Numerous native and non-native diseases, fungi, and pests present a threat to trees in Glastonbury. With active monitoring, tree owners can sometimes abate these conditions. However, many tree issues cause permanent harm or even death to trees, requiring their removal to protect nearby trees and structures. Some of the most common diseases and issues in the area include:
Cankers Diseases
Canker-based diseases, such as thousand cankers disease and Phytophthora bleeding cankers, are fungal infections that can spread quickly among walnut trees and other susceptible species. Hardwood trees are very vulnerable to these types of diseases, and the infection can be lethal to the trees within three years.
Oak Wilt
Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Glastonbury?
- 2 Does the City of Glastonbury Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Glastonbury?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Glastonbury?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Glastonbury?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Glastonbury?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Glastonbury?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Glastonbury?
Oak wilt is another fungal disease. It infects all oak species, but red oaks are the most vulnerable to the fungus. Some signs of an oak wilt infection include premature leaf drop, dull or discolored leaves, and vertical cracks in the bark of the tree’s trunk and branches. Affected trees often need to be removed to prevent root to root contact, and there is no cure for the disease.
Gypsy Moths
Gypsy moths are native pests that can extensively damage local oak and birch trees. The population of Gypsy Moths is continuing to grow in Connecticut and surrounding states.
Emerald Ash Borers
These invasive pests have spread across New England and the Midwest, causing catastrophic damage to populations of ash trees in these areas. Emerald ash borers bore holes into the infested trees and burrow tunnels throughout the underlying wood, where they lay eggs and raise larvae. Infestations of emerald ash borers can spread quickly across trees. While individual high-value trees can be saved with insecticide treatments very early on, most impacted trees die within three to five years. Glastonbury had its first confirmed sighting of an emerald ash borer in 2015, just three years after the first one was identified in western Connecticut.
Does the City of Glastonbury Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city of Glastonbury provides support for tree work, especially for city-owned trees. Residents can submit requests regarding routine city-owned tree issues to the park superintendent online. Residents can also call the local police department regarding tree emergencies, such as trees near or on power lines and trees blocking roads.
The city is responsible for managing trees — including pruning, maintaining, and removing them — that are designated as public trees, or trees on town properties. Glastonbury’s tree warden can make the official determination if a tree is on a public or private property for the purposes of removing or pruning it. They must also post a ten-day notice if they are going to remove a public tree unless it poses an immediate hazard. Every town in Connecticut, including Glastonbury, is required to have a tree warden and to maintain public trees. Trees along state highways are the responsibility of the state.
In the event of large storms and severe weather events, such as the August 2020 storm, Glastonbury may extend tree disposal services for residents at no charge so storm-related debris can be more quickly cleared away.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Glastonbury?
If a tree falls on or near your property, it’s important to know who is directly responsible for managing its removal. Acting quickly is important to minimize landscape damage and the onset of tree disease or infestation. These common property ownership scenarios establish if you are or are not responsible for removing a fallen tree in your area.
If you’re a homeowner?
If a tree on your property falls onto your property, you are responsible for managing the tree’s removal. However, if the tree is in a potentially dangerous position, such as on or near powerlines, we recommend calling your utility company or the city to arrange for the power to be turned off and for all possible safety precautions to be taken. Your home insurance provider may also cover some or all of the costs of removing the tree, repairing any damaged landscaping or property, and replacing destroyed property.
If you’re a renter?
If you rent a house or other residential unit in Glastonbury, you are not responsible for managing the tree removal process. Instead, notify your landlord about the fallen tree and any structural damage that may have occurred to nearby structures. You can also contact your insurance company about any related damage to your car or belongings.
If you’re a landlord?
Just like a standard private residential property owner, landlords are responsible for managing prompt tree removal to ensure safe conditions on the property. Depending on your property’s insurance coverage, your provider may cover all or a portion of the tree removal and repair costs. Removing the tree quickly can remove potential liability concerns and restore your property to its previous condition.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls down and lands on your property, you are responsible for removing it. Your insurance company may handle all or a portion of the cleanup, tree removal, and repairs or replacement costs for any damage on your property. However, if active negligence on the part of your neighbor leads to the tree falling over, they may have some degree of liability.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Glastonbury?
Connecticut as a whole is home to Windsor soil: permeable, sandy soil that can be excessively drained. It is less than 5% clay, which contributes to its easily draining nature. Named for Windsor (another town in Hartford County), Windsor soil is extremely advantageous for agriculture, ornamental and non-ornamental trees, and both residential and commercial development.
Trees in this soil can develop large, sturdy root systems, which are essential for long-term tree health and resistance to weather damage. There is also the reduced risk of erosion over time, further contributing to long-term tree health in the area. However, the soil can become excessively dry, so irrigation systems and regular mulching can be introduced to support healthy tree growth.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Glastonbury?
Connecticut’s climate gives it a growing season ranging from approximately one-third to half of the year. It is considered to have a generally humid continental climate. However, Connecticut’s recent droughts have aggravated its naturally dry climate, leading to a rapid increase in the number of Gypsy Moths in the area. These pests damage oak trees; combined with a lack of access to water, trees are negatively affected, develop weaker root systems, and have damaged foliage.
The region experiences warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures frequently dip below freezing during the winter months, which can create conditions for scalded trees and excessive dryness due to cold winds. However, residents can protect their trees by installing mulch around the base and wrapping the tree trunks with canvas.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Glastonbury?
Electric utility companies must maintain the trees around power lines under their control. This includes pruning, trimming, and — as needed — removing trees. While utility companies should proactively maintain these areas, storms and adverse weather conditions can lead to dead or fallen trees near or against power lines. If you come across dead trees near Glastonbury power lines, we recommend that you connect the utility company or the city to report the hazard. Glastonbury is served by Eversource; residents can report dead trees and other potential electrical hazards online.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Glastonbury?
Tree removal costs vary from project to project, but in Glastonbury they average between $575 and $775. Everything from the location of the tree to its size and foliage can lead to a reduction or significant increase in the final total. Learn more about three of the most important factors in the cost of your Glastonbury tree removal.
The Size of the Tree
One of the most impactful factors is the size of the tree. Smaller trees require fewer specialized tools to remove, whereas tall trees may require cranes and additional safety gear to fell, cut, and haul away. But it’s not just the height of the tree that matters. The thickness of the tree, as well as how much foliage bulk it has, can also affect the final cost. Trees in excess of 80 feet can top $2,000 to remove in some cases.
Safety Considerations
We also need to consider the environmental conditions around the tree that may present safety hazards. These can include nearby power lines, adjacent structures, and trees that need to be protected from the process of felling the tree and hauling the tree away. Emergency conditions, such as a heavy winter storm, can also affect the cost. We work hard to ensure the people and structures near a tree removal site are kept as safe as possible.
The Condition of the Tree
For example, a strong tree that’s still standing takes considerably more planning and effort to remove than a dead or rotted tree laying on the ground. If the tree is being removed as part of a renovation or a development project, the city may need to approve the tree’s removal, which can lead to additional time and services required. Also, trees that are being removed because they have a disease, fungal infection, or pest infestation must be carefully quarantined and destroyed to minimize the risk of spreading the condition through neighboring trees.
Additional Services
If you’re removing a tree from your property, tree removal may not be the only service you need. Standing trees must be carefully felled. You may want stump grinding services from us, which grind away the base of the tree and obtrusive roots so they don’t present a safety hazard on the property. Any or all of these services can add to the total cost of the project.
