AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Temecula, CA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Temecula?

Temecula is the shining star of Southern California, and because of the presence of the wine and citrus industries, our status is intertwined with that of the trees. One of the most insidious pests that plagues citrus trees in southern California is the Asian citrus psyllid, or Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. As you may have gathered from its name, these tiny insects are originally from the tropical forests of Asia. The bugs themselves aren’t harmful to trees, but they can carry a citrus disease called citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing. Greening disease has completely ruined entire citrus industries in Asia and Africa (where the Asian citrus psyllid was also introduced). These insects were introduced to Southern California early in the 21st century, and because nearly half of all Southern California homes have a citrus tree in the yard, it’s critical for homeowners to keep watch for this disease and prevent it from spreading. If you see any of the symptoms below in your citrus tree, call the CDFA immediately at 1-800-491-1899 to discuss your options:

• Stunted growth
• Fewer leaves than normal
• Yellow-green patches between the veins of leaves
• Lopsided fruit
• Small, dark seeds in fruit

For more information about citrus greening disease and D. citri, check out California Citrus Threat.

Another major killer of trees in Temecula is Fusarium dieback, which is a disease spread by the polyphagous shot hole borer. These borer beetles spread the Fusarium fungus into the trees they burrow into, and have been found in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties. This fungus can cause white, powdery residue on the bark of trees (especially near the beetles’ exit holes), which is the most characteristic symptom of Fusarium dieback. Most of the damage caused by this fungus is internal to trees; it can rot them from inside. If you find this fungus or the beetle that carries it, call our arborists as soon as possible.

A third common agricultural pest introduced in Southern California is the glassy-winged sharpshooter. These insects were introduced here from the southeastern United States, and while their watery discharge makes infested trees easy to spot, it’s yet again not the insects that are the problem. These tiny insects (also known as Homalodisca vitripennis) spread several strains of the bacterium Xyella fastidiosa. These bacteria can cause Pierce’s disease in grapevines, as well as leaf scorch on oleander, almond, and alfalfa trees. If you find this insect or signs of these diseases (such as a “whitewashed” appearance on leaves, or liquid appearing to rain down from trees), it’s time to call in our experts.

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

The city of Temecula maintains the trees it owns. This aegis doesn’t extend to privately-owned trees, so you can’t expect much assistance from the city when you’re trying to remove a tree from your property. If your tree grows into the public right of way, though, the Public Works Maintenance Division may take the initiative of pruning or removing it. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Temecula?

The general rule of tree removal is the same, no matter where you are: if you own the land, you own the tree, and you’re responsible for damages caused by the tree including removing a fallen tree. Of course there are always exceptions, such as when someone else is responsible for causing the tree to fall in the first place, but in most cases, the owner of the tree is responsible for removing it when it falls.

If you’re a homeowner?

A home can be a big responsibility, and if trees grow on that land, the responsibility gets even bigger. That said, there are more reasons to have trees than not to have them, and homeowners insurance is generally well-equipped to handle claims due to fallen trees.

Before you start the process of removing a fallen tree, though, you should verify that you are, in fact, the owner. The city of Temecula requires street trees to be planted at the front of every residential lot. If the tree that fell was one of these city trees, you’re off the hook. Temecula’s zoning laws regarding planting may seem Draconian at times, but this is a case where they can work in your favor.

If you’re a renter?

If you rent your home, your landlord is responsible for major upkeep and maintenance on the property. This includes removing fallen trees. If a tree on your rented property falls, you should inform your landlord right away so they can call our arborists to have it removed. Your landlord will also be responsible for repairs to the property (such as roofs and fences) that are damaged by the fallen tree, so long as you didn’t cause the tree to fall yourself. Your renter’s insurance will likely cover damages to property you own.

If you’re a landlord?

If you’re a landlord, you’re responsible for maintaining the trees on all property you own. This includes preventative inspections, regular trimming, and removing any fallen trees or branches on the property. It’s much easier to have our arborists do these regular inspections than wait for your tenants to find something untoward, and it can help prevent trees from falling in the first place.

