Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Gainesville?
- 2 Does the City of Gainesville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Gainesville?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Gainesville?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Gainesville?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Gainesville?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Gainesville?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Gainesville?
Gainesville is known for being home to beautiful historic buildings, the Florida Gators, and a pleasant subtropical climate. Trees and other types of foliage thrive in Gainesville thanks to its long summers, plentiful rain, and abundant sunshine. Unfortunately, these conditions are also helpful for pests and diseases that can harm trees in the area. Gainesville’s most common tree issues include root rot, storm damage, and pest problems.
Root Rot
Root rot is about as appealing as it sounds. Trees can experience rotting roots because of saturated soil, typical in Gainesville during the summer due to tropical storms and heavy rainfall that make the soil too moist for long periods. Gainesville receives about 42 inches of rain per year on average, with August usually being the month with the highest amount of rainfall.
Another cause of root rot is fungal infections, which can easily take hold and spread from tree to tree in warm and moist environments like Gainesville. When caught early enough, you can prevent root rot in trees, but it can be difficult to notice if you aren’t looking for it or if roots aren’t visible. If you see that leaves on your trees start to wilt or show discoloration, root rot may be the culprit.
Storm Damage
Floridians all over the State experience tropical storms and hurricanes frequently, and Gainesville’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a prime target for storm damage. Some hurricanes can produce winds gusts between 70 and 150 mph or more, though even uncategorized tropical storms can wreak plenty of havoc on local trees and structures.
As a result, keeping your trees as healthy and robust as possible can help prevent some trees from causing damage during storms. If limbs, or entire trees, fall, we can help remove the fallen trees and debris from your property.
Pest Problems
Insects love hot and humid climates, and many have made themselves at home in Gainesville. Insects love eating your trees’ leaves, branches, and roots, and damage to all of these areas can cause massive damage. Trees infected with fungus or bacterial issues are especially attractive to bugs, but they will enjoy a helping of healthy trees too.
Bark beetles are perhaps the most common pest issue that plagues trees in Gainesville, especially pine trees. Bark beetles can injure trees quickly, and they leave behind a nasty resin that oozes out of the tree. Sadly, once a pine tree has been attacked by bark beetles, it has a minimal likelihood of surviving. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect other trees around the dying pine to ensure your property’s other trees stay healthy.
Does the City of Gainesville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Gainesville prides itself on being called “a city within a forest” because of its abundant trees. Gainesville has programs and educational resources to help preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The City of Gainesville will also help remove problematic trees on city property, like a city street or park. You can report fallen trees using their online form or by calling 352-955-1818. Trees that have fallen on county or state roads are taken care of by Alachua County Public Works or Florida Department of Transportation, respectively.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Gainesville?
When a tree falls in Gainesville, it can be challenging to know what to do and who is responsible for removing it. There are a few rules of thumb on different parties within a given fallen tree situation. Still, the bottom line is that the responsible party must remove a fallen tree before it begins decaying and putting the health of other trees and plants at risk.
If You’re a Homeowner?
Homeowners are most likely responsible for paying to get a tree removed and fixing any damage from the fallen tree. It can be a real bummer to lose trees on your property and have to pay for their removal, but it’s essential to get them removed as soon as possible to avoid pest infestations or fungal issues from taking hold.
If You’re a Renter?
For the most part, the property owner is responsible for getting fallen trees or other debris cleaned up on their property. Renters should let the property owner know about fallen trees quickly, so they can get them taken care of promptly. Because fallen trees from storms or high winds are, by law, considered “an act of God,” you will probably have to pay for damages that occurred to your personal property, like your car. Rental insurance may help cover some costs from damage.
If you warned your landlord about trees that look structurally weak and they end up falling on your property, you may have a case where they can become responsible for damages. This situation can be challenging to prove, though taking pictures of concerning trees and documenting when you gave written warnings may help your case.
If You’re a Landlord?
When you own property, you are typically in charge of maintaining your property’s trees and removing sick or damaged ones. Some rental agreements state that the renter is responsible for some property maintenance, like lawn care or leaf removal. Still, unless the contract specifically says that the renter is responsible for tree removal, it likely falls on the landlord’s shoulders.
If You’re a Neighbor?
It may seem only fair that if your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, they are responsible for getting it removed. This situation typically isn’t the case, as once a tree lands on your property, it becomes your problem. Such an event can lead to heated arguments, so some neighbors agree ahead of time about who should pay for tree removal in given scenarios. Some neighbors even decide to split the costs.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Gainesville?
The soil in Gainesville has been heavily affected by urbanization, which has increased soil bulk density, reduced phosphorus, lost organic matter, and altered pH. This change in the soil has caused some trees to suffer significantly from a lack of nutrients, preventing them from growing tall and strong. Most of the soil in Gainesville is a mixture of entisols, alfisols, and ultisols, which have high compositions of clay that absorb plenty of water.
Clay is great for trees that don’t get much rainfall, but a high concentration of it in areas that see lots of rain, like Gainesville, can lead to root rot and fungal issues.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Gainesville?
As mentioned earlier, Gainesville receives lots of rain and storms, which can affect the health of your trees. Hurricanes don’t strike the Gainesville area every year, but you can expect at least a few branches to fall thanks to high winds and heavy rain when hurricanes strike. Trees become especially vulnerable to falling during storms if they experience structural damage from pests or root rot ahead of time.
We can help keep your trees healthy and strong to help them stay standing during storms, and we can help clean up trees that do succumb to storms.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Gainesville?
Dead trees near power lines are a hazard, and you mustn’t approach a tree that has fallen on a power line. Instead, call the emergency number (352-334-2871) for prompt removal.
If you notice trees growing close to main power lines, you can contact Gainesville Regional Utilities to inspect and remove problematic branches within 14 days. Suppose trees are above power lines connected to your home. In that case, you are responsible for maintaining those limbs. Gainesville Regional Utilities allows a free disconnect service for those who have a tree company coming to manage those branches.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Gainesville?
Tree removal costs can vary widely depending upon numerous factors, though the average price for tree removal in Gainesville is about $550. The cost of tree removal services depends on three of the most significant aspects, including the size of the tree, the location of the tree, and other services.
Size of the Tree
Trees that are mere saplings will cost very little to remove, though you may need to purchase a permit to remove some trees from the City of Gainesville. Our local tree professionals know which trees they can remove without a permit, and they will help you figure out how much a permit will cost for specific jobs.
Much larger trees, like mighty oaks or pines, require much more equipment and team members to get the job done. Huge trees have to be cut into small pieces to avoid property damage and injuries, and this can take hours, or even days, to complete safely. The more time, equipment, and staff needed for a job, the more you can expect to spend – sometimes up to around $2,000.
Location of the Tree
If the tree is located in an open field, away from other trees and buildings, it will be much easier to remove and require less complex equipment. If, on the other hand, the tree’s location is near your home or other property, our tree removal staff will have to use more complex techniques to ensure it doesn’t fall onto your roof or car. These techniques often also require more specialized equipment.
Generally speaking, the more complicated the job, the higher your tree removal bill will end up being.
Other Services Needed
Clearing away a standing or fallen tree is one thing. Still, if pests or diseases have infected a tree and can spread to surrounding trees, you may need fungicides or pesticides applied to other areas of your property to ensure that other trees stay healthy. Additionally, some jobs will require the removal of stumps and roots, which can also add to the bottom line.
