AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Middletown, DE

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Middletown?

Middleton is known for its large and stately trees. Unfortunately, trees can become compromised when attacked by insects or diseases. Some of the most common tree issues in Middletown include: 

• Emerald ash borer: As the name suggests, this destructive pest attacks and kills ash trees. The larvae bore into the ash tree and feed under the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, resulting in dieback and bark splitting. Symptoms of an emerald ash borer infestation may not be apparent immediately, with damage taking up to three years to be visibly detectable. Symptoms can include branch dieback in the upper crown, vertical bark splits, and small shoots on the trunk, as well as woodpecker damage. Small trees can die as soon as one to two years after infestation, while larger infested trees can survive for three to four years.
• Thousand cankers disease: It’s caused by a fungus (Geosmithia morbida) and the walnut twig beetle that primarily attacks walnut species and a closely related tree called wingnut. Primary symptoms of this disease are branch mortality, numerous small cankers on branches and the bole, and evidence of tiny bark beetles. The earliest symptom is yellowing foliage that progresses rapidly to brown, wilted foliage, then finally branch mortality. 
• Spotted lanternfly: This is a planthopper that attacks many Middletown trees, including grapes, apples, stone fruits, walnut, willow, and the tree of heaven. It was first detected in Newcastle County in 2017 but has now spread to Kent County. The spotted lanternfly feeds through the bark and excretes honeydew or sugary water on and around its feeding site. The honeydew encourages the growth of black sooty mold, which is damaging to your trees. Branch dieback, wilting and plant death is a common symptom of spotted lanternfly infestation.

Does the Town of Middletown Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

The town’s Department of Public Works regulates and maintains green areas along streets, sidewalks, and parkways. This maintenance includes the removal of fallen, diseased, dead, or dying trees. In addition, the Department of Parks & Recreation takes care of all the trees and plants in parks and public landscapes. However, trees on private property are considered the owner’s responsibility; this includes their maintenance and removal. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Middletown?

Fallen trees can be dangerous and can also cause a lot of property damage if it falls. Tree removal in Middletown isn’t cheap, so it’s essential to know who’s responsible for their removal. 

If You’re a Homeowner?

As a Middletown homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining and removing the trees on your private property. Unfortunately, your Home Owner Association will only remove fallen trees on common areas. Luckily, homeowner’s insurance usually covers the cost of tree removal and any damage caused by the fallen tree. 

If You’re a Renter?

When it comes to tree removal responsibilities for a renter, the lease agreement is the guiding document. Unless your lease explicitly states that you’re responsible for removing trees on the rental property, it’s legally and financially the landlord’s or property management company’s responsibility. If the tree fell on your car or damaged a covered structure, your renter’s insurance will most likely cover the repair cost.

If You’re a Landlord?

As a landlord, you own the land and any trees on your property, and as such, are responsible for their maintenance and removal, should they fall. Insurance typically covers tree removal costs, so be sure to call them before paying out of pocket. 

If You’re a Neighbor?

Delaware, like most states, recognizes the standard rule that you’re generally not responsible for any damage that your fallen trees cause to your neighbor’s property. So if you have a tree in your yard, and it falls on a neighbor’s home or property, you have no liability, and your neighbor’s home insurance policy would cover the damage and tree removal. However, you may be found liable if you knew that your tree was sick or dying and did nothing about it. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Middletown?

Middletown soils are classified as Greenwich loam, a very deep, well-drained soil suitable for the growth of most tree species. However, soil compaction is a significant problem affecting trees in Middletown. Compaction causes soil particles to be so tightly pressed that the space for air and water is significantly reduced.

In many Middletown home landscapes, the soil is compacted during building construction, repeated use of riding lawn mowers, pedestrian pathways across garden beds and turf areas, and from off-road parking of vehicles. Rain also contributes to soil compaction by causing splash erosion, which disturbs the top layer of soil particles and generates a thin surface crust that blocks water from reaching plant roots. Soil compaction is bad for tree health in three ways:

• Very dense soil makes it difficult for trees to grow correctly. It is difficult because roots cannot penetrate the soil to obtain the nutrients, water, and structural support they require for survival. 
• Lack of pore space resulting in lack of drainage – when the soil is filled with water, there is no room for oxygen, inhibiting tree growth.
• Compaction also prevents water from being properly absorbed into the soil, forcing it to run off the surface and cause erosion.