If you’re a neighbor?

If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, this can cause damages not only to the property, but to your relationship with your neighbors as well. Keep in mind that while the owners of the tree are generally responsible for the damage caused, you still have to live next to the person. While this is undoubtedly a stressful situation, try to remain friendly with your neighbor as you walk through the homeowners insurance claim.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Temecula?

Temecula is famous in part for being the center of Southern California’s wine country, and that’s largely due to its soil. Much of the soil in Temecula is light, sandy loam filled with decomposing granite, which provides amazing drainage. This kind of soil has fewer nutrients than many others, though, so while it’s great for grapes, it can damage trees that are unsuited for the soil. The best way to get around this is to plant native trees on your property. These native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, which means that not only can they thrive in local soils, but they’re also hardy to common hazards such as drought. Some of these native trees include:

• Scrub oak
• Red willow
• Fremont cottonwood
• Hollyleaf cherry
• White alder
• Mesquite
• Western sycamore

You can also supplement your soil using natural fertilizers if you think one of your trees needs more nutrients than it’s getting.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Temecula?

The number one environmental factor when considering tree health in Temecula is drought. If you’ve lived in Southern California for any length of time, you probably understand how important it is to conserve water, and yet many trees need lots of water year-round.

Some of the effects drought can have on tree health include:

• Reduced ability for a tree’s roots to absorb water
• Death of leaves and branches
• Wilting of leaves
• Susceptibility to disease due to stress
• Increased presence of insects

The best way to mitigate this is to keep your trees well-watered, even during dry periods. But this is easier said than done, especially during a drought; trees can take enormous amounts of water, and drought restrictions can make it very difficult to give proper water to all your plants. Some ways to consider getting around this are:

• Planting entirely drought-hardy trees, such as California sycamores, olive trees, sumac, and Carolina laurel
• Installing a customizable sprinkler system so you can water only what you need
• Xeriscaping your yard so you need less water overall

Drought can have lasting impacts on trees even long after the rain starts again, so it’s important to prepare your trees for it well ahead of time.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Temecula?

Trees near power lines are a major hazard, as their branches can conduct electricity into the ground and cause massive power outages. Dead trees near power lines are even more of a risk because they can lose branches or fall and completely knock the lines over. This is why California’s Public Utilities Commission requires Southern California Edison to trim problem trees in their right-of-way, and trim more than 750,000 trees a year. They can’t know everything, though, so if you have a question about a potentially hazardous tree, call SoCalEd at 1-800-655-4555. If a tree or limb has actually fallen on power lines, call their emergency hotline at 1-800-611-1911.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Temecula?

There are a lot of factors that can go into the cost of removing a tree, and in Temecula, the price range varies. The cost of removing a tree can range anywhere from about $300 to $1,400 or more, with the average being around $850. Some of the variables that can play into the price you end up paying are listed here:

Size of the Tree

Whoever said that “bigger is better” probably didn’t have tree removal in mind. Larger trees mean larger problems, especially if the tree is close to a building or a fence. Some potential tree removal prices based on size are listed here:

• Small tree (under 20 feet): $300-$600
• Medium tree (20-30 feet): $600-$900
• Large tree (30-60 feet): $900-$1,400
• Very large tree (60+ feet): $1,400 and up

Location of the Tree

The easier a tree is to reach, the easier it will be to remove. And if you’re cutting down a tree, it needs a safe place to fall. Clearing out an escape zone can also add to the price of tree removal. Also, if you need to remove a tree that’s on a hill or in a hard-to-reach area of your backyard, expect to pay more just because your tree is harder to reach.

Tools & Parts

Sometimes, trees need special tools to remove. These can cost extra to bring to a removal site. Trees near buildings also require more specialized equipment, especially if they’ve fallen on those buildings, which can also drive up the cost of removal. Tree removal that is straightforward and requires few tools more specialized than a chainsaw will generally cost less.