Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Port Charlotte?
- 2 Does the City of Port Charlotte Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Port Charlotte?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Port Charlotte?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Port Charlotte?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Port Charlotte?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Port Charlotte?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Port Charlotte?
From storm damage to pesky pests and deadly diseases, protecting the health of trees in Port Charlotte begins with identifying the symptoms of tree issues early. Some of the most common problems to watch for in the region include:
Huanglongbing Disease (Greening Citrus Disease)
Caused by an infestation of Asian Citrus Psyllids, or ACP, Huanglongbing (HLB) disease causes severe damage to the citrus crop in Port Charlotte. The psyllids carry the bacterium that causes the greening citrus disease and causing extensive damage to the plants’ foliage. Identifying an ACP infestation early is the key to preventing the spread of the contagious disease to neighboring citrus trees and plants. While the fruit turning green is an obvious sign of greening citrus disease, early indications are twisted leaves or burnt tips on any plant’s new growth.
Citrus Canker
Another disease causing damage to Florida’s citrus trees is citrus canker. Caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis, citrus canker enter leaves through stomata, especially those damaged by weather or insects. Young leaves of grapefruit, lime, and lemon trees are most susceptible to the disease. It attacks the tree causing leaves and fruit to drop prematurely. It easily spread because canker bacteria remain on old lesions and any equipment or tools that have come into contact with an infected plant. Areas with high rainfall and hot temperatures like Port Charlotte are the ideal environment for citrus canker to thrive. Look for raised and brown lesions with a yellow halo on citrus leaves, stems, and fruit to help determine if your trees have a citrus canker.
Lethal Bronzing Disease (LBD)
Also known as Texas Phoenix Palm Decline (TPPD), lethal bronzing was first discovered in Florida in 2006. Attacking palm trees in Port Charlotte and surrounding areas, the phytoplasma that infects the palm sap causes lethal bronzing. Insects, with planthoppers and leafhoppers the most common, feeding on the sap transmits the disease to neighboring palm trees. Once a palm tests positive for lethal bronzing, it should be removed immediately to reduce the further spread in the environment. Early signs can vary depending on tree species. For most trees with fruit present, an initial symptom is premature fruit drop, whereas, for those with only inflorescences, they will become brown and die. Once LBD has progressed, the final stage is the collapse of the spear leaf, indicating the decline of the palm without any hope of saving it.
Does the City of Port Charlotte Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Port Charlotte is responsible for tree removal issues and maintenance for the city’s right-of-ways and public parks. However, if a tree removal problem arises on private property, it is up to the property owner to handle the expense.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Port Charlotte?
While the answer seems simple for property owners in Port Charlotte, it also depends on if it is a fallen living or dead tree. The Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law discusses trees and landowner responsibility to help you determine who will handle the removal of fallen trees in Port Charlotte. From overhanging branches to removing boundary line trees, the handbook helps clarify whether it’s the property owner or neighboring property’s responsibility to remove fallen trees. We’ve broken down some common scenarios to help you decide if you are pointing fingers at the wrong person when a fallen tree ends up on your property in Port Charlotte.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you’re a homeowner in Port Charlotte and a tree falls on your property, there is no question that it is your responsibility to remove it. However, you should call your insurance first to see if they will help with part or all of the tree removal costs or any damage it caused.
If you’re a renter?
When renting in Port Charlotte, the property owner is responsible for fallen tree removal and tree maintenance. Therefore, you should call your landlord or property manager to report fallen trees or trees that could cause a potential safety hazard.
If you’re a landlord?
Whether you have vacation rentals or residential leases, it is your responsibility as the landlord to keep the property and landscaping maintained, including removing fallen trees. Following proper tree care for trees on your rental properties can help you avoid the unexpected expense of tree removal.
If you’re a neighbor?
Depending on if it is an alive or dead tree that falls, you as the neighbor could be required to fork over the cash to have it removed. If a neighbor finds tree branches or roots from an adjoining property troublesome, they are legally entitled to trim them back to the property line at their expense. However, it gets tricky when dead branches or trees are involved. For any dead branches, roots, or trees that fall onto an adjoining property, it is up to the landowner where the tree was originally located to remove the fallen tree. On the other hand, if a live tree falls from a landowner’s property onto an adjoining parcel, it is then the adjoining landowner’s responsibility to handle the removal and any damage.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Port Charlotte?
As with other areas in Florida on the coast, Port Charlotte has sandy soil composition. While sand is great for relaxing on by the ocean, it is not ideal for growing plants and trees. Many of the soils in Port Charlotte are poorly drained, consisting of sand with some loam at depths of more than 40 inches. Also, the salt blew inland from hurricanes raises the salinity level of the soil in Port Charlotte, hindering the health of trees that are not salt-tolerant, such as citrus trees.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Port Charlotte?
Experiencing above-average rainfall in the United States, at an average of 50 inches, and hot temperatures, the weather in Port Charlotte has a major impact on the health of trees in the area. The combination of extensive rainfall and poorly draining soil leads to root rot and other issues. High winds from hurricanes from the Gulf Coast also causes wind-blown damage to trees and other severe damage that shortens their life. It is best to talk with our certified arborists if your trees are affected by storm damage to help you assess the situation and determine the best care or if removal is required to prevent future safety issues. Also, use the Urban Forest Hurricane Recovery Program from the University of Florida for managing your trees after a storm.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Port Charlotte?
When trees grow into or near power lines, they can cause power outages and interruptions to your service. Therefore, Florida Power and Light (FPL) continually checks and clears the entire length of their power lines to prevent outages. While you should never trim or remove trees near power lines, routinely trimming the trees on your property and following proper tree planting guides can help prevent issues in the future. If you notice damaged trees or branches on overhead power lines, contact FPL to ensure safe removal.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Port Charlotte?
When you need a tree removed from your property in Port Charlotte, the cost will range from around $260 to $1,960 in most cases. The majority of homeowners hiring us for tree removal service pay an average of $545 for the job. Several factors make your tree removal cost in Port Charlotte higher or lower than the average, from labor rates to the equipment and materials required for the job. Some common cost factors include:
Required Permits
When a tree removal job requires permits from the City of Port Charlotte, you can expect a higher quote to get the job done. Removing trees for clearing a lot requires the approval of a Tree Permit Application. The only exception for needing approval is removing individual dead or damaged trees identified as potential safety hazards. Our arborists will know all requirements.
Tree Size and Condition
The size of the tree is a major factor because of the labor and equipment required to remove taller and more mature trees safely. Another consideration is whether the tree is still standing or has already fallen. Trees that need to be cut down but have extreme damage due to disease or storms are usually more expensive because of the increased risk of something going wrong during the removal process because of the tree’s delicate condition. On the other hand, if a tree has already fallen, it can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses because it requires less labor, equipment, and risk to remove it from your property safely. However, if the fallen tree is on a building, deck, or other structure, it could increase your tree removal costs.
Urgency
While you can’t always plan for needing a tree removal service, the timing can affect your costs. During the off-season, you can often receive cheaper quotes for having a tree removed than you would during the middle of our busy season. However, for emergency removals or requests outside normal working hours, you can expect to pay a premium price because of the labor and any additional equipment required to remove the tree quickly.
