AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Alameda, CA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Alameda?

There are a few common tree issues and some specific conditions you should be aware of in the Alameda area.

Sooty Mold

Sooty Mold is usually found during the warmer spring and summer months. The disease will usually not kill your trees but is unsightly with a mold that appears furry and causes leaves to curl and yellow. While the disease is more common among fruit trees, the mold spreads quickly, affects a wide variety of trees, and can also bring aphids.

Shot Hole Fungus

Shot Hole Fungus affects trees of the Prunus species, including almond trees and stone fruit trees. The disease causes the leaves to turn brown, form holes, and stems to become yellow. The disease itself is not deadly to trees, but it can weaken them, making them more susceptible to other diseases and pest infestations.

Chinese Elm Anthracnose Disease

Chinese Elm Anthracnose Disease most commonly affects Chinese Elm trees in the area, but other tree species can be affected. Induced by a fungus, the disease causes black spots on the leaves, cankers near the base, and tree branches to dye from their tips. The disease can weaken your tree, making it more sensitive to other diseases, insects, and weather.

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

While the city of Alameda has several tree ordinances in place to protect the public from trees that are a nuisance or hazardous, they do not offer any assistance with tree removal from private property. With over 19,000 trees on public property and the maintenance of over 60 acres of landscaped areas and medians in the public right of way, Alameda places a high priority on maintaining the urban forest.

For several years, Alameda developed a comprehensive Master Street Tree Plan Matrix with the cooperation of community volunteers and city staff working with the help of a certified arborist. The plan addresses the types of trees planted within the city and specific sites where trees are to be planted in the future.

The Master Street Tree Matrix also protects certain species found in specific areas of the city. Palm trees on Burbank Street and Portola Avenue and any trees on Thompson and Coastal Avenues are protected. Any Coastal Live Oak trees in the city with a trunk diameter of 10 inches or more measured at four and a half feet from the ground.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Alameda?

The city of Alameda municipal code places the responsibility for fallen tree removal on the property owner. Alameda municipal codes also establish guidelines for trimming or removing trees on private property that are encroaching on public right of way and creating a nuisance or hazardous condition.

If you’re a homeowner?

If you are a homeowner in Alameda and a tree falls on your property, you are responsible for the tree removal. While homeowners are typically only responsible for fallen trees on their property, if one of your trees falls on adjoining property, you could be liable for the removal cost if the tree interferes with or restricts the adjoining property owner’s use of their land.

If you’re a renter?

As a renter in Alameda, the landlord, manager, or owner of your rental property is responsible for maintaining trees on the property and removing a fallen tree. Landlords are not typically responsible for property damage that a tenant incurs, so in the event of a fallen tree causing property damage, you should document your loss and contact your rental insurer as well as your landlord.

In some cases, especially if a tree was known to be diseased or damaged, your landlord may be held responsible for property damage from a fallen tree. For this reason, it is essential to contact the landlord or the city about any trees that are dead, dying, or diseased to minimize the risk of property damage.

If you’re a landlord?

As a landlord in Alameda, you are responsible for removing a fallen tree on any property you own, manage, or operate. Additionally, you could be liable if the tree falls on an adjoining property and restricts the use of the property or causes property damage. As a landlord, you may be responsible for damage caused by a fallen tree, regardless of the weather conditions.

Traditionally, the owners of trees that fell over due to high winds, storms, or other acts of God were not held responsible for property damage caused by the tree or removal from adjacent properties. However, California courts have decided that owners must guard against the potential damage that falling trees could cause. To limit your liability, landlords must be aware of the condition of trees on their property, making it vital to have your trees assessed regularly by consulting a certified arborist.

If you’re a neighbor?

Most people will agree that trees are a critical element of many urban and suburban ecosystems, yet trees are a common source of many neighbor disputes. If a tree falls on your property in Alameda, you are usually responsible for the removal. Depending on your homeowner’s insurance, they may pay for part or all of the removal, but ultimately, it is your responsibility.

In some instances, removing a tree that falls on your land from the adjacent property might be your neighbor’s responsibility. In Alameda, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain trees on their land to limit the possibility of damage. If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, they can be held responsible for any damage caused and for the removal of the fallen tree if it restricts the use of your property.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Alameda?

The Alameda area is an ideal environment for many tree species. While many parts of the city have ground contaminated with heavy metals, the soil is typically rich in nutrients and provides adequate drainage. Quality soil and adequate precipitation enable tree root systems to grow well and are two reasons for the diverse tree population in the area.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Alameda?

Alameda has a mild climate with long, comfortable, arid summers and mostly clear winters that are short, cold, wet, and partly cloudy. While boasting an average of 259 sunny days each year, Alameda is not without severe weather occasionally. Its location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean does make it susceptible to storms that include heavy rainfall and strong winds that can bring down tree limbs and trees.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Alameda?

Dead trees near power lines are a significant hazard. A large branch or tree that falls on a power line can cut power to your home and large areas of the community. In Alameda, the city’s not‐for‐profit electric municipal utility, Alameda Municipal Power, has provided service to residents of the city for over 130 years. Alameda Municipal Power is responsible for protecting the community by removing dead trees and maintaining trees and branches that may pose a risk to their power lines.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Alameda?

Typically, the average cost of tree removal in Alameda is $639. This quote includes the average costs for labor, materials, equipment, and cleanup fees. However, the cost of removing a tree in Alameda can vary due to several factors. Three of the most significant cost factors associated with tree removal are the size of the tree, how accessible it is, and the tree’s condition.

Tree Size

One of the most significant cost factors of tree removal in Alameda is the size of the tree. The removal of a relatively small 20-foot tree with a 6-inch diameter trunk is easier and presents considerably less danger to the tree crew than a towering oak that has stood for many years.

A small tree is not only easier to remove but also requires less equipment than a larger tree. While a small tree can be removed safely by a small team working from the ground, larger trees typically require highly skilled tree climbers, equipment to safely bring large branches and sections of the trunk to the ground, and considerably more clean-up time.

Tree Accessibility

The accessibility of a tree can also affect the cost of removal. Trees in the open offer good accessibility, making it simple for the crew to bring in the necessary equipment to remove the tree. Unfortunately, not all trees are on open ground. When a dead or diseased tree is near power lines, homes, other structures, and neighboring trees, it becomes more challenging to remove the tree and protect it from property damage. Trees that have limited access will cost more than those easily removed.

Tree Condition

The condition of the tree also affects the removal cost. Regardless of size or accessibility, healthy trees are more stable than diseased or dead trees. A healthy tree is solid throughout and behaves consistently when cut. Diseased or dead trees often have weak spots and cavities that cause them to be unpredictable when removed. In many cases, a diseased or dead tree can add to the risk of property damage and personal injury, requiring more time and caution when removing.