AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Denver, CO

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Denver?

Denver has a beautiful climate, full of sunshine and warmth in the spring and summer months, and cooler temperatures that produce some snowfall in the winter. During the long summer months, some bacterial or fungal diseases spread quickly, and pests can become a major problem for trees too. Three of the most common tree issues we see in Denver include Marssonia leaf spot, Cytospora cankers, and bacterial wetwood.

Marssonia Leaf Spot

Marssonia leaf spot looks just like it sounds. This fungal disease produces brown spots on the leaves of aspen, poplar, and cottonwood trees. These spots tend to appear in late July in Denver, and they are usually surrounded by a yellow halo. Affected leaves sometimes drop during the summer months instead of the fall, and it’s important to collect infected leaves and dispose of them properly.

Fortunately, this disease won’t kill trees, but it can cause significant stress that makes trees more susceptible to other diseases. Trees that develop leaf spots frequently may be helped with the use of certain fungicides.

Cytospora Cankers

Cytospora cankers are cracks on bark caused by many different fungal species under the Cytospora umbrella. This fungus preys on trees that are already damaged and stressed, and it works its way into the bark, eventually killing the entire tree if left unchecked.

Some trees that have been subjected to the fungus will develop cankers that look like cuts along their bark, and these cankers will even ooze liquid. Cytospora cankers can weaken the structural integrity of trees too, making them more hazardous when they sit near homes or other property.

Fortunately, prevention efforts by keeping trees healthy and free of stress, can work wonders on preventing cankers from taking hold. Even if it’s too late to save one tree from cankers, there are several steps you can take to ensure the fungus doesn’t spread to other nearby foliage leading them to the same ill fate.

Bacterial Wetwood

Bacterial wetwood is a common issue in Colorado, especially among cottonwood, elm, and willow trees. The disease is also known as bacterial slime, as trees that are infected with bacterial wetwood can ooze a nasty, fermented slime that prevents growth in other areas of the tree.

This disease primarily affects the core of larger trees, and it’s associated with several different types of bacteria, such as those from the Klebsiella or Pseudomonas family. The first sign that a tree has bacterial wetwood is a yellow or brown discoloration of the outer bark. It’s also possible to see swelling of the bark, and this is due to gas pressure within the tree that is generated by bacteria and can also lead to the oozing of slime.

The slime emitted from trees with bacterial wetwood is usually foul-smelling, and it’s often an orange color that turns white or gray when it dries. Once a tree has bacterial wetwood, there is no cure, but there are some ways to slow the spread of it to other parts of the tree and other nearby plants.

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

Yes, the City of Denver will assist with tree removal when trees fall on public property, such as public parks or roads. If there are trees that need removal or attention along designated parkways in the city, the City of Denver will also perform routine maintenance for trees directly in the public right-of-way. They will not, however, handle trees that are on perpendicular streets.

Some property owners may have one side of their yard on parkways, and other sides along the perpendicular streets. In these cases, the property owner may be responsible for removing some trees on their property but not others.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Denver?

When a tree falls due to a storm, illness, or other accidents, it can be difficult to know who is responsible for having it removed from the property. Fallen trees have been known to cause disputes among neighbors, landlords, and renters, so it’s helpful to know who should handle tree removal ahead of time.

If you’re a homeowner?

When you own your home and the surrounding property, you are likely responsible for getting a tree removed when it falls over onto your property. For this reason, it’s helpful to take excellent care of your yard’s trees to keep them healthy and resilient in the face of strong winds or potential illnesses.  

If you’re a renter?

Some rental contracts state that renters are responsible for basic yard care, such as mowing the lawn, picking up leaves, or shoveling snow off sidewalks. When it comes to fallen tree removal, however, landlords are likely responsible for the costs unless it is specifically stated in the rental agreement that it will be up to the renter.

If you’re a landlord?

When you own the property, even if you are renting it out to others, you will most likely be responsible for having a fallen tree removed from the premises when it falls over. If a tree falls on your renters’ property, like their car, you probably won’t be liable for damages if it was a freak accident. If the trees were neglected and tenants warned you about the hazards they posed, you may become liable.  

If you’re a neighbor?

It may seem unfair that if a tree rooted in your neighbor’s yard falls onto your property, you become responsible for having it removed, but that’s usually how it goes. It can be helpful to discuss these matters with neighbors ahead of time, especially when a tree sits on property lines. In these cases, many neighbors opt to share the costs of tree removal and care.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Denver?

Denver soil can vary widely depending upon a whole host of factors, but the city has struggled with compacted soil for quite some time now. Compacted soil is soil that has been packed down, thanks to foot traffic, construction, or vehicular traffic. When soil becomes compacted, it limits the amount of oxygen within the soil, and this can negatively affect the way trees and other plants absorb nutrients and water.

Other soil factors that can affect trees in Denver include soil pH and nutrient content. Much of Denver’s soil is slightly alkaline, meaning it has a pH above seven. Most trees and plants actually prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but with proper care, they can tolerate soils with a more alkaline pH.

Denver’s alkaline soil situation is unique too, as it also contains high levels of calcium carbonate, which will easily neutralize any acid that is added to the soil. As a result, your best bet when planting new trees or plants is to simply select those that are more tolerant to alkaline soils.  

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Denver?

Although Denver is known to get some large snowstorms in the winter, the rest of the year sees very low amounts of precipitation. This can lead to droughts that put stress on trees and can make them more susceptible to other diseases. Droughts are also problematic when they are followed by sudden storms, as trees that have been weakened by dehydration for long periods of time are more vulnerable to strong winds and flooding.

When there is minimal rainfall in the forecast, it’s a good idea to water your trees about one inch per week. It’s also important to give the soil time to recover after watering, as this allows oxygen to reintegrate into the soil and keep trees healthy.  

It has been decades since a tornado has hit the City of Denver specifically, though the area is subjected to high winds on occasion. Keeping trees healthy and strong allows them to withstand strong winds and storms, and performing basic preventative maintenance tasks can save you money in the long run.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Denver?

If there are dead trees or problematic limbs near power lines in Denver, Xcel Energy may send a team out to remove the tree if they decide it does pose a risk to power lines. This usually includes trees or limbs that are entangled in power lines or those that may disrupt lines in the future. You can call their customer service line at 1-800-895-4999 to discuss potential solutions when you see a tree close to a power line.

Xcel Energy may trim or prune trees that are close to power lines, and they perform these services regularly around power lines in Denver to prevent power outages and other accidents. If they determine that it is not within their jurisdiction, they can also disconnect power to your home while another tree contractor removes trees or limbs near power lines.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Denver?

Most property owners will pay about $600 for tree removal services in Denver on average. The actual cost of getting a tree removed can be much lower or higher, however, depending on many factors. The three most important factors in determining costs include the size of the tree, whether special equipment is needed, and if other services are required after a tree is removed.

Size of the Tree

When you need small, thin trees removed from your premises, your bill will probably be much smaller than if you need a mighty oak that is several stories tall and several feet wide removed instead. The larger the tree, the more difficult it is to remove safely, and your final bill will reflect that.

The Use of Special Equipment

If a tree is near a house or is difficult for normal machinery to access, the tree removal staff may have to rent and use special equipment to get the job done. When this occurs, the expenses of the rental will be passed onto you in your bill.

Other Services Provided

The process of removing some trees is relatively straightforward, and once the tree is removed, that is that. If, however, the tree died from a contagious disease or pest problem, our staff may have to take extra steps to ensure these issues don’t spread to other trees and cause the same issues. These extra services may not seem necessary, but they can actually save you plenty of money in the long run if it means you don’t have to get other trees removed.