AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Hamden, CT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Hamden?

Like many towns and cities in Connecticut, residents and government officials in Hamden are serious about preserving local trees. However, there are natural threats in every area that can deteriorate the health of trees or make them a danger to people or wildlife in the area. Unfortunately, these types of issues often lead to premature tree death or the need to remove trees from personal and public property. These are the most common tree issues in Hamden.

Diseases

Trees in Hamden are affected by both native and non-native tree diseases. While some infections don’t kill trees, they often cause a decline in health, making trees more susceptible to other threats. These are the most common diseases threatening Hamden’s trees.

• White Pine Blister Rust (WPBR): WPBR needs to infect both a currant or gooseberry plant and white pine to complete its life cycle. Upon infection, needles turn yellow, then rust red. Cankers then form on the branch and the trunk of the pine. The disease can kill branches, treetops, and whole trees.
• Dutch Elm Disease: A fungal disease, Dutch Elm Disease attacks the leaves and stems of Elm trees and eventually impacts the trunk, leading to premature tree death. Early signs include yellowing and brown leaves, followed by branch death and brown streaking in the outer sapwood of the trunk. The fungus blocks water and nutrient passage, and a tree can die within weeks of infection.
• Apple Scrab: A fungus that affects crab apple trees, Apple Scrab doesn’t typically kill trees. However, it causes loss of leaves and crown damage. This destruction causes poor tree health and slow growth over time.

Insects

Many insects make their homes in trees and feed on pulp, wood, stems, and leaves. This activity causes declining health in trees, increased vulnerability to disease, and, often, premature tree death. The most common insects threatening trees in Hamden include:

• Bronze Birch Borer: These beetles usually attack trees under stress. They bore into the bark of the tree and feed on nutrient-rich wood just beneath the bark. The earliest sign of an infestation is crown dieback. As the infestation grows, exit holes become visible in the trunk, and swollen extrusions appear. Infestation typically results in tree death.
• Emerald Ash Borer: Female emerald ash borers lay eggs on the bark of all species of ash trees. When larvae hatch, they bore beneath the bark to feed on the tree’s inner bark for up to two years. This feeding cuts off nutrients to the tree, causing tree death.
• Gypsy Moth: When in the caterpillar stage, gypsy moths feed on the leaves of trees. Since these insects have such a robust population, they’re capable of rapidly defoliating the entire tree. Without foliage, a tree can’t get the nutrients it needs to survive.
• Spotted Lanternfly: Lanternflies attack trees in large masses and feed on tree sap. Feeding causes the insects to produce large amounts of honeydew, which encourages mold growth. Feeding and honeydew production causes oozing, wilting, defoliation, general health decline, loss of cold hardiness, and tree death.
• Two-Lined Chestnut Borer: This native pest attacks trees that have been weakened by other stressors like insects, disease, and drought. The larvae of these beetles feed beneath the bark of canopy branches, causing yellowing, wilting, and dying leaves. Loss of foliage can lead to premature tree death.

Improper Maintenance

Caring for the trees on your property is a crucial responsibility many homeowners enjoy. Unfortunately, without proper knowledge about tree growth and the suitable types of tree care, you can damage your trees. These common mistakes often lead to trees that are susceptible to damage and toppling during severe storms.

• Planting trees too deeply
• Watering too close to the trunk
• Cutting tree roots or building landscaping structures on top of them
• Improper trimming and pruning

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

Hamden takes responsibility for the removal of public trees that meet specific criteria. For the removal of a public tree to occur, a removal request must be made, followed by a town inspection. A public tree must be considered a hazard to be removed. To be considered a hazard, trees must be large enough to cause damage upon falling, be likely to fall on a target, or be in poor condition that would make it possible to fall. The Tree Warden shall make the final determination of whether the tree is a hazard.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Hamden?

The responsibility of fallen tree removal in Hamden depends on the location of the tree. Public trees are the responsibility of the Town of Hamden. Therefore, when a tree falls on public land, it will be removed by the town. However, when a tree falls on private property, it can be a bit trickier to navigate. We’ve put together a list of different scenarios to help illustrate who might be responsible for tree removal in various situations.

