Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Largo?
- 2 Does the City of Largo Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Largo?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Largo?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Largo?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Largo?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Largo?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Largo?
The Largo area has some beautiful native and non-native ones. The most common trees that you find include:
- Black mangrove
- Bald cypress
- Cabbage palm
- Red maple
- Longleaf pine
- Tulip poplar
- Strangler fig
A few of these trees can grow to amazing heights and pose a real danger to your Largo home if they die and fall before you have them removed. We often hear homeowners wonder why their trees get sick in the first place. Here are the most common tree issues we’ve dealt with.
Trees with Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease among trees whose roots end up submerged in water for too long. You’re probably thinking that the trees in your Largo yard are in the soil, but moisture has the same effect.
Largo sees an average rainfall of almost 51 inches each year, which is above the national average of 38 inches. When you add in the high humidity that Florida and the South are known for, there’s a lot of water in your soil.
You might notice that a tree seems to suddenly stop growing or its leaves become small and pale. These are common signs of root rot. If caught early, we can treat your tree for root rot, but we have to remove a tree that can’t be saved.
Storm Damaged Trees
With its idyllic location along the Gulf of Mexico, Largo is a haven for water lovers. However, this area sees more than its fair share of tropical storms and hurricanes. These storms bring winds between 43 mph and 157 mph and higher, depending on the storm’s category when it makes landfall.
With wind gusts, these storms can knock over the biggest tree in your Largo yard. Some trees end up damaged due to the high winds, but remain standing. Another consideration with hurricanes and tropical storms is the floodwaters.
When storms make landfall, you see tidal surges and massive amounts of rainfall. Flooding can easily damage the root system in trees, causing them to become unstable.
If you suspect a tree has been damaged after a storm, it’s always a good idea to have it evaluated by our team of professionals. A falling tree can present a real danger to your Largo home.
Insect and Pest Damage
Insects and pests are an important part of the ecosystem. These critters thrive in the moderate winter and moist conditions of Largo. Some commonly seen insects in the Largo area include:
- Asian citrus psyllid
- Pine bark beetle
- Dogwood borer
- Forest tent caterpillar
These creepy crawlers do more than make a home in your trees. They can make a buffet out of the trees in your Largo yard. You may find the tree damaged beyond treatment, and it might require removal to protect your home.
When a pest infestation is severe, you might notice insects on the tree. Other signs of insect damage in Largo include bald patches in the bark or discolored leaves with holes in them. Some insects burrow into your trees, leaving behind visible holes and channels.
Our team is always ready to evaluate the trees in your yard, to determine if they need to be treated or removed.
Does the City of Largo Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
In the city of Largo, the homeowner is typically responsible for removing the tree, and the City doesn’t offer any assistance. The City does require that you apply for and receive a permit before removing a tree from your yard.
Occasionally, a tree that needs to be removed sits on an easement. This is a small strip of land, usually at the front of your Largo yard, that the City or utility company holds the right to. Tree removal from an easement is the responsibility of the City or appropriate utility company.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Largo?
In Largo, the homeowner is almost always responsible for the removal of a fallen tree. If the fallen tree grew on an easement, then it’s the responsibility of the utility company to remove it. If you aren’t sure if the tree is on an easement, you can call us, the City of Largo, or the utility company to check.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the Largo homeowner, you’re almost always responsible for tree removal in your yard. The City of Largo or utility company might be responsible for removing a tree at the front of your yard if it is on an easement.
If you’re a renter?
When you rent a home in Largo, refer to the rental agreement. You might find that you are responsible for yard maintenance. This is routine maintenance and doesn’t include tree removal. The Largo homeowner is responsible for the tree’s removal. It’s always a good idea to advise the homeowner if you notice a sick or dying tree.
If you’re a landlord?
The landlord is also the Largo homeowner. This makes you responsible for removing the tree. It’s always beneficial to have a good relationship with your renter, so they tell you if there are any issues with a dying tree.
If you think that the fallen tree is on the easement towards the front of your Largo yard, you might consider checking with the City or utility company to see if it’s their responsibility.
If you’re a neighbor?
It’d be nice if a tree would only fall into the yard where it once grew. However, that’s seldom the case. You might notice that there’s a tree lying in your Largo yard and your neighbor’s as well.
If this happens, the responsible party is the homeowner whose yard the tree used to grow in. Whether it’s your responsibility or not, you might consider talking to your neighbor to maintain a good relationship.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Largo?
In Largo, the most common soil type is sandy and highly acidic. This type of soil makes it hard for trees to grow healthy and strong. You may need to add mulch and nutrients to the soil to get your trees to thrive.
Also, this type of soil soaks up the extra rain you see in Largo, without being able to drain it as quickly. This can lead to root rot.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Largo?
Yes, the weather in Largo affects tree health. The area receives above-average rainfall and high humidity, which can lead to root rot. The sandy soil doesn’t help because it soaks up the water but doesn’t drain it very easily.
Also, with its location close to the Gulf of Mexico, Largo gets the occasional tropical storm or hurricane which can damage a tree due to the high winds or subsequent flooding.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Largo?
You must call emergency services in Largo if you see a dead tree lying on a power line. This is a dangerous situation, and you shouldn’t approach it.
When it’s a dead tree in your Largo yard that is close to but not on a power line, it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to have it removed. You may want to check with the City or utility company first to determine if it’s on an easement, or call our team for more information and removal.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Largo?
Without visiting your Largo home and accessing the tree, we can’t give an exact cost for its removal. However, the costs of removing a tree in Largo typically range between $501 and $682, with an average cost of $591.
The tree in your Largo yard might be significantly higher or lower than this range. There are a few factors that go into determining the final cost, including:
Permits
In Largo, we need to secure a permit before removing a tree from your yard. This can add time and cost to the project. There is a fee for the permit and another tree removal fee that is based on the tree’s caliper inches.
Other Services
When removing a tree from your Largo yard, you may want additional services. You might opt to have us run the tree through a wood chipper so you can use the chips as mulch. This can help lower the acidity in the soil. You might also want us to remove the stump. These services take extra time and equipment, increasing the cost of tree removal.
Height and Width
For safety reasons, we cut a tree in your Largo yard in sections starting at the top. If it’s an especially tall or wide tree, we need to use additional safety equipment, and it takes longer. The size of the tree plays a large part in the final cost of tree removal.
