AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Ridgefield, CT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Ridgefield?

Per the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, common tree issues in Ridgefield fall into 2 categories – abiotic and biotic. 

• Biotic tree issues are caused by other living organisms, like fungus or pests.
• Abiotic tree problems are caused by non-living situations, like winter ice storms or drought. 

Let’s start with a common biotic tree issue. 

Anthracnose and Leaf Spots

The most prevalent tree disease in Ridgefield is leaf spotting or Anthracnose. Ridgefield’s homeowners will see leaf spots appear as dead areas on a leaf surface. Anthracnose may develop in 3 phases, including leaf spots, shoot blight, and cankering. Defoliation is common and severe infections result in branch dieback. 

Tree species affected most include both deciduous and evergreen trees like:

• Maple
• Sycamore
• Ash
• Dogwood 

A vast range of fungi and bacteria can cause leaf spotting. They all require water on the leaf surface and moist conditions, so these issues are most common during and after wet weather. 

Now, let’s look at a common abiotic tree problem, tree injuries caused by weather.

Wintertime Tree Injuries in Ridgefield

Obvious wintertime tree injuries can be caused by ice buildup and snowstorms. Ridgefield’s residents are no strangers to broken tree limbs laying across the road or on power lines (we’ll talk more about that in a moment.)

But trees can also be damaged by:

• Late spring frosts that occur after the new spring growth has started 
• A cool summer followed by a hot fall
• Excessive or late-season nitrogen fertilization
• Dry soil 
• Root injury
• Frost cracking

Many native trees are affected by injury in Ridgefield. Broad-leaved evergreens like rhododendron and mountain laurel and narrow-leaved evergreens such as yew, pine, juniper, and hemlock, and deciduous trees like maple and oak are all susceptible to weather-related injuries.

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

Unfortunately, the Town of Ridgefield will not help property owners pay for tree removal on their properties. They do, however, maintain trees on city property.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Ridgefield?

If a tree falls on a state road in Ridgefield or some public sidewalks, it is the responsibility of the State Department of Transportation (DOT). You can reach them at (203) 797-4157. The DOT is responsible for the maintenance of some roads and sidewalks and trees falling in their right-of-way.

But generally speaking, we get the most calls about trees falling on private property. And as a rule, the property owner is responsible for tree removal in Ridgefield.

Know that the property lines play a key role in determining responsibility for tree removal; it doesn’t matter where the roots began, where a broken stump sits, or who paid to have the expensive landscaping installed. So let’s take a closer look at responsibility for tree removal from the views of homeowners, landlords, tenants, and neighbors.

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are always responsible for tree removal at their property. Again, if a tree was in your neighbor’s yard and fell onto yours, you are responsible for removing the portion of the tree on your property.

That said, your homeowner’s insurance policy will help to pay for tree removal after a big storm. You’ll still need to pay a deductible. But if there is little to no damage, it’s sometimes better to call us and leave the insurance company out of it. Otherwise, you’ll create a history of claims. And the way homeowner’s insurance works in Connecticut, the more claims you have, the higher your insurance premium will become.

Therefore, if minor tree removal is going to cost $1,100 and your deductible is $1,000, you’re likely better off paying for the removal out-of-pocket. 

Now, suppose you’re filing a big claim after a brutal winter storm. There was significant damage to your home or other structures caused by falling trees during a storm. In that case, the State of Connecticut’s Insurance Department says you should contact your insurer right away. Take lots of photos and keep any receipts for tarps or other materials. When a storm causes a tree to fall on a home and cause significant damage, it is covered by your policy.

If you’re a renter?

Renters usually don’t have any responsibility for fallen trees or tree removal in Ridgefield. If a tree falls on your rented property, call the landlord or property management company. They are responsible for removal. 

If you’re a renter and a tree falls and damages your personal property, like your car, for example, the landlord’s insurance will pay for it. 

If you’re a landlord?

Now, let’s imagine you’re a landlord and a tree falls on your property and damages your tenant’s vehicle. Much like homeowners, landlords are responsible for the portion of the tree that lands on their property. Again, your commercial real estate policy or landlord protector policy will cover any damage that happens to the property of others. The liability portion of your policy will pay for the vehicle, and the structural coverage (Coverage A) will pay for damage to the building (less a deductible.) 

If you’re a neighbor?

Sometimes trees fall over several property lines. This can cause a lot of disagreements between neighbors and even ruin long-standing relationships! Your best bet is to have a polite conversation with your neighbors and try to work it out. Sometimes neighbors choose to split the cost of tree removal 50/50 or 33/33/33. 

If your neighbor’s tree fell onto your home, contact your insurance company. They will pay for removal and repairs. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Ridgefield?

Soil types determine which species of trees will thrive in an area, and Ridgefield has many soil types. A 2011 study performed by Connwood Foresters described 16 different soil types in Ridgefield. The list includes:

• Georgia and Armenia soil (GA) is very deep and well-drained
• Charlton-Chatfield soil (CC) which is shallow and well-drained or excessively drained
• Saco soil, a poor-draining alluvial soil 
• More than a dozen other types.

The depth, drainage, slope, and consistency of soil will all affect your trees. Some species struggle to grow in soil that is too wet or too well-drained. Others need very deep or very shallow soils. 

Thankfully, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published this detailed 1,747-page soil survey. It’s lengthy, but homeowners and prospective developers can use it to get an understanding of the soil at any street address in Ridgefield. Then, reach out to the Ridgefield Tree Warden if you have more questions about the ideal tree species for your property.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Ridgefield?

Yes. We touched on this a bit earlier. Ridgefield experiences some brutal winter weather that can knock down tree limbs and entire trees. The damage can be devastating and dangerous, and you’ll need to contact your insurance company to help pay for the removal after a nasty storm. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Ridgefield?

Stay away from dead trees near power lines. Even a small dead branch can cause power outages, forest fires, and structural fires. If you see a dead tree or tree limb near a power line in Ridgefield, contact Eversource, the primary power provider in town (formerly Connecticut Light & Power, or CL&P).

Again, never attempt to remove a tree or branches from the power lines. You can be fatally electrocuted. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Ridgefield?

The short answer is between $200 and $2,500, but every tree removal job is unique. There are so many factors at play that affect the cost of tree removal in Ridgefield. The size and condition of a tree are key issues, as well as its surroundings. 

Size Does Matter

It makes sense that a scrawny 8-foot sapling will cost much less to remove than a 120-foot monster. The bigger the tree, the more resources (labor, trucks, fuel) are involved. 

Tree Condition Matters

Diseased trees are more expensive to remove. They tend to break apart in ways that can be hazardous to our crew, and our equipment will need to be sterilized upon completion of the job. After all, it would be a disaster if a tree removal crew spread fungal anthracnose from one sick tree to a dozen other healthy trees after removing a few branches. 

The Surroundings Matter

In a perfect world, trees would fall out in the middle of a field. They’d quietly drop far from homes, streets, power lines, and parked cars. 

In reality, trees seem to fall at challenging angles, across power lines and streets, crashing into structures and on hilly, gravelly slopes. The surroundings of a fallen tree can have a significant effect on the cost of tree removal.

That’s why our professional tree removal crew will either send someone out to quote the job or ask to see many pictures before providing a quote.