Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake Wales?
- 2 Does the City of Lake Wales Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lake Wales?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake Wales?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake Wales?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake Wales?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake Wales?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake Wales?
Citrus greening disease is a common bacterial infection that kills citrus trees in Florida. This problem also goes by the names huanglongbing (HLB) and yellow dragon disease. The disease spreads from a pest called citrus psyllid, which spreads the bacterial pathogen to the tree. Once a tree is infected, it can spread quickly and kill an entire citrus grove in as little as two years. You know that you have this problem if the leaves of your trees are yellow instead of green and your fruit stays fully or partially green. Eventually, the fruit will become bitter and never fully ripen. If your tree has citrus greening, you will need tree removal in Lake Wales. Infected trees must be removed carefully to prevent further disease spread.
If you notice that giant, elaborate webs, sometimes called tents, cover your tree, it might be infested with fall webworms. Despite the name, it is actually a caterpillar that creates the webs. This pest will use its web and tree debris to build a protective home while eating the leaves, defoliating tree branches inside. Unlike other webworms, this one won’t kill your tree. However, it will create an eyesore from the webs and bare branches they leave behind. The webs can also be challenging to remove, especially when they are too high reach.
A mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows inside the rings of host trees. In Florida, it predominantly affects laurel oak trees. Birds eat the berries that mistletoe produces, and as they perch, the bird’s droppings fall on the lower branches. The live seed sticks to the tree with the help of the bird’s feces. Once the seeds begin to germinate, it produces root-like structures that burrow into the tree. It then steals its nutrients and water. If the mistletoe infection is bad enough, it will kill off the affected branches and possibly the tree. This parasite is a common reason for tree removal in Lake Wales, especially when the infection kills off the host tree.
Another disease causing death and subsequent tree removal in Lake Wales is fusiform rust. This fungal infection harms pine trees. If fusiform rust infects a sapling, there is not much that can be done because the tree is already small and weak. In older trees, the fungus can be mitigated by pruning the infected branches. However, this disease deforms the branches and makes them hazardous. If the tree has many affected limbs, then the tree is weak enough to need removal. Some signs that your tree has fusiform rust include:
- Long galls
- Cankers
- Rust-colored spore coating
- Broken or deformed branches
If you begin noticing a foul smell coming from any of your trees, it could be slime flux, a bacterial tree disease found in Lake Wales that mainly affects oak, elm, and maple trees. It is caused by environmental stressors, especially during the hot and humid Florida summers. It can also be caused by wounding the tree during pruning or spiking. The smell can get pretty gross if left unmanaged, and it can also look terrible. The bacteria can be a problem for our senses but is not likely to kill the tree. It will, however, bug your neighbors.
Does the City of Lake Wales Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If you begin noticing a foul smell coming from any of your trees, it could be slime flux. This is a bacterial tree disease found in Lake Wales that mainly affects oak, elm, and maple trees. It’s believed to be caused by environmental stressors, especially during the hot and humid Florida summers. It can also be caused by wounding the tree during pruning or spiking. The smell can get pretty gross if left unmanaged, and it can also look terrible. The bacteria can be a problem for our senses but is not likely to kill the tree. It will, however, bug your neighbors.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lake Wales?
If you need fallen tree removal, you may want to know if you are responsible. In Florida, the burden of responsibility usually goes to the owner of the property. The person responsible for fallen trees will depend on whether they own or rent and where the tree fell. Here are some common situations for those who will need to take care of the fallen tree removal in Lake Wales.
If you’re a homeowner?
Suppose you own a property in Lake Wales, and a tree from your property needs to be removed. In that case, you will likely be responsible for the cost of removing it, especially if the tree is diseased because the tree poses a threat to other property or lives. However, if a tree falls on public property during a storm, your best bet is to call the city because they may see it as a public safety issue and take care of it. Before any tree can be removed, you will need to apply for a removal permit. You could also let professionals handle it. We know what steps to take for tree removal in Lake Wales.
If you’re a renter?
