AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Key Largo, FL

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Key Largo?

Citrus greening is one of the most common tree issues in Key Largo and throughout much of South Florida and other tropical areas. This disease, which is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid, causes citrus trees to produce poor fruit that is not suitable for eating or selling until the trees eventually die. Citrus greening causes bitter, misshapen fruit that stays green past the point when it should have ripened, as well as bitter juice.

Because Florida and many other tropical regions rely heavily on the income that comes from selling locally grown citrus fruit to states that do not have an appropriate climate to grow their own, severe citrus greening outbreaks can affect enough trees to have a significant effect on the state’s economy. Most citrus trees with citrus greening die within a few years of infection, as there is no known cure for the disease, and the fruit it does produce in the meantime cannot be used. For this reason, inspecting fruit before moving it around Florida or sending it to another region to be sold is a must to prevent the Asian citrus psyllid from spreading and affecting citrus trees in other areas. 

The palm leaf skeletonizer is a type of moth that has extremely destructive caterpillars. These caterpillars feed on the leaves of palm trees, which eventually results in dead leaves. Palm leaf skeletonizers tend to prefer to eat the area between the veins of the leaves, but they will also eat any part of the leaves’ surface or stems. The fibrous excrement produced by these caterpillars is often visible before damage to leaves becomes obvious. Although the palm leaf skeletonizer can be very damaging to leaves, it usually does not automatically kill palm trees, and the problem can often be controlled by cutting and burning the affected leaves if it is caught early enough. 

Graphiola causes spots on the leaves of date palm trees, especially in extremely humid environments or palm trees that are overly irrigated. This species is more sensitive to humidity and dampness than most other palm trees, which can make it challenging for these trees to thrive in their native environment. This issue can usually be treated with manganese-based fungicides, which can help to manage excessive humidity.

Lethal yellowing is a type of phytoplasma disease that affects various species of palm trees in several tropical areas, especially coconut palm trees. This disease is caused by a type of bacterial parasite, and it is frequently spread by various species of planthopper and leafhopper insects. Lethal yellowing generally results in leaves that turn yellow over time and eventually die, nuts that drop before they have time to fully develop, and the inflorescence area turning black. Although there is no definite cure, antibiotics can sometimes help prevent the disease from spreading if symptoms are found early. However, taking steps to proactively prevent lethal yellowing is usually more effective than trying to get rid of it.    

Ganoderma is another type of fungal disease that affects palm trees and other species of trees in southern Florida. It typically results in wilted palm trees, decayed wood, and conch-shaped leaves and parts of the trunk. Like many fungal diseases, there is no treatment for Ganoderma, and affected trees will typically need to be removed. Unfortunately, this disease also cannot be prevented. 

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

Key Largo’s Monroe County provides free debris pickup following hurricanes. Residents can pile trees, branches, and several other types of hurricane-related trash on the road shoulder in front of their homes. Items must be placed in separate piles depending on how they will eventually need to be recycled, thrown away, or otherwise disposed of, and your trees, branches, and other vegetative debris will need to be kept separate from other categories of debris. The county stresses that certain native species should only be removed if they are damaged beyond repair, including after a hurricane, and residents need to obtain a permit with documentation of damage to have this category of trees or other vegetation removed.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Key Largo? 

In Florida, the health of the fallen tree is usually the primary consideration when it comes to determining who is responsible for fallen tree removal. While most states lean toward determining whether the tree’s owner knew about a problem with the health of a tree that may have caused it to fall, Florida recognizes that it can be difficult to prove what a tree owner knew and is more likely to objectively make decisions based on the actual condition of the tree. This means that trees that fall because they are diseased, weak, or otherwise damaged, will usually be the responsibility of the tree owner unless the damage was directly related to a storm.  

If You’re a Homeowner? 

As a homeowner, you are responsible for any trees or other debris that land in your yard during a thunderstorm, hurricane, or other storms, which means that it is important to have adequate homeowner’s insurance to cover any damage from or removal of fallen trees. If a neighbor’s tree was diseased or otherwise damaged and did not fall during a storm, you usually will not be responsible.

If You’re a Renter? 

As a renter, you are not responsible for any fallen tree removal, but you will need to let your landlord know if there is a problem he or she needs to take care of.

If You’re a Landlord? 

As a landlord, you will be responsible for any trees that land on your property during a storm, as well as maintaining your trees to prevent them from falling in a neighbor’s yard as a result of disease or other damage.

If You’re a Neighbor?

As a neighbor, you generally will not be responsible if healthy trees land in a neighbor’s yard during a storm. However, you are responsible for monitoring the health of your trees and having them pruned, treated, or removed as needed to avoid preventable damage to a neighbor’s property that you will likely need to pay for. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Key Largo? 

Key Largo consists primarily of acidic soil that tends to drain poorly, which significantly limits the species of trees and other vegetation that are able to thrive on the island. Soil that drains poorly can leave roots soaked in too much water for too long, which can make it difficult to absorb the proper amount of nutrients. Although many species of trees that are native to the south Florida area tend to prefer slightly acidic soil, it can make it more difficult for trees that are not native to the area to acclimate to the soil.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Key Largo? 

Like much of Florida, Key Largo and the rest of the Keys can experience hurricanes. These tiny islands have little to no space that is considered inland, which means that residents and visitors to the Keys need to be vigilant about watching for potential hurricanes. Likewise, a hurricane that hits Key Largo or another Key can have a significant impact on the island’s entire tree population.

The strong winds and heavy rain associated with hurricanes can be very hard on trees, especially the relatively fragile palm trees that make up a large percentage of the trees in the Keys and south Florida. The defining long leaves or fronds of palm trees can easily be broken or blown off during a hurricane or other tropical storm, and these fronds can take more than a year to regrow and fill the tree out properly. Hurricanes or other strong winds can also crack or twist the trunks of palm trees, which are much thinner than those of many other species, as well as knock trees over.  

Key Largo’s palm trees are also more vulnerable to lightning damage than many other species of trees. South Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the World, and the region’s intense thunderstorms and lightning are especially common during the summer months. Most species of trees that are found in other parts of the country can be damaged by lightning, but they usually do not die right away unless they catch on fire because the thin burn only damages a relatively small part of the tree. Unlike many larger trees, palm trees typically die as soon as they are struck by lightning because their extremely thin trunks are usually completely damaged. This means that palm trees that are struck by lightning will be weakened and will generally need to be removed shortly after the storm to prevent further damage to surrounding trees, homes, or vehicles. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Key Largo? 

Never attempt to prune near an active power line or remove a dead tree from one yourself. Instead, contact Florida Keys Electric Company for assistance.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Key Largo? 

Tree removal in Key Largo usually falls between $234 and $1,925 per tree, with an average cost of $629. This estimate includes the cost of labor, materials, and cleanup but not any permits you may need.  

Size of Tree

Large trees are generally more difficult to remove than smaller trees, and especially large trees may require more of our workers and equipment to safely remove from your property. For this reason, Key Largo’s thin palm trees tend to be easier and less expensive to remove than average trees, although the height and possible permit needs of palm trees also need to be factored in.  

Location of Tree

Trees that are located near buildings, power lines, or other obstacles often need to be cut into manageable pieces to safely remove. Because this is necessary for many trees in residential areas, these trees tend to be more expensive to remove than trees in more open areas. 

Species of Tree

South Florida is extremely protective of its native species and requires that residents obtain a permit to have these trees removed. Permits will typically only be issued with documentation that the tree is damaged beyond repair, and there may be an additional fee associated with this permit.