Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Ocoee?
- 2 Does the City of Ocoee Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Ocoee?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Ocoee?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Ocoee?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Ocoee?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Ocoee?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Ocoee?
Trees are susceptible to a number of natural issues and problems, some of which can cause the tree to get very sick and eventually die. An Ocoee homeowner needs to know what to look for to avoid this unfortunate outcome from infections and diseases to insects and severe weather. Just a few of the things that can cause your trees to get sick in Central Florida, including:
Armillaria and Ganoderma
These natural mushroom-bearing fungi colonize dead tree stumps and roots, causing decay. Live trees are colonized when roots are damaged or disturbed due to environmental stresses like droughts and floods or when living tree roots contact decaying stumps or roots. Eventually, even a healthy live tree will succumb to the fungus if enough is present in the environment.
Phytophthora
These microscopic fungi feed on the roots of many plants and trees in Ocoee, especially if they’re growing in poorly drained, waterlogged soils. It can take years, but eventually, the infected roots are damaged because they cannot supply the tree with the water and nutrients the crown needs. As a result, the tree slowly dehydrates, starves, and it eventually dies.
Dutch Elm Disease
This vascular wilt disease causes the leaves of Elm trees to turn brown and sometimes fall off. The progression of symptoms in trees infected with Dutch elm disease (DED) is generally fast. Unfortunately, highly susceptible trees infected in spring die within a year, but some trees live for years with the disease.
Insect Pests
Ocoee trees attract several insects. Some are beneficial pollinators that help the trees reproduce. When an insect population overwhelms the tree, it becomes an infestation that threatens the health and well-being of the tree. Insect pests in Ocoee eat tree leaves, suck the sap, or bore into the bark, where they disrupt the flow of water and nutrients. A large number of any of these types of insects can cause a tree to die rather quickly.
Does the City of Ocoee Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
For the most part, the responsibility for removing trees on private property in Ocoee falls with the property owner. You can’t just cut down any tree; however, only trees that are dead, diseased, or damaged beyond saving should be removed. In addition, Ocoee’s tree ordinance requires that you obtain a tree removal permit before you remove or trim any tree on your property.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Ocoee?
When a tree falls prey to a pest infestation, disease, or other trauma and dies, it can be extremely dangerous. A tree must be removed immediately to protect people and property. The responsibility for fallen tree removal in Ocoee depends upon the health of the tree before the incident.
According to the Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law, a landowner is not liable to the adjoining property owner for a tree that’s a nuisance, but they may be held liable for tree removal if the tree falls on the other property. However, if the tree is healthy before it falls, the owner might bear no responsibility for it. However, if the tree is known to be diseased or damaged, landowners can be held liable according to the law.
If you’re not sure whether you, your landlord, or your neighbor are responsible, consider the following:
If you’re a homeowner?
In Ocoee, if a tree that’s growing on your property falls onto your property or structure, it’s going to be your responsibility to have it removed. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may help pay for the damage, but you’ll have to arrange for debris and tree removal. According to Florida Fence and Property Law, if your neighbor’s tree falls on your property, it may also be up to you to clean up the mess if the tree was known to have an issue and wasn’t cared for.
If you’re a renter?
When you’re leasing a home in the city of Ocoee or the surrounding area, it’s generally the landlord’s responsibility to take care of any issues on the property, including dangerous branches and felled trees. They should also ensure that the trees are properly trimmed and debris is taken care of. That is unless you’ve signed a lease agreement that obligates you to the care and maintenance of trees. If a tree falls on the rental property and damages your possessions, however, your renter’s insurance will likely cover it.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord in Ocoee, it’s your job to ensure that your rental property is taken care of. Every aspect of the property is yours to manage, including the trees. If a tree is still standing, and it’s dying or already dead, you must have it removed right away. Otherwise, you put your renter, your property, and possibly your neighbors at risk. If the tree has already fallen, getting rid of it is a top priority to ensure your renters are safe.
If you’re a neighbor?
So, what happens if your Ocoee neighbor’s tree falls onto your property? That depends. In most cases, it’s going to be your responsibility to get rid of the debris. Usually, your homeowner’s policy will help pay for the cost of cleanup and repairs. This is the case when an otherwise healthy tree falls due to a weather event or accident. If, however, the tree was dead or dying and the owner knew it was compromised, it’s their responsibility.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Ocoee?
Like the rest of Central Florida, the soil in Ocoee consists of sand, loam, and clay to varying degrees. If the soil on your property is particularly sandy, it can affect the health of your trees. The reason is that sandy soil doesn’t hold moisture or nutrients well, and trees cannot get what they need to thrive. A high clay content can make the soil retain too much moisture, expand it, and disrupt the tree roots. When it’s too dry, the roots languish in the cracks that are formed.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Ocoee?
Central Florida is largely protected from the impact of hurricanes, whether they’re coming from the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico. However, the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes make their way across Florida. Strong winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes are common inland. The soil your trees are growing in also affects how well they can handle the effect of weather events like high winds. In loose, sandy soil, the risk of a tree being knocked down is increased.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Ocoee?
A dead tree near a power line in Ocoee is hazardous, and you should get as far away as you can. Even though dead trees on your property are usually yours to deal with, this is an exception. If you see a tree that’s dead, dying, or heavily infested with insects, you need to contact Gulf Power to report the problem. They’ll send a crew out to take a look at the tree, and they’ll take the appropriate action to remedy the situation, whether that’s tree removal, trimming the branches, or another alternative.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Ocoee?
It can be stressful to think that you need to spend a lot of money to have a tree removed from your yard. We understand, but most tree removal isn’t a big expense. The cost of tree removal in Ocoee depends on several factors. But, it usually costs between $200 and $750 to have a tree removed by our team.
Tree Size
Size matters with tree removal. The larger your Ocoee tree is, both in diameter and height, the more expensive it’s going to be to have it removed. Larger trees are extremely heavy and often very tall, and to bring them down safely, extra crew members and rigging are necessary. Hauling off large amounts of wood, branches, and debris is also extremely hard work that requires special, heavy equipment and additional time.
Tree Location
Like in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location when it comes to the cost of tree removal. In general, the easier it is to access the tree that needs to be removed, the less expensive it is. If you have a tree that’s in a particularly difficult spot like a narrow yard or where there’s a large slope, the cost will undoubtedly affect the difficulty of the tree removal job. Like with very large trees, difficult trees require additional crew, rigging, and heavy equipment.
Stump and Root Removal
The trunk and branches aren’t the only parts of the tree that need to be removed from your property. Large tree stumps and tree roots that aren’t removed limit what you can do with the property. If, for instance, you’ll be replacing the tree, you may want to remove the stump and roots to make room for the replacements. If you’re going to build over the spot where the tree once grew, you’ll also want it removed.