Renters are not responsible for tree removal in Lake Wales because they do not own the property. If you’re renting and a tree falls, all you need to do is let your landlord know what happened. They will need to take care of it. In some situations, you may need to be there when a tree removal company comes to remove the tree.
If you’re a landlord?
If you’re a landlord in Lake Wales and your tenant reports that a tree has fallen, you will be responsible for removal because landlords are considered property owners, which means they need to keep the land free from hazards. You’ll need to call your homeowner’s insurance company to find out what is covered in this situation.
If you’re a neighbor?
If you wake up to a loud thud and find your neighbor’s palm tree lying in your yard, try to relax. First, make sure everyone on both properties is safe. The next step is to call your homeowner’s insurance company. In this situation, they will know exactly what to do. Remember, in Lake Wales, you are responsible for your property, even if the tree was not there yesterday. Most homeowners’ insurance will cover at least part of the cost for removal.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake Wales?
The soil in Lake Wales is mostly Myakka, making it an excellent place for trees. Palm trees, in particular, grow well in the sandy acid soil because the lower fertility means the tree won’t have to compete as much for nutrients with other vegetation. Another thing to keep in mind with sandy soils is how often you need to water them. Sandy soils are excellent for drainage, which can help limit excess moisture. It does, however, mean you need to water your tree often. They are also known for wind erosion, which can be a problem during the hurricane season.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake Wales?
The climate in Lake Wales is usually very mild. Average summer temperatures are around 78 degrees and humid. In winter, the average low is 65 degrees, with few annual freeze warnings. While these conditions are beautiful, Lake Wales is at high risk for hurricanes and often finds itself in a direct path.
Hurricanes, by far, bring the most destruction to Lake Wales, Florida, and are responsible for many fallen trees. Hurricanes damage trees in two main ways. First, the wind speeds can get higher than 150 miles an hour. This can rip trees out of the ground or snap them in half. The other way these storms kill trees is by dropping a ton of water on them in a short amount of time. This can quickly erode the soil, over-water the roots, and cause fungal infections from excess moisture.
You can reduce tree breakage by keeping up with regular maintenance. If your palms have not been trimmed in a while, there will be more surface area for the wind to push.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake Wales?
If you notice a tree near the power lines, you may wonder what you need to do about it. The City of Lake Wales plans routine maintenance of trees near power lines. In some cases, they will even remove a tree that poses a danger to the power supply. You can contact them to have the tree assessed. In other cases, they will decide that the tree’s removal is the property owner’s responsibility. In this case, we can help determine what steps need to be taken.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake Wales?
The exact amount of money you will need to spend depends on your unique tree removal problem. We can only give you estimates based on past tree removal in Lake Wales. The average price ranges between $335 to $725 per tree. The price usually won’t cover the cost of stump removal or grinding, as these are typically considered separate services. Here are some common cost factors that can influence the price of tree removal in Lake Wales:
Size of Tree
The size of your tree will influence the price you will pay. We need to know how tall it is so we know how many people and what equipment is required for removal. Here are some basic estimates of tree removal based on height.
- The average cost of 20-foot tree removal in Lake Wales: $265 to $310
- The average cost of 40-foot tree removal in Lake Wales: $210 to $635
- The average cost of 60-foot tree removal in Lake Wales: $525 to $700
- The average cost of 80-foot tree removal in Lake Wales: $620 to $985
Location of Tree
The tree’s location is an important factor in price. For example, if you need tree removal in Lake Wales, and it’s right up against the power line, it will cost more because it will increase the difficulty and safety risk for the crew. If the tree is near other property or in a tight, narrow alley, it may take more people and equipment to reach it. For trees located near streets, the cost may include a permit to close off traffic temporarily.
Labor and Materials
Some tree removal projects may take more people. If someone needs to direct traffic while three men cut down the tree, you will pay more. Most companies charge more depending on the time they need to come out. This includes weekends, holidays, or during storms. It is best if you can plan ahead for maintenance and tree removal in Lake Wales.
