AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Sarasota, FL

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Sarasota?

Most of the trees in the Sarasota area are happy and healthy. Unfortunately, though, all trees are vulnerable to diseases, pests, and damage from storms. Other trees can become a nuisance, especially around power lines or by growing into sewer lines. In Sarasota, these are some of the most common reasons for tree removal:

• Diseases. There are several diseases that are common in Sarasota trees. Three of the most common are oak wilt, fire blight, and tree bracket fungus. You’ll want to inspect your tree on a regular basis to look for signs of disease. These signs are often strange discoloration in the leaves or branches, strange swelling in the trunk, or limbs that appear to be dying without other signs of damage. If you spot these signs early, there is a good chance a Sarasota arborist can help save the tree. If not, though, the tree may become so weak that it requires removal. 
• Invasive pests. Trees make great homes for many Florida animals, including birds, squirrels, and snakes. Some visitors are less welcome, though. Invasive pests like Japanese beetles and the Asian cycad scale attack the tree, using it for food until they kill it. These invasive pests are often easily spread on the wind, so if they infect one tree in your yard, there is a good chance they’ve infected all of them. Early treatment and prevention are key, but sometimes the infestation is so severe the tree becomes structurally weak. At this point, it can be a danger to the surrounding environment. 
• Storm damage. Extreme weather is part of Florida life. While Sarasota avoids the majority of hurricanes that strike the state, we still get our fair share of storms. Florida has more lightning strikes than any other state, and those strikes can kill a tree outright. Other trees might sustain damage from multiple strikes, too. Despite the old saying, lightning can strike twice. Extreme wind can also knock branches and limbs off of trees, especially if they were already weak. It’s important to have your trees trimmed annually to prevent these losses in a storm. If you don’t, it can end up damaging structures or vehicles and could be detrimental to the health of the tree.
  

Does the City of Sarasota Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

They do not. The City of Sarasota is responsible for the maintenance of trees on city property. They will not assist with the removal of trees on private property. You will have to resolve any disputes over tree removal within the legal system.

The city does, however, help with the planting of trees. They occasionally offer free trees to Sarasota residents through the Community Canopy program. This is an effort to increase the tree canopy coverage in the area. Increasing the canopy can help fight the effects of pollution while also lowering utility usage.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Sarasota?

This is a question that comes up a lot, especially after a big storm goes through the Sarasota area. You might wake up to find that your tree, or your neighbor’s tree, has fallen into your yard. So who should pay for removing it? And do you need a permit to get the job done? Here’s what you need to know about fallen tree removal in Sarasota. 

If you’re a homeowner?

If the tree in question was on your property and fell within your property, then it’s your responsibility to remove it. The good news is the State of Florida recently made it easier to trim or remove the trees on your property. Instead of requiring a permit, a new law now allows you to cut down a tree on your property as long as you have a certificate from a professional arborist or landscape architect. The certificate must show that the removal was necessary because of safety concerns. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters are not responsible for the maintenance or removal of trees on the property unless it’s specifically stated otherwise in the leasing agreement. If you are having issues with a tree on your rented property, you’ll need to contact the landlord directly about it. If the fallen tree damages any of your personal property, you may be able to make a claim on your renters’ insurance. 

If you’re a landlord?

Trees are generally the responsibility of the landlord unless you have a written agreement stating otherwise with your tenant. If a tree falls at your rental property, you’ll need to pay for the removal. If the fallen tree damages the property, you should be able to make an insurance claim. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Things get slightly more complicated when it’s a neighbor’s tree that falls into your property. Whether the removal of that tree is your responsibility or not comes down to the health of the tree before it falls. If your neighbor maintained the tree, and it was otherwise healthy, then you’ll need to pay for the removal of the tree from your property. If the tree was not maintained and the neighbor was negligent in caring for it, then you may be able to make a claim against your neighbor for the damages. 

However, it’s often easier, less expensive, and less time-consuming to just call someone about the removal yourself. You’ll be able to make a claim on your homeowners’ insurance for any damages either way. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Sarasota?

Sarasota’s soil, like most of the rest of Florida, can be extremely sandy. That’s no surprise since we live along the coast. However, sandy soil isn’t great for growing most plants. That’s because sandy soil doesn’t retain nutrients as well as other soil types. So plants will often need additional fertilizer, providing them with the nutrients that they need to thrive. Without additional nutrients, you may find that your trees start to die after a few years.

Native plants have adapted to our sandy soils, though. Planting native trees, bushes, and flowers in your garden can give you low-maintenance landscaping that will thrive in natural conditions. Trees like palms are especially suited to sandy soils. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Sarasota?

Our weather has a huge impact on our trees. Sarasota is fortunate to enjoy lots of sunny weather. Any resident can tell you, though, that thunderstorms are as common as the sunshine. Thunderstorms bring lots of wind, which can tear branches from weaker trees and cause damage to houses and cars in the area.

The biggest weather-related danger to trees in Sarasota is lightning. Florida has more lightning strikes than any other state. Lightning can kill a tree immediately, while some strikes damage the tree and make it structurally weak or susceptible to disease. 

It’s important to have your trees inspected annually to identify potential areas of weakness or storm-related damage. This can help prevent damage in the future and help you determine when it’s time to have a tree removed. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Sarasota?

Florida Power & Light Company is responsible for trimming and removing trees near power lines in Sarasota. They maintain a crew of tree trimming contractors who inspect and trim trees near the power lines regularly. These crews will trim any trees near the power lines, even if it’s on your private property. That helps keep the power lines functioning in a safe and efficient manner. There is no charge for the service and the trimming crews will remove any debris created in the process.

If you see a dead tree near a power line or another tree-related emergency, you should contact FPL right away at 1-800-4OUTAGE. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Sarasota?

On average, you’ll pay about $750 to have a tree removed in Sarasota. The cost can vary from $250 to over $1000. When calculating the cost, these are the factors that will determine how much you pay: 

The Size of the Tree

The bigger the tree, the more you are going to pay for the removal. Smaller trees need less manpower and less equipment, so they cost less. Larger trees can require special rigging, more experienced tree removal specialists, and a lot more time. 

The Location It’s In

If your tree is in an open area, it should be pretty easy to remove. However, some trees may be in difficult-to-access areas or located near power lines. These removals will be at the upper end of the scale, due to their complexity and the need for special safety equipment. 

When You Need it Removed

Sometimes tree removal is an emergency. This is common after a storm when a damaged tree poses a safety risk to nearby occupants. If it’s an emergency, you may pay a surcharge for the service. That’s because the crew will have to delay other jobs so they can get to yours first. If you can safely wait, you may get a discount for your patience, especially during peak times.