Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Palm Coast?
- 2 Does the City of Palm Coast Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Palm Coast?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Palm Coast?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Palm Coast?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Palm Coast?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Palm Coast?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Palm Coast?
Before we talk about fallen trees, we should go over the most common tree issues in Palm Coast. From fungi to bacteria, diseased trees can become a huge problem. Sick and dying trees can fall on property and put lives at risk. They can also infect the surrounding trees. Here are some of the most common tree problems you might see.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows inside the rings of a host tree. In Florida, it predominately affects laurel oak trees. Birds eat the berries that this plant produces, and as they perch in the tree, the bird’s droppings fall on the lower branches. The live seed sticks to the tree with the help of the excrement. Once the seeds begin to germinate, it produces root-like structures that grow into the host tree, stealing 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 Plam Coast, especially when the infection kills off the host tree.
Another disease causing death and subsequent tree removal in Palm Coast is fusiform rust. This fungal infection harms Florida’s loblolly and slashes pine trees. If fusiform rust infects a sapling, there is not much that we can do because the tree is already tiny and weak. In older trees, pruning the infected branches can mitigate the fungus. This disease deforms the branches and makes them dangerous. 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, and broken or deformed branches.
If you have a pine tree in Palm Coast, you should be aware of brown spot needle blight. This disease could cause tree death and, if left unchecked, create a fall hazard for the tree. Some warning signs include seeing gray or green spots on the bark. The needles may also die faster than they usually do. It might also look like the north side of the tree is dryer or dying faster than the rest of the tree. A fungal infection causes brown spot needle blight.
If you begin noticing a foul smell coming from any of your trees, it could be slime flux or bacterial wetwood. These are bacterial tree diseases found in Palm Coast that mainly affects oak, elm, and maple trees. Environmental stresses can cause the slime to form, especially during the hot Florida summers. It can also be caused by wounding the tree. The smell can get pretty nasty if left unmanaged, and it can also look gross. The bacteria can be a problem for our senses but is not likely to kill the tree.
Does the City of Palm Coast Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Will the City of Palm Coast help with the removal of your tree? Although they will go out to a property to inspect trees to determine if they are hazardous, they will likely not remove them. Filling out an inspection request with the Urban Forestry Division is more about reporting a potential danger, whether it is on public or private land. They will only consider paper requests. For tree removal in Palm Coast that sits in public areas, the City is responsible.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Palm Coast?
In Palm Coast, Florida, there is a bit of a contradiction in tree laws. On the one hand, the local city ordinance says that you need a permit to cut down trees of a specific size and species. On the other hand, the State of Florida says if it is on your land, you can remove it without question. For this reason alone, it is a good idea to have our professionals do the tree removal in Palm Coast. We have experience with permits, local ordinances, and getting the job done right. But, who is responsible for removing the fallen tree?
If You’re a Homeowner?
Nine times out of ten, when you need tree removal in Palm Coast, Florida, the homeowner will be responsible. The reason is that the law requires property owners to maintain their property. However, if a tree does fall on your property, it is a good idea to call your homeowners insurance and check your coverage. Often, if the tree falls due to environmental or natural causes, your insurance will take responsibility.
If You’re a Renter?
Renters are never responsible for fallen tree removal in Palm Coast. The only exception is if the renter caused harm to the tree, causing it to fall. This may be the case if a tenant is concerned about the health of a tree and decides to take care of it. Doing this is not recommended because the tree is considered the property of the homeowner. If you are a renter and a tree falls, make sure to contact your landlord as soon as possible.
If You’re a Landlord?
In Palm Coast, the landlord is responsible for fallen trees since they are the property’s owner. As stated earlier, homeowners are responsible for tree removal in Palm Coast. This rule includes property that someone else is renting. You do not need to live on the property for it to be your responsibility. If a tenant informs you that a tree has fallen on your property, you should assess the damage and call your insurance company.
If You’re a Neighbor?
Neighbors in Palm Coast will need to follow the same property laws. If a tree falls on your neighbor’s property, they will be responsible for the removal. This rule is valid even if the tree fell from someone else’s property. If you notice that a tree on your neighbor’s property looks hazardous, you can report it. Reporting it can help you later if the tree falls due to neglect.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast, Florida’s soil, is mostly Spodosols, 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 your plants. Sandy soils are excellent for drainage, which can help limit excess moisture. It does, however, mean you need to water your tree often.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Palm Coast?
The climate in Palm Coast is usually very mild. Average summer temperatures are around 78 degrees and humid. In winter, the average low is 60 degrees, with about four freeze warnings a year. While these conditions are beautiful, Palm Coast is at high risk for hurricanes.
Hurricanes, by far, bring the most destruction to Palm Coast, 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. Winds this strong 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 much water can quickly erode the soil, over-water the roots, and cause fungal infections from excess moisture.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Palm Coast?
Dead trees can be hazardous because they become dry and brittle over time, increasing the risk of breaking. This is especially true for palm trees because they are less wood-dense than other tree species. If the tree is near power lines, the problem is much worse. Not only is this a significant fire hazard, but if the tree falls, it can take out the power lines, causing widespread electrical grid shutdowns. If you see a tree near a power line, you should call the power company. They may come out and remove it if the tree is dead and poses a risk of falling. If the tree is alive, they may trim it back.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Palm Coast?
In this section, we will give you some general estimates for tree removal costs in Palm Coast. These prices are based on our past work. The exact estimate for your specific tree removal may be different because many factors could change the cost. The price range for the average tree removal is between $165 and $730, but some jobs can easily reach over $1,750. Below you will find the most common reasons for the increased cost.
Size of Tree
Cutting down trees is risky, but it’s downright dangerous when a tree is 80 feet tall. On top of the added danger, the cleanup and removal also cost more when a tree is bigger. Smaller trees will cost less because they need fewer of our people to do the job.
- Tree removal cost for a 20-foot tree: $103 to $315
- Tree removal cost for a 40-foot tree: $265 to $535
- Tree removal cost for a 60-foot tree: $435 to $710
- Tree removal cost for an 80-foot tree: $640 to $1,610 or more
Location of Tree
The tree’s location is an essential factor in price. For example, if you need tree removal in Palm Coast, and it’s right up against the power line, it will cost more because it will be more hazardous and difficult to remove. 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 a lane of traffic.
Materials and Labor
Labor and materials are another significant cost factor for tree removal in Palm Coast. The more complicated the tree is to remove, the more money you will have to pay. If we need a crane, stump grinder, or additional labor, the bill will be higher. On the other hand, if the tree is lying in a large field and it’s easy to reach, you will pay considerably less.