Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Elk Grove?
- 2 Does the City of Elk Grove Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Elk Grove?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Elk Grove?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Elk Grove?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Elk Grove?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Elk Grove?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Elk Grove?
One of the most common reasons for tree removal in Elk Grove is pests and diseases. The likelihood that your tree will be infected increases if the tree is in poor health due to not being maintained properly. Keeping your trees healthy will reduce their chances of attack from pests and fungal growth, lowering the risk of trees falling. Here are the most common issues facing trees in Elk Grove, California:
Broadleaf mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows inside a host tree. After birds eat the berries that this plant produces, they perch on trees. The bird’s droppings fall on the lower branches. The live seed sticks to the tree with the help of the bird’s excrement. Once the seeds begin to germinate, they produce root-like structures that grow into the host tree, stealing its nutrients and water. If the mistletoe infection is bad enough, it will kill off the affected branches and possibly kill the tree. This is a growing problem for trees in Elk Grove, causing falling branches.
Have you noticed the round tumor-like growths on valley oak trees in Elk Grove? These are called galls, and they are a common issue for trees in Elk Grove. The California gall wasp creates them by laying her eggs directly into the tree’s stem tissue during the fall. Once the larvae hatch and start to feed, they release a chemical growth hormone in the tree. This stimulates the formation of the galls. They will live in the protection of the gall for a couple of months until it is time to lay eggs, repeating the process.
Dutch elm disease is another big problem for trees in Elk Grove. At first, you may notice the leaves wilting or shriveling. Next, the leaves and shoots will start to die off. If the branches become infected, they will be killed quickly. After this, if the disease progresses, the entire crown of the tree may be affected. Dutch elm disease can travel to other elms nearby through roots, becoming out of control quickly. The elm bark beetle carries and transfers the fungus that causes the disease to start. This is a difficult tree problem to have and harder to control. If your tree has any of these signs, you need to schedule an appointment with our arborists as soon as possible.
If you notice small, dead areas forming on the needles of your trees, followed by the needles dying off and dropping, it may be anthracnose. This is a tree disease that is caused by several varieties of fungus. Anthracnose is common in Elk Grove, affecting mainly sycamores and white oak. The disease starts with a small black fungus eating the dead needle tissue. Eventually, causing large parts of the branches to turn brown as needles fall. Although anthracnose is not likely to kill your tree, it will make it weaker. If the tree is too weak, it may not make it through storms or droughts. The disease can be avoided by keeping the foliage dry. Try watering at the base of the tree with a drip watering system.
Does the City of Elk Grove Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Will the City of Elk Grove assist with tree removal problems? The answer depends on the tree. The City of Elk Grove does not provide any help with tree removal unless the problem is on city property. If the tree is yours and on your property, they are not likely to help. Another thing to think about is permits. Some trees require one, and others don’t. Most trees are fine to remove, but the city will need to make sure you are not planning to cut down a heritage tree or any oak trees unless they are a hazard. If you are unsure which trees can legally come down, we can help.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Elk Grove?
Fallen tree removal in Elk Grove can be very costly. Before you shell out any money, you need to know who is responsible for the tree. Who’s responsible when a tree falls in Elk Grove? That depends on where the tree falls, who owns it, and who owns the property. The best rule of thumb here is to ask us for help if you are uncertain who should pay to remove a tree. Usually, the responsibility will fall on the landowner’s shoulders.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you own a property in Elk Grove and a tree from your property needs to be removed, you will likely be responsible for the cost of removing it. This is especially true if the tree is diseased because the tree poses a threat. However, if a tree falls on public property during a storm, your best bet is to call the city because they may see it as a public safety issue and take care of it.
If you’re a renter?
If you are a renter and need to deal with tree removal, you must call the property owner. This is because you are not allowed to damage another person’s tree in Elk Grove. If a tree falls during a storm, you need to let your landlord know so that they can take the next steps. In situations where you believe the tree to be a danger but can’t get a hold of the property owner, you can call the city to report it. If they determine the tree is unsafe, they will send a notice to the property owner.
If you’re a landlord?
