AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Tustin, CA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Tustin?

Known by the locals as the “City of Trees,” Tustin is arguably one of the most beautiful places to live and raise a family in California. Located in central Orange County between Irvine and Santa Ana, Tustin is genuinely a home of beautiful trees that line up the streets, making a tour through the city such a pleasant and tranquil experience. Some of the trees that thrive in Tustin include California live oak, Native sycamores, California pepper trees, Camphor trees, Cypress trees, Bluegum, Magnolias, Mulberry, Camphor, Podocarpus, Magnolia, and many more. 

Despite the best care, trees in Tustin are facing a growing list of issues that require urgent removals. These include destructive insects and pests, wildfires, bad weather events such as storms, hailstorms, droughts and famine, and human activities. Common tree pest and diseases that lead to massive damage and death of trees in the city include:

• Anthracnose: Anthracnose is arguably one of the most common tree diseases in the city of Tustin. Anthracnose is a fungal disease mainly affecting the hardwood species. Its symptoms include leaves that turn brown or black with splotches resembling scorch marks. Anthracnose is a destructive disease that can kill trees within one year after the initial infestation. If you notice any of the symptoms, contact Tree Triage for treatment or removal.
• Crow rot: Crow rot is another invasive disease caused by a soil-borne fungus. Although it mainly affects garden plants and shrubs, the disease can also spread to your trees. Signs of crow rot include rotted areas on tree branches and the trunk near the roots. Crow rot is one of the most dangerous diseases responsible for thousands of tree deaths in the larger California area, including the trees in Tustin city.
• Cytospora canker: The cytospora canker disease is caused by several species of Valsa and Leucostoma fungi. Canker disease results in sunken oval areas on the bark of the affected trees in the early stages. Late-stage canker results in the affected areas crumbling. Cankers can extend around an entire stem or branches, cutting off water and nutrients to the rest of the tree, thereby killing it within a short time.
• The borer beetle: The borer beetle continues to pose a devastating threat to California trees. The beetles attack dozens of tree species in California, including common landscape trees, commercial avocado groves, and native species in wildland and urban environments. The borers transmit a disease known as the Fusarium Dieback (FD) and spread by pathogenic fungi. In susceptible trees, the disease symptoms include branch dieback, canopy loss, and, in some cases, tree mortality.
• California oak worm: California oak worm occurs in some species of oak trees in the city, including white, red, blue, and live oaks. Young larvae devastate the lower leaf surface and cause the leaves to turn brown and die out. Older larvae feed through the leaf blade, leaving only prominent leaf veins. During the significant infestation period, individual trees or groups of trees are almost wholly defoliated by late summer or early fall. This pest is probably the most severe defoliator of oaks in California that results in massive tree deaths.        

These are some of the most serious diseases and pests affecting trees in the city of Tustin. If any of your trees are in poor health, the aesthetic appeal of your home is at stake. Contact Tree Triage as soon as you notice any sign of infestation. Our expert arborists are equipped with the latest tools and boast years of experience to diagnose myriads of tree problems and remove any tree before it becomes a costly problem. 

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

There is no doubt the city of Tustin takes tree matters seriously. The city spent over $914,000 last year to care for the approximately 16,000 trees in Tustin’s urban forest. It is no wonder that the city won the prestigious Tree City USA 2020 Award that acknowledges higher levels of tree care and environmental improvement in Tree City USA communities. The award typically has four levels of requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. 

Tustin City also has solid tree ordinances that guide the planting, pruning, removal, preservation, and protection of City-owned/maintained trees and those planted in private properties. According to the Tustin tree ordinance, it is the responsibility of the Landscape Division to care for the 16,000 trees located within the public right-of-way and on public property. These duties range from planting and root pruning to tree trimming and removal. The division also responds to hazardous tree situations and fallen limbs which are common during storms.

As for the trees on private property, the city’s tree ordinances confer responsibility to the property owner to maintain, trim or remove hazardous trees on their property. Ideally, a permit may be required to remove protected trees as defined in section 15-301(e) of the ordinance.

However, a permit will not be required for removing any species of tree in the following category as per the ordinance: “Individual deteriorated or damaged trees, including trees which have depreciated as a result of fire, age, disease, lightning, disease, or other acts of nature and which may be a hazard to property or life.” 