If You’re a Homeowner?

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for trees that fall on your property. This means you’re accountable for the maintenance and removal of fallen trees and related debris. 

If You’re a Renter?

As a renter, you’re not the property owner, and therefore, usually not responsible for fallen tree removal. If a tree falls on the property you rent, contact your landlord to determine how to proceed with tree removal. If you have an agreement with your landlord regarding storm damage cleanup, you may be responsible for tree removal. It’s essential to examine your rental agreement to understand your responsibility for tree removal.

If You’re a Landlord?

As a landlord, you’re also the owner of the property. As such, you’re the one responsible for tree removal. However, if you’re a property manager taking care of the responsibilities of a property owned by someone else, the terms of your employment contract outlines your responsibilities regarding tree removal.

If You’re a Neighbor?

If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, determining responsibility for removal can be confusing. A healthy tree that falls is considered an “Act of God.” Acts of God don’t hold your neighbor to any responsibility for debris from a fallen tree that lands on your property. However, if the tree was damaged or diseased, and you notified your neighbor of the tree’s hazardous condition before the tree fell onto your property, your neighbor may be responsible for removal.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Hamden?

With low population density and little development in Connecticut, the soil generally provides a healthy base for tree growth. Soils in Hamden can be divided into three categories: Sandy soils, clay soils, and sandy loam soils. Sandy loam soils provide the best environment for tree roots. However, sandy soils can be prone to erosion that exposes tree roots to harsh weather, and clay soils can become easily compacted. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Hamden?

Severe weather is a significant threat to trees in Hamden. While Hamden’s climate is generally agreeable, residents in the town are no strangers to extreme weather. Extreme cold snaps occur in the winter. Spring, summer, and fall bring about severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Harsh winter weather causes evergreens to work harder to get adequate hydration. Ice and snow weigh down tree branches, causing cracks and breakage. Even the salts used to treat roads and sidewalks can affect trees when it drains into the ground near tree roots.

Storms and tornadoes in Hamden uproot and topple many trees within a single day. These trees can become a hazard, falling on vehicles, homes, and power lines. Trees weakened by other threats are more likely to collapse during these severe storms. For this reason, many diseased and dying trees are targeted for removal.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Hamden?

United Illuminating Company (UI) frequently trims trees away from power lines to ensure the safety of workers and residents. However, as trees are exposed to various threats, their health can impact power lines. If you see a tree near or touching power lines, never attempt to trim the tree yourself. To report a tree trimming or other power line problem, please call them at 800-7-CALL-UI. Be prepared to share your contact information and the address of the tree problem.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Hamden?

Tree removal costs in Hamden typically range between $550 and $750, with an average cost of around $665. However, small jobs can be as cheap as $150 in some cases, while large or complicated removals may reach over $1,600. This price reflects the cost of labor and supplies but doesn’t consider any external factors. If you need the stump removed, it will cost an average of $80 to $100 extra. While these prices are an accurate estimate, other factors can affect your tree removal costs in Hamden.

Hazardous Conditions

In recent years, mature trees in Hamden have been battered by various threats that weaken their structure. When invasive pests or diseases severely impact large trees, they are often difficult to remove safely. Similarly, trees damaged by storms and left standing are almost always hazardous. Safety for our workers and residents is always our number one priority. The special tools and conditions required for the safe removal of a dangerous tree may increase removal costs.

Extended Hours

Tree removal in Hamden is a very common requirement after storms. Our tree removal experts understand the need to quickly remove these hazards and often work long hours to help keep the community safe. However, when you have trees removed outside regular business hours, you can expect to pay a higher labor fee.

Tree Size

Usually, a quote for tree removal includes trees under 30 feet. Since Connecticut is home to many large trees, it’s essential to consider how size impacts removal costs. Large trees create the potential for damage when falling. Additional work is often completed before the tree is felled to avoid damage. Sometimes, the tree must be cut and removed in sections to prevent structural damage in the area. Removal of large trees often extends the length of the job, leading to increased labor costs.