To reduce soil compaction, avoid working with wet soils, don’t park under trees, place barriers such as fences around trees, and apply mulch (4-6 inches thick of coarse mulch), such as wood chips or bark, on the soil surface. The mulch shouldn’t touch the tree trunk.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Middletown?

Middletown has a humid subtropical climate characterized by plenty of sunny but rainy days throughout the year. The winters are usually very mild and short. The weather allows for the growth of different types of trees, such as black gum, trident maple, and sugar maple. While rain is good for trees, too much of a good thing can often cause problems. Excessive rains during the tree’s growing season can cause several issues, including:

• Loss of nutrients: When heavy, extended periods of rain occur, essential nutrients such as nitrogen are washed out of the soil. As a result, your trees can begin to suffer from a nutrient deficiency. In addition, these deficiencies make your trees more susceptible to insects and diseases.
• Fungal diseases: Fungi are moisture-loving organisms, and extended wetness and warm temperatures create a perfect breeding ground for them to thrive. Our area’s most common fungal infections include anthracnose, powdery mildew, apple scab, fire blight, and armillaria root rot.
• Reduced oxygen levels: When soils are saturated from excessive rain, crucial oxygen can’t reach the root system. Extended periods of low oxygen levels can cause root dieback, with the above-ground symptoms showing up as defoliation, droopy foliage, branch dieback, and leaf chlorosis.

Mulching is the best way to ensure your trees survive the high amount of rainfall we receive in Middletown. A three-inch layer around the tree base can help keep the roots strong, ensure oxygen gets to the root system and provide vital nutrients for your trees. 

What if Trees Are Near Power Lines in Middletown?

Trees and branches can cause extended power outages when they interfere with power lines. Dead trees are especially hazardous since they are unstable and can easily fall on power lines causing outages and even sparking a wildfire. The Town of Middletown Electric Department conducts vegetation management to keep trees from growing into power lines. Their arborist checks the trees along power lines and recommends the removal of any dead trees.

However, suppose a tree on private property needs to be removed. In that case, the property owner’s permission must be obtained unless the electric utility company has pre-existing rights to maintain those properties and keep them clear of trees and vegetation that could threaten the safety and reliability of the system. If there are dead trees near power lines, you can contact the Town of Middletown Electric Department on 302-378-2211 to report the issue. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Middletown?

Trees do a lot to brighten our landscapes, but sometimes removal is the only choice. For example, maybe one of your trees has been destabilized by a storm, or you would like to get rid of a tree whose roots are affecting your foundation negatively. Whatever the case, hiring us for tree removal service is the best option to ensure your tree is removed safely.

It is vital that before getting started on your tree removal project, you are aware of the cost and prices associated with it, so you will not get surprised in the end. The average cost of tree removal for a single tree in Middletown is around $690, with prices ranging between $150 and $2,050. Your total can drop or increase depending on various factors, including: 

Tree Size

We base our tree removal estimates on the size of the tree. The larger the tree, the more challenging it is for us to remove, often requiring a bigger crew, more specialized equipment such as cranes, and takes longer, adding to your overall cost. Small trees, being the easiest to remove, feature the lowest tree removal cost – you should expect to spend between $100 and $300 for a small tree with less than 20 feet in height.

Extra Services

If you would like us to provide you additional services such as stump removal, wood chipping, or log splitting, it will cost you more since these services are priced separately.

For example, the average cost of stump removal in Middletown ranges between $60 and $350 per stump depending on various factors such as accessibility, type of tree, and, most importantly, stump size. If you have a large stump featuring extensive roots on your property, you should expect the entire stump removal cost to be on the higher end. Other services include:

• Chipping: between $65 and $125
• Splitting: between $50 and $90

Tree Condition

Sometimes the tree you need to remove from your yard isn’t healthy. If you remove an unhealthy tree that’s standing and still relatively stable, you may wind up paying the same price as removing a healthy tree. But many sick or even dead trees have a weaker structure than healthy trees and may prove more straightforward and cheaper to remove.

Also, if the tree you need to remove is a fallen tree, that will not cost nearly as much as a standing tree. Removing an upright tree comes with high risk, while a fallen tree eliminates most safety hazards that typically run up the bill. A fallen tree typically costs $85 to $300.