Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westminster?
- 2 Does the City of Westminster Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westminster?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westminster?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Westminster?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westminster?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westminster?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westminster?
Colorado faces several common tree issues that pose a real threat to the native species that are known to grow in the area. The city of Westminster is one area that has seen a fair number of problems with trees. We want to take a look at a couple of these problems so those in the area know what to be on the lookout for.
Eriophyid mites like to feed on the trees in Westminster and beyond. These insects are often eaten by larger insects and are thus taken care of by nature, but that is not always the case. Often, the eriophyid mites take what they need from the nutrients of the trees before being eaten themselves. This sad reality means that certain types of trees in Westminster are losing their lives for almost no reason.
Peachtree borers also feed on trees in Westminster. This insect is attracted to the scent of peach and other fruit trees and will eat off of those trees and take from them. In the past, former residents have used these insects to try to take care of other insects that harm crops. Ironically, while the peachtree borers might take care of some other tree-killing insects, they also harm trees, creating a vicious cycle.
Diseases such as fire blight are another thing that people in Westminster have to worry about. It is a bacterial disease that can do some real damage if it is not immediately stopped when it is first noticed. This disease particularly goes after apple, pear, hawthorn, and mountain ash trees, but it has also been known to impact some other species as well. Limbs with dead leaves attached to them are a telltale sign that a tree might be infected. It can be stopped if caught early enough, so it is a good idea to take action and call in our arborists right away.
Does the City of Westminster Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
You are likely mostly on your own if you have a tree that needs to be removed from your property in Westminster. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the tree poses a threat to public safety or if it turns out that the tree is actually on public grounds or holds some historical significance to it. This is not often the case, but it is worth looking into before spending significant money to have it removed.
Private companies like ours exist to help out with tree removals from private properties. We know that, often, people just want to have trees removed from their properties for their viewing pleasure. Trees may sometimes obstruct their view or are, in some way, an eyesore.
We are more than happy to do this work for a fee, but you will need to check with the city to make sure that it is acceptable to have the trees removed. This is usually fine, but some protected species may not be permitted to be removed or may require extra costs or permits to do so.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westminster?
If you’re a homeowner?
You are almost certainly responsible for tree removal if you are a homeowner in Westminster, and you need to have a tree removed that is rooted in your property. This is simply how the law defines who is responsible for the removal of that tree. You are considered to own the land around your home, and that means you have to take care of the trees that are grounded in that land as well. It can be frustrating, but it is something that you just need to get used to as you have taken on a major responsibility by being a landowner in the first place.
If you’re a renter?
There is good news for you if you are a renter. First, you have tenant rights provided by the state of Colorado that protect you against a great number of things that a landlord might ask you to do. You enter into a legally binding contract with your landlord when you agree to rent the place that you live in, but you also avoid some of the responsibilities that you would have to take on if you were the actual owner of the property. Mainly, you get to avoid taking on the cost and responsibility of things, such as the removal of trees that have fallen. The tree may well be rooted in the property that you are staying in, but you are not held legally responsible because you do not own the place.
If you’re a landlord?
If you are a landlord and the owner of the home, then refer to the section above about homeowners, but if you are just the a property manager managing the property for the actual owner, then know that you are not legally responsible for paying out-of-pocket for tree removal. You may be asked to find a removal service like Tree Triage for the homeowner, but they must pay for it.
If you’re a neighbor?
Neighbors do not bear any legal responsibility for removing a tree that is not rooted in their property. This is true even if the tree has toppled over into their property. They are likely to be highly irritated by this occurrence, but they are not going to have to pay for the removal themselves under Colorado law. That will still fall on the property owner.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westminster?
They don’t call Colorado the Rocky Mountain State for nothing. It does indeed have rocky, gravel-heavy soil that generates from the nearby Rocky Mountain range. However, many trees are still able to flourish in the area. Interestingly, even fruit trees and the like that are often associated with other parts of the country do just fine in Colorado as well. They have adapted over the years to adjust to this different type of soil.
The area’s soil is frequently surveyed to check on its quality and the quantities of different types that are present. It has remained consistent over many years. The soil is less of a threat to tree health than the pests and diseases mentioned above.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Westminster?
The biggest challenge in Westminster, as far as climate is concerned, is the elevation. The city sits at an astounding 5,374 feet above sea level. This makes it among the highest elevated cities in the United States. The concern here is that the air is a bit thinner at high elevations, and the temperatures can drop dramatically when one is up so high. It is quite easy to go from perfectly pleasant temperatures to very cold overnight in Westminster. The city also sees above-average snowfall as well. Thus, it is best to try to winter-proof the landscaping in your home in Westminster as much as possible.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westminster?
This is one scenario that really will grab the attention of local authorities. The last thing on earth that they want to see is trees that are coming down near power lines. There is a real danger to this that cannot be overstated.
New Westminster residents are urged to become familiar with the local power companies in the area so they know who to call in the event of an emergency, such as a tree that is threatening to fall over and onto power lines. The city wants to hear about these types of problems because they know that a single tree downed into a power line could leave many residents without power for days or even weeks. No one wants that, and that is why Westminster officials work so hard to make sure that never happens.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westminster?
The average tree removal cost in Westminster is around $650, with prices typically ranging from $250 to over $1,750 in some cases. The below factors will heavily influence your total.
Type of Tree
Some trees are given special status by the city to protect too many of them from being removed. This protected status does not necessarily mean that none of that species may be removed, but there may be additional charges for it. Expect to pay a bit more for the removal of trees with this status.
Size and Position of Tree
Obviously, it takes more work for our team to remove a larger tree than it does one that is just beginning to grow. In addition, it is also necessary to think about how the tree is currently sitting. If it has already fallen to the ground, then it is easier for us to get to it and get it taken care of. If it is still standing and is leaning over or on something, then a more delicate process is necessary. Thus, the size and the position of the tree matter.
Clean-Up Costs
The cost of cleaning up after a tree is removed is a big part of the final invoice for all tree removal jobs as well. This is a factor that should always be considered as part of the overall bill. Most of the time, there is not a lot of extra work involved with cleaning up that we charge for. However, there are some trees that generate a big mess. You should assume at least a few extra hours of labor to get it all squared away.
