AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Fairfield, CT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Fairfield?

Fungal diseases, like Maple Anthracnose, have always been commonplace in Fairfield. These diseases may be more or less severe depending on the weather in a given season. Hotter, wetter springs and summers can cause more significant problems with these diseases, so it’s essential to watch for signs of fungal infection as the climate warms, and our weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Homeowners need to watch for signs of Anthracnose, Verticillium Wilt, powdery mildew, and leaf spot each year. Check for white, black, or brown spots on the leaves of all your trees in late spring or early summer each year. If you notice any symptoms, contact us right away. Some of these can be treated early, saving the tree. 

In recent years, we have also started seeing some new tree pathogens threatening Fairfield. Beech Leaf Disease made its first appearance in Connecticut right here in Fairfield in 2019, and we helplessly watched as it spread to New Haven in 2020. Unlike fungal diseases, this Beech Leaf Disease is caused by an invasive nematode that lives in the leaves of trees. This disease is so new that we don’t understand how it spreads or how to treat it yet, so you should remove trees with this disease as soon as possible. Watch your beech trees just as the leaves are starting to grow in the spring. When you stand under the leaves on a sunny day, they should look pretty uniform. If you see dark green striping between the veins of young leaves, contact us right away, as your tree may be infected with this disease. Beech Leaf Disease can also look similar to beech scale as well as an aphid or mite infestation, so we’ll perform laboratory tests to ensure we fully understand what’s infecting your tree and how to treat it.

The State of Connecticut is also concerned about Oak Wilt, which hasn’t been seen yet in Connecticut but has been right on our doorstep since 2016, with outbreaks in New York City and Long Island that have now spread to the north and western parts of New York State. While we haven’t seen this in Fairfield yet, the State is asking all homeowners to watch their oak trees for discolored leaves that starts at the edges, leaf wilt that begins at the top of the tree and moves downward, and fungal mats under the bark that emit a fruity smell. We are hopeful that this disease won’t spread to Fairfield, but it’s wise to watch for these signs so we can intervene if it does appear here in the future.

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

The town of Fairfield maintains over 300,000 trees in the city limits. This includes all the trees in city right-of-ways, parks, open spaces, public buildings, schools, and other municipal properties. The City takes full responsibility for these trees, so even if one overhangs your property or is in the right-of-way in your yard, the City will prune, maintain, and remove it if necessary, at no cost to you. If you are concerned about one of these trees, simply fill out the service request, and they will assess, prioritize, and address the problem. If the tree is on your land and outside a right-of-way, you are responsible for maintenance and removal if necessary.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Fairfield?

If You’re a Homeowner?

If you’re a homeowner in Fairfield, you are responsible for tree removal unless the tree is in the right-of-way. If it’s in the right-of-way, fill out the service request, and the City will address the issue according to its prioritization schedule. You can talk with the Tree Warden if you have any questions about tree removal on your property. As a local tree expert, the Tree Warden can tell you whether you need a removal permit and suggest replacement trees after the tree is removed.

If You’re a Renter?

Trees in Fairfield are either the responsibility of the City or the landowner. If you’re renting, you are expected to keep the area around your home clean and in good shape, but in most cases, the landscaping in Fairfield is done by a landscaping company hired by the landlord. If this isn’t the case for you, talk with your landlord about their expectations for yard maintenance before you sign the lease. If you are concerned about a tree where you are renting a home, talk to your landlord right away to address any problems.

If You’re a Landlord?

Most landlords in Fairfield hire a professional tree company to keep every rental property in pristine condition. Hiring a professional like Tree Triage takes the pressure off both the tenant and the landlord. We will often be the first to notice any tree problems and ensure trees and shrubs are pruned at the proper time, and trees are inspected for signs of disease. If any tree becomes a hazard and is not a tree maintained by the City, you are responsible for removing it to maintain a safe environment for your tenants, and we’ll alert you to the issue.

If You’re a Neighbor?

If you are concerned about a neighbor’s tree that overhangs your land, it’s best to talk to your neighbors first. If you’re lucky, they may remove a hazardous tree or its branches. If not, you can tell them you plan to remove the branches that overhang your property for safety reasons. In either case, you’re more likely to maintain your friendly relationship with them by having a cordial discussion instead of taking action without consulting them. Even if you don’t come to a peaceful agreement, however, you still have the right to remove the branches overhanging your land up to the property line, and it’s in your best interest to do so. While the State of Connecticut has tried multiple times to pass laws making landowners responsible for trees on their land that overhang a neighbor’s yard, all of these attempts have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, case law shows defendants whose property was damaged by a neighbor’s hazardous tree lost their court battles and were responsible for the cost of damage to their property.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Fairfield?

Soils in Fairfield usually drain well and are slight to moderately acidic, ideal for tree growth. However, soil compaction from driving or walking over tree roots can cause problems. In cities like Fairfield, poor soil can also be a concern. You can help your trees by adding mulch or compost every year as needed and choosing trees that thrive in acidic soil.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Fairfield?

Weather significantly affects tree health in Fairfield. Warm, wet weather can increase the rate and spread of fungal diseases, and large storms can cause significant damage to mature trees. During a big thunderstorm or heavy snowstorm, branches may fall, damaging property and potentially blocking roadways. The town of Fairfield may remove branches that fall in the road or right-of-way up to the property line, and if a large storm occurs, some branches may remain on the sides of the road for a short time while they clear the way for traffic. The City will dispose of these branches, but you are responsible for whatever falls within your property lines. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Fairfield?

If dead trees are found near powerlines in Fairfield, the utility company will work closely with the Tree Warden to ensure trees are removed safely and only when necessary. If a tree is deemed “hazardous” by the Tree Warden, they may permit the utility company to remove it immediately. However, for trees that do not meet this criterion, the utility company must get a permit from the Tree Warden and wait ten days to ensure time for a public hearing if the removal is contested. Fairfield requires utility companies to use best practices in pruning, maintaining, and removing trees. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Fairfield?

Tree removal costs in Fairfield vary depending on the tree’s condition, how easy it is to access, and the difficulty of removing it. For most homeowners, you can expect to pay between $227 and $1,846, with an average of $736. However, these costs can vary depending on your situation.

Tree Condition

The tree’s condition plays a vital role in removal cost. A tree that has already died is more hazardous than a live one. So a dead tree will drive up removal cost. Our tree removal experts must use extra safety equipment to avoid being hurt by a dead tree since the decaying process has already begun. A dead tree also makes the removal process more unpredictable, so there can be unexpected expenses with these removals. If you catch a diseased tree early, the removal process is typically safer, cheaper, and more manageable.

Access

A significant factor in the cost of tree removal is access. A tree that is easy to access from a street or driveway is much easier to remove than one that is not. In addition, trees with structures underneath them present an additional challenge. We take extra precautions to ensure no damage to structures under a dead or diseased tree happens, which takes more time. Sometimes, special equipment is needed to remove the tree, which can also drive up the cost. 

Simultaneously removing several trees is more cost-effective because we already have the equipment on your property.

Difficulty

Trees that are difficult to remove are more expensive than those that we can remove easily. Huge trees can be a challenge to remove since we have to remove them in portions, starting at the top. In particular, large trees can present a safety hazard, and some may even need a crane to remove them. A tree that has already fallen on a structure can be tough to remove without causing further damage. We work hard to ensure the removal process does not cause additional property damage, but this does take more time and equipment, which drives up the cost. You can lower tree removal costs by catching problems early and addressing them as soon as possible. It’s much cheaper to trim some branches or treat a tree’s disease than remove it altogether. Whatever your tree needs, we’ll work diligently to ensure you get the best possible solution for your home.