Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake City?
- 2 Does the City of Lake City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lake City?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake City?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake City?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake City?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake City?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake City?
Many of the most common issues for trees in Central Florida locations like Lake City stem from stressors that make them more vulnerable to diseases like:
- Anthracnose: As one of the most common tree diseases, it’s unsightly for the people who enjoy their beautiful natural environment. It can infect new leaves, preventing growth. It attacks ash, dogwood, and many other tree species.
- Rusts: This orange-colored infection can appear on the underside and topside of leaves. It affects pine trees most often.
- Pine Needle Casts: this term is used when pine trees drop their needles, and those that remain on the tree may become discolored. It can cause issues for the trees standing in the area.
- Leaf and Tar Spots: Although not deadly in most circumstances, these diseases can make your trees look bad.
- Leaf Blister: There is no denying that Florida is a steamy hot state. Just like a sunburn, your trees can react to heat as well, especially during the dry seasons.
Trees show symptoms when they are sick or stressed, just like humans. You may notice yellowing leaves, galls, cankers, decays, and more with any of these issues. Then you must consider the common insects that feed on Florida’s trees.
- Gypsy Moths
- Bagworm
- Tent Caterpillars
- Ash Borers
- Beetles
- Spider Mites
- Psyllid
Does the City of Lake City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Lake City does not offer tree removal assistance programs. This does not mean that you have to shoulder the burden without help. There are ways that you may be able to get help depending on your unique situation.
The city offers a variety of different social assistance programs that assist low-income families. These programs do not specifically say that they help with tree removal, but we feel that you should give them a call if you think your tree is dangerous and you cannot afford to remove it yourself or are unable.
If the tree is located near a street, sidewalk, or public access area, contact the roadway maintenance crews in Lake City.
If you are a citrus grower or a nursery, the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) helps replace or rehabilitate trees after a hard freeze or hurricane. Unfortunately, this program does not help homeowners with their tree issues.
Lake City does require residents to acquire a permit to cut trees in their yard from the office and planning and zoning.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lake City?
When it comes to fallen trees, liability can get confusing. Sick trees fall, but so do trees caught in a bad storm or hit by a careless driver. It isn’t always easy to understand who is responsible for a fallen tree. Let’s take a look at who is responsible for trees that fall in Lake City.
If you’re a homeowner?
Typically, people feel that if they have a tree removed, it can be done as long as it is on their private property. In most cases, this is true. However, there are determining factors that will indicate whether you can remove a tree or not.
The first defining factor is the tree roots’ location. If the roots, limbs, etc., are on your property, then you own the tree. You can decide what to do with it. If a part of your tree is in a neighbor’s yard, then you’ll have to ask them for permission to remove the tree. According to Florida’s Fence Laws, it is then a “shared” tree.
In general, every homeowner is responsible for their property. You will clean up the tree that lands in your yard, and your neighbor will have to clean up the tree parts in their yard. Unless your neighbor can prove that the tree fell because it was diseased or dead.
If you’re a renter?
As a tenant, you have certain obligations and rights in Lake City. For instance, you should keep your rental property clean and safe, remove the garbage, and put in due diligence to take care of it. With proper notice, you should allow the landlord access to the property to look around. However, this is where your obligations end.
Tenants are not permitted to do anything that could be considered destroying or removing any part of the property, including removing trees, even if they fall. Instead, contact your landlord if you feel there is a diseased or dead tree on the property.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords have a difficult job according to Florida’s landlord/tenant laws. As the landlord of a single home or apartment complex, you have a duty to keep it safe for your tenants. This means removing trees that you can see is unhealthy, as well as many other responsibilities.
If a tree falls, you are the person your tenants will come to for cleanup and repair. It is your property, and they are not allowed to do anything to alter it unless it is in their rental agreement to be in charge of landscaping responsibilities.
If you’re a neighbor?
A tree that hangs into your yard from your neighbor’s property is annoying and can be a nuisance. However, this does not mean you can remove it. In some cases, you may be able to remove the limbs that hang over your property, but you should talk to your neighbor to come to a reasonable agreement. This could save you from a potential “Reduction in Property Value” claim and other legal issues.
If a tree falls onto your property, your responsibility will be to remove the limbs located there. Your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover the damages.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake City?
There are several soil types found in Lake City. In general, they are rich soils, which makes them ideal for citrus trees and other agricultural uses. Largely, you will find:
- Norfolk Sand (Fine and Normal)
- Blanton Fine Sand
- Leon Fine Sand
- Peaty Muck
These soils are typically well-draining and filled with organic matter. You’ll find more swamp soil along rivers and lakes, which may not drain as well, but it is full of minerals and nutrients. This means it can still grow trees and keep them healthy.
Curious about what trees can grow here beyond citrus? Many shade trees thrive in Lake City. Some beautiful shade trees that will prosper in this area include:
- Elms
- Cypress
- Oaks
- Ash
- Maple
- Magnolias
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake City?
Lake City has a subtropical climate. However, the many nearby lakes help temperatures stay reasonably mild. Summers are typically rainy, with temperatures reaching up into the 90s. Winters are short, lasting only from December to the end of February. Freezing is possible in rare circumstances, though it generally only lasts a couple of hours.
In Lake City, rain showers and storms are frequent summer occurrences, attributing approximately 52-inches of rain each year. Periodic droughts and sporadic hurricanes usually influence this amount. High winds are likely, which means tornados are possible.
Although the location of Lake City does have hurricanes, they are mainly mild compared to what happens in coastal areas, which is good news for the citrus growers in town. However, hailstorms, high winds, and other natural disasters may still damage trees and remove limbs if they are not properly cared for.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake City?
Lake City covers a medium-sized area in Central Florida. There are several neighborhoods and communities spread throughout. Narrowing down the right people to call for a tree near a power line is not easy. The first recommendation is that you contact your local power company or the city offices for your area. Florida Power and Light makes it easy for you to report issues.
If you feel you or others are in immediate danger from a tree near a power line, you must stay away from the tree and call 911. You should never try to remove the tree yourself. Only trained electrical professionals have the proper equipment to perform this job.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake City?
In general, most people in Lake City can expect to pay between $150.00 and $1,900.00 for tree removal. The average homeowner will spend roughly $590.00. This does not indicate the exact price that you will have to pay. Your out-of-pocket cost will vary based on the following factors.
Size
Most people do not think about tree size influencing cost, but large trees require more of our professionals and equipment. This can raise the price for homeowners.
Special Circumstances
If there is a tree that you need to remove, and it is located near a power line or a structure on your property, the price for removal will be higher. We may have to bring in equipment like cranes and more employees to ensure that the tree is brought down safely, without damaging anything in the process. It may take longer to remove, which can increase your cost.
Emergency Situation
Trees that are pre-scheduled for removal cost less than the trees that fall because of a storm or on weekends and holidays. Costs will increase for those “off-the-clock” hours, and extreme weather may mean that there are many trees in your area that require our services.
