Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Surprise?
- 2 Does the City of Surprise Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Surprise?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Surprise?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Surprise?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Surprise?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Surprise?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Surprise?
Trees in Surprise face many challenges from the desert heat to pests and diseases. Here are the most common issues we see:
Palo Verde Root Borers
These dark brown or black beetles can measure three to four inches in length and live for up to three years. Female root borers lay their eggs in the soil near the base of palo verde trees and when the larvae hatch, they bore themselves into the tree’s roots and eat them. The worst part about these infestations is that they’re nearly impossible to notice until your tree’s roots are significantly damaged. The best way to prevent these pests is by keeping your tree healthy and strong. Water it regularly. Add compost to the soil and prune away dead or dying branches as you notice them.
Sooty Canker
This disease causes tree branches and limbs to wilt. It primarily affects mulberry trees, but many smooth-barked trees are susceptible to this fungal disease. Under the bark of affected trees, you can find a black sooty substance and wet spots can appear on the branches. Fungal spores can blow in the wind and affect nearby trees, so if you notice any signs of a sooty canker, have our arborists treat your trees quickly.
Fall Webworm
During the larvae stage, these pests create webbed nests on ornamental trees and shrubs in late summer and fall. They do not pose a large risk to large, healthy trees, but small or vulnerable trees can become completely covered in webs. If this happens, a small or sick tree will lose all of its leaves, leaving it at risk of more diseases or pest infestations. If you notice any sign of fall webworms, call our arborists to check it out. We’ve got the right tools and pesticides to handle any infestation.
Bark Beetles
There are many varieties of bark beetles that infest the trees in Surprise. These pests burrow under the bark of trees and quickly take over. If left untreated, a tree can die very quickly. Bark beetles attack dead or dying trees, so to avoid these pests, it’s important to care for your trees. Prune away dead branches and water your tree often. Look for any signs of stress and have our arborists assess your tree at the first sign of sickness.
Does the City of Surprise Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city doesn’t offer any services for tree removal on private property, so if you need to have a tree removed, it’s on you to call us to get the job done. According to the municipal code regarding landscaping, homeowners are expected to prune and remove any dead branches or trees. If no action is taken after a warning from the city, they will hire an arborist to do the work at the homeowner’s expense.
The state of Arizona does have regulations in place that involve native tree transplanting and removal. If your dead or dying tree is a native tree, you will need to apply for a state permit before any action is performed by our arborists. Many native trees in Arizona are very rare and the state government does everything they can to preserve their native species.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Surprise?
Tree removal is an expensive job so it’s important to know who is responsible when one goes down. Let’s break it down so you can be prepared for a variety of scenarios.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner, you are responsible for pruning and caring for all the trees on your property. If a tree falls during a storm or other unforeseen events, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost. You will only be responsible for paying the deductible.
If you’re a renter?
Renters don’t own their homes or anything on their properties, so if a storm blows in and a tree falls, they don’t need to worry about cleanup. The landlord’s insurance will step in and pay for the tree’s removal. If you’re a renter and your personal property is damaged by the tree, your landlord’s insurance is responsible for compensating you for the damage. If they are reluctant, you may need to consult with a lawyer for help.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, you’re responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all the buildings, trees, and landscaping on your rental properties. That means you should be regularly pruning and checking your trees for signs of sickness or infestation. If a tree falls on one of your properties, your insurance will take care of the cleanup. You will only need to pay the deductible.
If you’re a neighbor?
When a tree falls across property lines, neighbors tend to point fingers or throw their hands up in confusion. Neither is helpful and the law is clear on the issue. Regardless of where the tree originated, if it falls onto your property, your homeowner’s insurance will take care of it. The same goes for your neighbors: if a tree falls onto their property (whether it belongs to them or not), their insurance will pay to have it removed. Now, if your insurance can prove that your neighbor’s tree had been neglected and at risk of falling and it fell onto your property, your insurance may go after theirs for payment.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Surprise?
The soil survey of Maricopa County revealed that Surprise’s soil was lacking in several nutrients including phosphorus, nitrogen, and iron. Native trees have adapted to the soil, but non-native trees can become sick without these essential nutrients. The soil in Maricopa county is considered among the poorest conditions in the nation for vegetation and you’ll need to add amendments to help your plants and trees grow. Well matured compost can be mixed into the soil, providing organic matter and nutrients that your tree’s roots desperately need. You can also spread a thick layer of mulch around your tree’s base to provide protection from the elements, lock in moisture, and add more nutrients to the soil.
Native trees have adapted to the soil in Surprise and their resilience keeps them from needing the nutrients that most nonnative trees crave. Take some time to learn about your trees to find out what they need. Our arborists can help you choose the best fertilizer for your specific trees.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Surprise?
Drought
Native trees have learned to require less water in this desert climate, but many trees in Surprise are suffering without enough irrigation. Droughts are common in Surprise and it’s important to frequently water your trees when water is lacking. Without enough water, they will weaken, leaving them susceptible to disease and infestation.
Extreme Heat and Sunburn
With temperatures spiking at over 100 degrees in the summer, the trees in Surprise are used to extreme heat. Water your plants in the evenings during very hot weather so the roots have time to soak it all up. If you water your trees during the daytime hours, the water can quickly evaporate before the roots get a chance to hydrate the tree.
The blazing sun can also damage the trunks of young trees. If exposed to the sun for too long, the tissue beneath your tree’s bark can become damaged. To avoid this “sunburn”, you can wrap the trunks of young trees with a white tree guard.
Flash Floods
It may seem ironic that trees in the desert can be damaged by rain, but the soil just isn’t used to heavy rainfall and can’t absorb it quickly enough. If heavy rainfall occurs, it can displace soil and expose tree roots to the elements. If a tree is already sick or at risk of falling, it can be uprooted easily in these conditions.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Surprise?
Arizona Public Service is in charge of pruning and removing trees that are near power lines in Surprise. They provide these services at no cost to you, so if you notice any branches that are near power lines, just give them a call at (602) 371-7171 or chat with a representative online. They’ll send someone out within 10 business days to take care of the problem.
If you have waited too long and your limbs are already tangled in the power lines, give APS 24 hours notice and they’ll shut off your power temporarily so you can have our arborist come out and take care of the issue.
APS also offers a wood chip and mulch program to all of its customers. If you email apswoodchipprogram@aps.com, they’ll deliver free wood chips or mulch to your home.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Surprise?
The answer to this question is “somewhere in the ballpark of $750.” However, you may pay anywhere between $150 and $1,750. Since every situation is unique, your mileage may vary when it comes to the price. If you need to have a tree removed, we’ll consider several factors when calculating the cost.
Tree Size
The first thing we’ll do is measure your tree. This will be the biggest factor in determining your price. We’ll measure your tree’s height as well as the diameter of its trunk. Large trees with lots of branches will take a lot of extra effort and manpower, so they’ll cost more to remove. Small trees with little foliage will cost you less.
Nearby Obstacles
If your tree is out in an open space, there are few obstacles for our arborists to work around. If, on the other hand, you’ve got a house or power lines nearby, the job becomes more complicated. We’ll work carefully to keep our arborists and your property safe from fallen branches and debris, but it’s going to take longer and will therefore cost a little more.
Accessibility
We’ve got to bring a lot of equipment to the worksite, so if your tree is hard to reach, your bill will probably increase. If it’s near a drivable path, it will take much less time and effort to access and will cost you less.
