pay more for tree removal near your home or power lines.
Accessibility
Trees that fall off the beaten path can be difficult to access. Tree removal in Peoria takes a lot of equipment and accessing your tree can take extra time and effort. If your tree is hard to access, your bill will likely be higher.
