AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN West Hartford, CT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in West Hartford?

West Hartford has a history that extends back to 1636 when the Wampanoag people used to take refuge from winter winds and spring flooding. It has been a standalone city since 1854. However, it wasn’t until the end of the Great Depression and WWII that the population soared. Housing developments came, and retail spaces opened throughout the city.

Today, more than 63,000 people call West Hartford home. It is a place where residents can find both urban and suburban lifestyles. This city has earned recognition as being the “Best Place to Live” for four consecutive years. We love its tree-lined streets and quaint feel whether you are in the city section or exploring the nature trails of West Hartford.

It is West Hartford’s natural appeal that we love the most. The reservoir, the forests, autumn’s beauty, and so much more. How do we keep it this beautiful in the years ahead with so many common tree issues threatening the beauty of nature we enjoy so much?

Just a few years ago, there were millions of trees throughout Connecticut dying. We attribute it to a combination of drought, tree age, massive storms, and pests. Even air pollution can take a toll on trees. The most susceptible are trees like the white ash, black cherry, some pines or spruces, etc. 

What other conditions are we dealing with when it comes to our trees? Some of the most common tree health issues are:

• Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that can be fatal to trees like the maple, magnolia, etc.
• Dutch Elm Disease: a fungal disease that American Elms are susceptible to.
• Root, Butt, and Heart Rot: these various diseases can be caused by several factors. All may cause parts of the tree to “rot” severely damaging its ability to flourish.
• “Declines”: This is a general term for trees that have yellowing leaves, poor growth, etc., generally with no real reason “why”.
• Crown Gall: Anytime your tree has abnormal growths, it is called a gall. It could be caused by bacteria, fungi, insects, and/or insect eggs. With oaks being common “homes’ to more than 500 insects, they are susceptible to galls.
• Cankers: These are basically sores that are on the tree. They are often caused by injuries to the tree (improper pruning is one example). It can cause fatality for some trees.
• Emerald Ash Borer: These insects have the ability to kill trees and have been spotted in more than 30 states.
• Gypsy Moths: These pests will defoliate trees. This makes them more susceptible to other diseases and infestations. They are common in the northeast and spreading to trees in other areas.
• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: These insects feed on the base of hemlock needles. This prevents the tree from getting nutrition properly. Therefore, it can be fatal for the tree. 

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

West Hartford does not offer an assistance program for tree removals. The city is more interested in saving the trees that are there through education and voluntary involvement. For this, there are different non-profit agencies that are led by volunteers, DEEP Forestry, and the US Forest Service. If you have a tree that you are concerned about, and perhaps feel that you need to remove it, you may be able to contact one of them for information. This could help you with replacing a diseased or dying tree.

Beyond that, there is the Eversource Tree Maintenance program that will remove trees if they are hazardous and along the city right-of-way. However, they won’t help you with a tree that is located in the middle of your property. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in West Hartford?

When a tree falls, who is responsible for it? In Connecticut, the answer is not always simple, though it is accepted and acknowledged that the property owner holds responsibility. However, before it happens on your property, to one of your trees, you need to know what to expect. 

If you’re a homeowner?

As a tree and property owner, you should do your best to maintain your trees. This includes removing trees that may pose a threat. If a healthy tree falls, through an “act of God”, you are not liable for damages. You must only clean up the area of your lawn that is damaged.

According to the OLR Bill Analysis, the real property owner is presumed liable if a tree falls and damages other property. However, this is not necessarily what you can expect if your tree falls onto your neighbor’s property.

Over several years, there were different “acts” put to a vote in Connecticut. One was that the owner assumed responsibility if it was in writing. Then it changed to a neighbor needing an arborist like ours to say that the tree is sick for the owner to be liable. The tree owner would only have 90 days to remove the dying tree. This Act seems to be the one that most people have agreed to let stand.

If you’re a renter?

When renting a property, you are responsible for some things. You should:

• Pay your rent on time
• Keep the home free of excessive trash
• Repair damages you or your guests cause
• And other generally known responsibilities 

None of these things include cleaning up a tree that falls as an “act of God.” It is safe to assume that the “owner” or “landlord” has insurance that can cover the cost of those damages. You are only responsible for the damages that you caused. 

Therefore, if a tree falls, whether diseased, dead, or an act of nature, you should notify your landlord immediately. If there is a risk to others because of it falling, you may want to contact 911 or other services along with contacting your landlord. 

If you’re a landlord?

