Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake Worth?
- 2 Does the City of Lake Worth Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lake Worth?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake Worth?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake Worth?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake Worth?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake Worth?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lake Worth?
The outdoor activities in Lake Worth mentioned above present a unique set of issues that we are faced with when it comes to the trees of Lake Worth. You can see some of these issues throughout Florida due to the geographical location of being a peninsula and having such a high sand content in our soils. We are going to list a few of the more common issues we see the most frequently:
- Aphids- Aphids are the most common shrub and tree pest in Florida. Aphids eat sap from new growth areas of shrubs and trees, excreting “honeydew” as a waste product that sticks to its surroundings.
- Ficus Whitefly- Whiteflies are extremely common in this area of Florida, and begin as nymphs on Ficus tree leaves and wander around the tree until they lock onto a leaf as an adult. Whiteflies feed on leaves, causing wilting, yellowing leaves, early defoliation, and stunted growth until they eventually kill the tree.
- Phytophthora- We can find this fungus in any soil in the state of Florida. It grows from the excessive moisture in Florida soil due to the expansive soils present throughout the state. Florida’s soils are notoriously bad for retaining water.
We can take some measures to ease any disease burdens that affect the trees in the greater Lake Worth area. The City of Lake Worth takes its trees seriously, and it is up to the rest of us to follow their lead and do our part to preserve and protect the urban canopy of Lake Worth.
Next, let’s look at the policies in place by the City of Lake Worth concerning those trees.
Does the City of Lake Worth Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Lake Worth considers diseased and dead trees a nuisance and require owners to remove or treat the trees within 10 days of receiving notice in writing from the city. The property owner is responsible for all expenses that come with the removal of the tree.
The City of Lake Worth will provide its residents with a color-coded recycling bin for all yard debris and tree limbs that the waste collectors can pick up on a weekly route that will find its way to your Lake Worth address on a particular day every week. For more information on the Tree Ordinance of Lake Worth, refer to this webpage. Also, while you are at the City’s webpage, you can check out the other ordinances that are in place regarding the procedure for obtaining the correct permits for tree removal and their requirements for trees to be planted if you lose one from any disease or human threat.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lake Worth?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where something has happened and needs to be corrected, but nobody wants to claim responsibility, with everyone pointing their finger toward someone else? This is the situation that many have faced concerning tree ownership and the responsibility that comes along with it. Some issues between lifelong neighbors concerning a tree have boiled up such arguments that the State Supreme Court has been called on to rule in certain states. The laws in the State of Florida are equally fair to both property owners in this case, and according to whether the tree was dead and fell or was otherwise healthy and has fallen is worth looking into. You can find those specific state laws and resolutions here.
If You’re a Homeowner?
If you are a homeowner, and you own the property where the tree has fallen, determining who is responsible can be tricky. Under the laws of the State of Florida, if the tree is dead and falls into your neighbor’s property, you are responsible for tree removal and damages incurred. However, if the tree is still alive and falls onto your neighbor’s property, your neighbor is responsible for removal and you will not be liable for any damages.
If You’re a Renter?
Tenants can perform general lawn care such as mowing and watering the lawn, but when it comes to major tree maintenance, it is the property owner or the landlord that is responsible for trimming the tree and tree removal.
If You’re a Landlord?
If you own rental property, chances are you are also the property owner as well. Just like any homeowner, the tree’s health when it falls determines who is responsible for tree removal. Should a dead tree falls onto a neighbor’s property, the property owner is responsible for tree removal and paying for damages incurred. Should the tree be healthy when it falls, the property owner where the tree fell is responsible for removal.
If You’re a Neighbor?
As stated earlier, the tree’s health determines who is responsible for tree removal. Should your neighbor’s dead tree fall onto your property, they are legally obliged to remove the tree and pay for any damages. If a healthy tree falls onto your property, you are responsible for removing the fallen tree.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lake Worth?
There is such a high pH and high content of sand found in the Florida soil that it is a wonder we can grow anything. The soil in Lake Worth contains so much sand and is excessively drained. Sandy soil is dry, gritty, has large particles compared to other soil types. Water drains very quickly and nutrients pass through faster, making it difficult for most trees to grow.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lake Worth?
Yes, the weather in the greater Lake Worth area does affect the trees. While there are more sunny days in Lake Worth than rainy days, there are still the constant coastal breezes that can be strong at times, and we have had a hurricane or two in our history. Storm damage from thunderstorms is usually minimal, but the damage left by a hurricane can devastate communities like ours for decades. The expansive soils combined with a massive storm surge, high winds, and subsequent flooding all spell disaster for a tree. No matter where they are, trees are literally under the gun from the roots up when a hurricane arrives.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lake Worth?
Electric companies across the nation are concerned with two things – keeping the power flowing and maintaining trees and vegetation at bay. Most electric utility companies have a division in place to keep lines free and clear of any tree debris or other vegetation that may threaten the flow of electricity. Lake Worth is no different. Lake Worth has its own electric utility company that patrols the area looking for potential suspects trying to interrupt the power supply.
If you see a tree on a power line or a tree limb about to fall on a power line, use this reporting tool from Lake Worth Electric, and their technicians will promptly respond.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lake Worth?
The cost to remove a tree in Lake Worth, Florida, is our next topic up for discussion. Sooner or later, someone will have to claim responsibility for the downed tree and then pay for it. If that person happens to be you, let’s arm you with enough information to at the very least give you a solid starting point of what your tree removal in Lake Worth is going to cost. The average costs of removal of a medium-sized tree in Lake Worth, Florida range between $473 to $645, with most property owners paying $559.
That’s a good idea of what your expense is going to be. Just remember that you will need the proper permits for this job, so take another look at the City of Lake Worth’s web page. The following are specific circumstances that will cause your final cost to increase or possibly decrease.
Small, Medium, or Large?
The size of your tree will significantly affect the price. The basis of the above numbers is the removal of a medium-sized tree under 40 feet tall. If your tree is large and is over 80 feet tall, there may be added costs.
Will Your Tree Need Extra Manpower?
If your tree is huge, it may require more than a two-person crew, which we based the above averages on. And, if your tree removal project is on a busy street, you will need to consider enough resources for traffic control.
Is Your Tree Already Fallen?
If your tree has already tumbled to the ground, all you need is a good clean-up. This simple task may reflect a discount on your final bill for tree removal in Lake Worth.
