AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN New Haven, CT

What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In New Haven?

New Haven has a long history of planting trees. Unfortunately, most of these trees were American elms, which were wiped out in the 1950s and 1960s by Dutch Elm disease. They were then replaced by Norway Maples, most of which are now reaching the end of their natural life; but not before seeding volunteers through the city. New Haven is now engaged in a project to improve the diversity of the urban forest. However, the largest tree problem New Haven currently faces is a loss of tree coverage, and they have a program that allows residents to request for shade trees to be planted outside their home or on their street.

The city no longer recommends the planting of Norway maples and suggests native sugar maples instead. Trees of heaven are also a problem, especially as they are allelopathic – that is, they produce toxins that kill other plants. They are also the primary host for the spotted lanternfly, which attacks fruit trees and grapevines. We recommend the removal of trees of heaven due to the way they harbor this pest, and it is illegal to plant trees of heaven in Connecticut. If any show up in your yard, they should be removed as saplings. While spotted lanternflies are not yet widespread in Connecticut, the goal is to ensure that they do not spread through the state.

The invasive emerald ash borer is also present in the city and has forced the removal of many ash trees, which have been replaced. Untreated ash trees that are infested will eventually die as the borer nymphs destroy their sapwood. Signs of infestation include yellowing of leaves, shoots coming up from the roots, and unusual interest from woodpeckers. Infested trees can be kept alive with the regular application of systemic insecticide, which our experts can apply. However, this does not represent a cure and has to be continued for the life of the tree. If a tree is already damaged, we are likely to recommend removal and the same with small trees of low value that is best removed and replaced with a different species.

Does The City of New Haven Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?

The city of New Haven provides no specific assistance in removing trees. Storm debris, including tree branches, will be picked up if left at the curb after the weather event. You must place your debris on the sidewalk or right at the edge of the property before the curb…anything between your property and the curb will not be picked up.

Fallen or problem trees on public property should be reported to the city right away so they can take care of them. If a street tree has fallen on your property, then the city will help with removal.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In New Haven?

The owner of a tree is generally the person on whose land the trunk is situated. In some cases, a tree may straddle property lines. You are responsible for tree removal on your property. The city is responsible for the removal of street trees and other trees on public property.

If you’re a homeowner?

Your homeowners’ insurance will generally cover the removal of a fallen tree and any repairs to property or structures as a result of the damage, but check your policy. If you have a diseased tree, you may need our arborists to certify that removal is necessary to make a claim.

Keeping your trees healthy will reduce the risk of a tree falling and causing significant damage.

If you’re a renter?

Your landlord is required to keep the property habitable, but tree maintenance is not specifically mentioned in Connecticut law. If you are renting a single-family home, then responsibility for tree maintenance should be delineated in the lease.

In general, unless stated otherwise, your landlord will be responsible for tree removal and repairing the damage caused by it. Renters’ insurance generally will not cover this, but your landlord’s insurance probably will. You should notify your landlord promptly if a tree falls or if it is damaged or diseased, and work with them to make sure that it is handled.

If you’re a landlord?

Unless you say otherwise in the lease, you are responsible for tree removal on your property. If you are renting a single-family home(s), you may make the tenant responsible, but it would be more typical to have the tenant be responsible for maintaining the health of the tree, and you responsible for removal.

Keep lines of communication with your tenant open so that you are notified promptly if a tree needs to be removed.

If you’re a neighbor?

When a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, then their insurance will generally cover the damage to your property. Keep good communication regarding trees that overhang your property, and more importantly, trees that straddle property lines. In the last case, there can be some question as to the ownership of the tree and coordination is vital.

How Does The Soil Affect Trees In New Haven?

The soil type in New Haven county is quite variable. Most soils are loamy, but there are some sandy soils. Much of the soil in the area is considered to be well-drained, with some excessively drained. Because of the variety of soils, we recommend getting your soil tested. The Slate Laboratory in New Haven will perform soil testing for residents. They can then advise on how to improve your soil and what to plant.

This can help you keep your trees (and other plants) healthy over time. They are likely to suggest what kind of fertilizer or compost to use. Many Connecticut soils have low pH, so liming may be recommended to raise the pH. Dolomitic limestone is the best product to use. Maintaining the soil helps keep trees healthy and reduces the chance of them getting sick. It’s particularly important to test your soil before planting new trees.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health In New Haven?

Winters in New Haven tend to hover around freezing, while summers are pleasant. The biggest weather issue in New Haven is that it is a coastal city and thus vulnerable to ocean weather. Although further north, New Haven is still within the zone in which Atlantic hurricanes are an issue. Severe storms can bring severe damage to coastal locations and to trees, especially trees that are not native.

It’s a good idea to have our specialists inspect and trim your trees at the start of hurricane season to reduce the amount of damage if they are blown into your home. Also, get your rain gutters and downspouts clear. Hurricane Isaias caused significant tree damage in New Haven, despite having weakened to a tropical storm. This was exacerbated by gypsy moth infestations and drought. Inspecting your trees will also help you determine if an individual tree is likely to withstand a storm. We may sometimes recommend the removal of an older or weakened tree before hurricane season hits.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In New Haven?

As a larger city, New Haven has several utility and power companies. If you see a fallen tree close to power lines or a tree that appears to be in danger of falling on the lines, you should contact your power company immediately.

For trees that are on your property, you are responsible for removal but should coordinate with the power company to ensure our safety. The utility company can de-energize the lines if necessary so the tree can be safely removed.

For trees on public streets, you should also contact New Haven public works to ensure that the tree is removed. Downed trees are a major source of power outages, so it is important to remove them as quickly as possible.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in New Haven?

The typical cost to remove a small tree in New Haven is between $477 and $590. Larger trees can total more than $1,500, and tree stump removal will generally cost you an additional $80-$150. These costs, though, can be affected by several factors:

Size

The most obvious factor affecting the cost of tree removal in New Haven is the size of the tree to be removed. The larger the tree, the more personnel, and equipment are needed to safely remove it. The typical costs above are for trees up to 30 feet but can get significantly higher for larger trees.

Location

In some cases, the location of a downed tree can make removal particularly challenging. One major issue is if the tree has fallen onto a structure. In this case, we have to remove the tree very carefully to avoid doing further damage to your property.

Steep slopes can also impact the cost of removal as they may necessitate the use of heavy equipment or even cranes. To make sure you get an accurate quote for tree removal, we will inspect the site. Photos can also be useful.

Storm Emergencies

After a major storm emergency, the cost of tree removal can be significantly higher. Unfortunately, when a storm destroys a lot of trees, the need for our services increases substantially.

We try to get to everyone quickly, but this often involves paying people overtime and working extra hard, and this creates extra costs that we have to pass on to our customers.