As the landlord and property owner, you are responsible for the trees on your property. The same obligations of a homeowner are still yours. However, you must ensure that your tenant has a safe home for the duration of their lease agreement.

If a tree falls, you will be the one to call us in to clean it up. You may hold responsibility for any damages to the property. This is more likely if you were notified that it is sick or dying, in writing from a neighbor, tenant, city arborist, or the Tree Warden. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Neighbor’s rights regarding trees are complex. If your neighbor has a healthy tree, and it falls, you will need to repair the damages on your own, even if it is their tree. 

Keep in mind, the tree owner is not required to deal with a tree that is diseased or dying. It is a good idea for them to do it, but there is no law that makes them guilty of not doing it. Therefore, if their tree concerns you, you will have to do the legwork if they won’t. 

You can get help for the damages if you are able to prove that the tree was diseased or dead. However, to do this, you must have an arborist inspect the tree and then notify your neighbor of the findings. 

In all cases, you can technically remove limbs and roots that come into your lawn from a neighbor’s property. You cannot remove any part of the tree from their property unless they allow you to do it. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in West Hartford?

Connecticut has several soil types according to soil surveys of the entire state. You will find that it remains true for the West Hartford area. Depending on where your home is located, you may find common soil types such as:

• Raypol silt loam: Poorly draining and washes out easily.
• Wilbraham and Menlo: This is known to be stony soil.
• Scarboro muck: Deep soil that drains poorly. You will find it mostly in low-lying flat areas.
• Catden and Freetown: Often found in swampy areas or lake plains, this soil is filled with organic materials.
• Manchester gravelly sandy loam: This reddish-brown soil is very gravelly sand.
• Broadbrook silt loam: This loamy soil is deep and well-draining.
• Wethersfield loam: Another deep, loamy soil.
• Enfield Silt Loam: Typically found in gently sloping areas, this well-draining soil is deep. 

Some people may feel that well-draining is a good thing and loamy soils are ideal for plants. However, the depth of it and the fast runoff can make it impossible for some trees to have water when they need it. If water runs off from your soil, you may want to add organic matter to it to help it stay near the roots. 

When planting trees, it is a good idea to stick with trees that are native to your area. In Connecticut, this means planting:

• Black Birch
• Red Maple
• Eastern Hemlock
• Sugar Maples
• As well as several others. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health In West Hartford?

The best part of West Hartford is the climate. Throughout the year you will find ample precipitation and overall mild temperatures. The coldest month is January when temperature averages are around 26-degrees. The warmest month is July when temperatures will rise to around 73-degrees. Although somewhat uncomfortable for humans, these temperatures are good for trees. As the seasons change, they will go through their normal growth cycles.

Unfortunately, in West Hartford, there are a variety of weather conditions that may take down even the most healthy trees. These include hurricanes, snowstorms, high winds, and more. 

These factors are why it is important to take care of the trees you have. Regular trimming and care from our team can make it less likely to fall if there are extreme weather situations. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In West Hartford?

In the event you notice a tree is near a power line, you have a few options. The Tree Warden is generally responsible for keeping up with trees that may interfere with public safety. This includes those trees that may be near a power line. You can contact the Tree Doctor if you are concerned about your tree, a neighbor’s tree, or one that you see in the city of West Hartford. 

You also have the option to call your local power company. In extreme situations, you can call 911 if you feel there is immediate danger to your family or others. They should be able to keep others safe until help arrives. The same is true if there is a downed power line. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in West Hartford?

The cost of tree removal in West Hartford is not always predictable. There are many factors that may raise or lower the price for each homeowner. However, people can usually expect to spend between $190.00 and $2,000.00 for basic tree removals. Most homeowners spend an average of $700.00.

To narrow the price further, we would need to know more information about these common cost factors. 

Size

The tree size plays an important role in how much the removal will cost. Larger trees will cost more because of the care and considerations that must go into bringing them down safely. When cutting trees, gravity is the biggest concern. Once that cut is made, gravity will do what it always does. A large tree has to be cut in a way that does not allow gravity to cause it to fall in the wrong direction. 

Situation

We need to know the tree’s situation. A large healthy tree will cost less than a smaller diseased tree. A diseased tree will cost more than a dead tree. Dead trees tend to be unstable and require cranes and other equipment to be brought in. 

Emergency

Tree removals that are because of an emergency are likely to cost more for the homeowner. Storms do not always roll in during the weekdays. Weekend tree removals and those that happen on holidays will raise the cost of labor.