In a nutshell, whether the city of Tustin will extend help to property owners who need to remove trees in their private properties will depend on whether such trees fall under the “hazardous tree situations.” For the most part, it is the sole responsibility of the property owners to remove downed trees from their properties.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Tustin?

Tustin has always been considered a homely and beautiful community because of its inviting trees. Unfortunately, the trees in the city are the basis of long-standing disputes between neighbors due to overhanging branches, damage from roots, and falling trees. If you or your neighbor has an issue with the other over trees and shrubs located on boundaries, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Tree disputes are covered by common law that the courts have developed over time.
• As a property owner, you enjoy a right to trim back any leaves or branches that enter your property at your own cost. This is commonly known as the right of abatement.
• You are liable for damage that you cause to your neighbor’s tree when performing maintenance.
• If you believe that you require access to your neighbor’s land to perform tree maintenance, you need their consent. 

Let’s look at the persons responsible for tree removal in different situations.

If you’re a homeowner?

It is your responsibility as the homeowner to remove a fallen tree on your property. Your homeowner’s insurance can help cover the cost of removal and any damage caused by the fallen tree.

If you’re a renter?

Unless otherwise stated in the lease, a tenant is not liable for any fallen tree on a rented property. It is the landlord’s responsibility or the entity owning the property to remove a downed tree and pay for the cost of any damage caused by the tree. 

If You’re a Landlord?

Ideally, a landlord in Tustin is responsible for maintaining and removing any fallen trees on the property. Additionally, the landlord is also required to ensure the safety of trees in their property at all times.

If you’re a neighbor?

If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property due to natural causes, you will be responsible for its removal. Your homeowner’s insurance can help cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage caused to your property. Similarly, should a tree on your property fall on your neighbor’s property due to a no-fault of your own, your neighbor will be responsible for its removal. However, if it is established that the tree fell due to your negligence, you could be held liable.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Tustin?

San Joaquin series is the state soil of California and is the most occurring soil series in the city of Tustin. San Joaquin soils are formed in old alluvium on hummocky topography. These soils have a brown to reddish-brown surface or surface soil horizon with a combination of sand, silt, and clay texture that accumulates organic matter. However, its fourth horizon has a cemented hardpan located a few feet beneath the surface that restricts tree roots and water percolation. This trait eventually leads to shallow root development making trees susceptible to extreme weather events, including storms and high winds. Shallow roots can also expose trees to the adverse effects of drought and famine.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Tustin?

Many factors cause Tustin City weather to be quite changeable and unpredictable with reported significant extremes in both weekly weather patterns and annual trends. Harsh weather events can wreak havoc on trees, shrubs, and lawns. Winter and spring accompanied by excessive precipitation cause loss of nutrients in the soil, root rots in trees, and fallen trees due to loose soil during high winds. In the past years, Tustin has also experienced a severe drought that resulted in stressed trees, insect and disease infestations, and eventual loss. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Tustin?

Shrubs, trees, and other vegetation can pose safety hazards and possible power interruptions if they stand too close to power lines. As per the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) adopted by the state of California, it is Tustin’s Utilities Company that is responsible for trimming and removing trees near power lines. For safety, homeowners may also be required to regularly cut or remove dead, dying, diseased, or trees growing near or under power lines. However, only specially trained tree trimmers can work near power lines. Our arborists are well equipped to remove or trim some trees on your property near power lines. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Tustin?

The average cost of tree removal in Tustin city ranges from $233 to $1,923 in most cases. This cost doesn’t include any permits required for tree cutting projects and inspection and/or Tustin building fees. Essentially, the actual cost of a tree project will be determined by factors such as:

Size

The bigger the size of a tree, the higher the removal cost is. Large trees typically require more effort and resources. Giant trees also pose serious safety hazards since we will use top-notch equipment to remove them which can add up the cost.

Location

A tree located near buildings or near high-tension power lines and busy roads presents complexities. Its removal requires more effort and skills that makes it quite expensive. 

The Health of a Tree

A weak, dying, or infected tree can be removed effortlessly. However, a robust, well-developed tree can be hard to remove. We leverage high-tech machines and skilled resources to remove a healthy, thriving tree that can add up the cost.