Assuming that the landlord is the property owner, they would be responsible for tree removal in Elk Grove. If the landlord has coverage, their homeowner’s insurance may step in, but this would depend on the level of damage. If the tree falls in the yard and nothing else is affected, it would make more sense to remove the tree. Usually, the insurance deductible will be higher than the cost of removing a fallen tree.
If you’re a neighbor?
Sometimes, especially during storms, a tree will fall on your property. If you own the property in Elk Grove, you are responsible for removing it. It is true whether the tree that fell was yours or not. Suppose the tree that falls in your yard was due to negligence. Your neighbor might be liable. Unfortunately, it can be hard to prove it. If you have made complaints to the city in the past about your neighbor’s diseased tree, you may have a shot. Otherwise, you will need to call your insurance company to check your coverage.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Elk Grove?
Knowing the type of soil you have is important. The soil type helps determine how much water your trees need and how often you need to supplement nutrients. In some areas of Elk Grove, the soil is sandy loam. In others, it is more of a silty loam. All this means is that the soil is loam soil, but in some areas, there is more sand than silt. All loam soils have three basic components: sand, clay, and silt. If your property has more silt, then you may need to water a little more, but your soil will have a lot of nutrients. If you live in a part of Elk Grove with more sandy loam, you will have fewer nutrients but will need to water a little less. If you believe your soil is causing stress on your trees, you could have the soil tested.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Elk Grove?
Earthquakes are common in Elk Grove. Although most are small, they can still harm trees and other structures. During earthquakes, trees may sway back and forth, which could be harmful if it’s top-heavy or weak. This can be dangerous to people and cause property damage if the tree breaks. To limit tree damage during earthquakes, make sure to keep up with regular tree maintenance and trimmings. If you suspect your tree is a danger, have it checked by our arborists.
California is in a prolonged drought, and it has been devastating to trees in the state. The lack of rain has caused a lot of wildfires and tree damage. If you are thinking about planting more trees, you may want to go with drought-resistant varieties to help with the situation. Droughts don’t just cause fires, they can also compact the soil, making it hard for water to penetrate to the roots. Droughts can also cause foliage and defoliation problems. Underwatering is one of the top reasons for death and tree removal in Elk Grove.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Elk Grove?
Dead trees can be hazardous because they become dry and brittle over time, increasing the risk of breaking. If the tree is near power lines, the problem is much worse. Not only is this a significant fire hazard, but if the tree falls, it can take out the power lines, causing widespread electrical grid shutdowns. If you see a tree near a power line, you should call the power company. They may come out and remove it if the tree is dead and poses a risk of falling. If the tree is alive, they may trim it back.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Elk Grove?
Removing a tree can be a dangerous job, and that can make it cost more. Most homeowners in the area pay between $215 to $1,920 per tree removed. The price usually won’t cover the cost of stump removal or grinding, which are both separate services. Here are some common factors that can increase the price of tree removal in Elk Grove:
Tree Size
You should be aware that the bigger the tree is, the more you’ll end up paying to remove it in Elk Grove. Taller trees come with extra risk to our crew and surrounding property. This is because the homes and neighboring properties are often close together. A 60-foot tree could affect several houses if it falls during removal. Here is a rough estimate of what you may pay to remove a tree based on size:
- The average cost for 20-foot tree removal: $195 to $360
- The average cost for 40-foot tree removal: $390 to $787
- The average cost for 60-foot tree removal: $710 to $1,410
- The average cost for 80-foot tree removal: $823 to $2,260
Another point about size is the waste removal and cleanup. The tree may need to be hauled away in multiple truckloads. If you are requesting firewood or chips from the tree, that may be an additional cost.
Tree Location
Most people don’t think about tree trimming and maintenance when they plant the tree. However, 30 years later, when a diseased 40-foot oak tree needs to be removed, location is everything. If the tree is easy to get to, it will cost less than one that backs up to an apartment building or busy road. If a crane needs to be rented for the day, additional costs are needed for rental and labor. In some cases, a road will need to be closed off during the job, which may require that we get city approval.
Labor Needed
Some tree removal projects may take more people. If someone needs to direct traffic while three of our specialists cut down the tree, you will pay more. Emergency tree removal usually costs more because our workers may be on overtime to fit the job into the schedule. It is best if you plan for tree removals and maintenance in Elk Grove.
