Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Escondido?
- 2 Does the City of Escondido Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Escondido?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Escondido?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Escondido?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Escondido?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Escondido?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Escondido?
Escondido contains a vibrant ecosystem of plant life. Our hot summers and cool, wet winters create the perfect conditions to support the oaks, cottonwoods, walnuts, and willows common in southern California, as well as species that thrive in the arid Mexican pacific coast, like the Tecate Cypress. With this diverse population of trees though comes a diverse population of ailments that can prey on our trees.
Mites
Mites can commonly infect fruit and nut-bearing trees in the area. Several different types of mites live in the area and can quickly overwhelm trees without being noticed. The small bugs are often too small to see with the naked eye without close examination, and are often detected by the tiny webs they spin on leaves. Left unchecked they can cause spotting and yellowing of leaves, and eventually will cause a tree to deteriorate in health to the point of shedding its leaves. There are many ways to control mites, but the speed at which they can overrun trees often means they do damage to host trees before they are detected.
Fungal infections
The Tecate Cypress native to our city are exceedingly rare in California, and only about 15 populations exist throughout the whole state. They are an iconic part of our city’s aesthetic, but during more wet conditions of the winter and spring, fungal infections can commonly gain a foothold in these precious trees.
The most serious infections come from damping-off fungi. The fungi can eat away at a plant from the inside, sometimes resulting in root rot and killing the tree. Fungicides are often effective to treat fungal infections in our native cypress but typically are not able to eliminate an infection that has already taken a foothold, but rather are used to control the damage and spread of infections.
Does the City of Escondido Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Escondido does not provide assistance with tree removal but the San Diego County Department of Public Works commonly trims and even removes nuisance trees within the city. If a tree is obstructing the view of drivers, is threatening power lines, or is encroaching on public property, county workers will commonly step in to trim and remove the tree if necessary.
If the county decides one of your trees needs to be removed or trimmed, they will notify the property owner and give them a chance to rectify the situation themselves. If you choose not to take action, the county will trim or remove the tree at no cost to you.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Escondido?
Under California law, the removal of fallen trees is the responsibility of the property owner of the land on which the tree grows. This means that if one of your trees falls here in Escondido, you’re responsible to remove the tree even if the tree falls off of your property.
Tree law is incredibly complicated here in California, and many disputes can break out when damage is caused by a falling tree or a tree rests on the property line between private property. In the case of damage caused by fallen trees, often it is considered a no-fault incident for the sake of insurance claims. If the tree owner knew that the tree was in danger of falling, however, they may be assigned fault for damage caused by neglecting to remove the tree before it was too late.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you’re a homeowner, the trees on your property are an essential feature of your property. They add to the beauty and value of your property but also come with responsibilities to maintain and, if necessary, remove them. Leaving fallen trees on your property can attract pests and diseases that can affect other trees and plant life and are frankly just an eyesore. Removing them quickly after they fall makes your property safer, more beautiful, and more valuable.
If you’re a renter?
If you are a tenant on a rental property here in Escondido, the responsibility of tree removal likely falls on your landlord. Tenants are commonly responsible for lawn care in lease contracts, but trees are much more permanent fixtures of a property than grass. It’s rare that a tenant would be responsible for trees on a property unless it is spelled out specifically in their lease. If a tree falls on your rental property, your responsibility is probably to alert your landlord and see how they want you to proceed. Depending on your specific circumstances, your landlord may want you to take care of the situation and compensate you or contact us themselves.
If you’re a landlord?
If you’re a landlord, you need to maintain control of the trees on your property. It’s likely your trees were there long before your tenant moved in and many of them will be there long after your tenant has left. This may create a little more work in the maintenance and removal of fallen trees, but your trees are an important part of the value of your property, and shouldn’t be left to someone who has no vested interest in your investment. If a tree needs to be removed on a rental property you own, call us quickly to remove the tree to avoid running afoul of your tenant or the legal requirements of your lease agreement.
If you’re a neighbor?
If one of your neighbors’ trees falls into your property, it’s their responsibility to deal with the removal of it. Speak to them about it. They may want to compensate you to take care of it since it’s now on your property or come deal with it themselves. If they drag their feet or won’t remove the tree though, you may need to reach out to Escondido Code Enforcement to see what your options are to deal with the dispute.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Escondido?
The soil in Escondido is typically slightly acidic and is a rich, dark brown. The soil is composed of fine sandy loam, meaning it is a mixture of very fine particles of silt and clay. Sandy loam is excellent gardening soil, so all manner of plant life including trees here can flourish in our nutrient-rich soil. Bedrock in Escondido’s ground tends to be very shallow, at a depth of around 2.5 to 3 feet. This, combined with the low pH of the soil can pose serious challenges to growing trees that aren’t native to the area, though it’s certainly possible with extra maintenance and care.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Escondido?
Escondido’s mild Mediterranean climate is excellent for growing trees, evidenced by local cultivators of avocados, grapes, and oranges. Mild winters and nearly year-round sun encourage trees to grow rapidly and strong, but extreme heat in the summer can sometimes damage trees. Especially for aging, young, or weakened trees summer weather can pose dangers to water retention and can often burn leaves and roots. Temperatures here sometimes get above 110 degrees in the summer. While strong specimens of our native trees are well adapted to the elements we experience here, trees that are already struggling from disease, pests, or damage may be harmed by the extreme heat.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Escondido?
If a dead tree is near power lines, you are legally not allowed to trim or remove the tree yourself. Power lines can be extremely dangerous, and a tree falling on them or nearby transformers could be disastrous for buildings or people in the area.
According to California law, only specially trained technicians can trim or remove trees near power lines. If a dead tree is encroaching on power lines, immediately contact San Diego Gas & Electric Company to explain your specific situation and see how they would like you to proceed.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Escondido?
The cost of living here in Southern California is notoriously high compared to other regions, but tree removal in Escondido frequently falls in line with the national average cost. Totals in the area typically fall between $300 and $1,750. There are, however, several factors that can influence the cost of removal.
Size
The size of the tree is important with tree removal. Not only are large trees more material to remove and dispose of, but they can require extensive planning to ensure the safety of our arborists, nearby buildings, and other trees in the area. A large tree can do huge amounts of damage if its removal is not planned out in great detail and guarantees that removal is executed safely.
Health
Even if a tree is dead, trees that had health issues will commonly have higher costs to remove. Rotted trees may not provide stable footing or support for our arborists and may fall in unpredictable ways, requiring more safety redundancies and planning. Trees that are carrying diseases need to be disposed of carefully to ensure that they don’t infect your other trees.
Special Circumstances
No two tree removal jobs are alike, and several situations with your specific tree that needs to be removed could complicate the work. Trees that are growing close to buildings for example pose a serious risk of property damage. Situations like this will require more planning, more tools, and often more manpower to deal with which could end up resulting in higher costs to remove the tree.
