AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN St. Augustine, FL

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in St. Augustine?

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., was founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. It is here that tourists visit if they want to learn about life for Spanish that lived and worked at the Castillo de San Marcos. What they find when they arrive is so much more spectacular.

There are numerous historical sites to explore. The Fountain of Youth, the Lightner Museum, the Lighthouse, and the Oldest Wooden School House are all there for viewing. Most of it dates back hundreds of years.

To keep the residents happy, there are several newer attractions to see as well. Even better, there is always a beach, nearby Jacksonville, and a lot of beauty around every corner. Tree-lined streets are just the tip of the iceberg for anyone who wants to simply take a stroll on a cool summer evening.

With all the trees flourishing in the mild Florida temperatures, it is common to want to know how the city of St. Augustine keeps them so beautiful. Sadly, it isn’t always easy to do. There are several issues plaguing Florida’s trees. Some of the biggest include:

• Root Disease
• Foliage Disease
• Fusiform Rust
• Brown Spot Needle Blight
• Oak Wilt
• Slime Flux
• Regeneration Disease
• Ganoderma Butt Rot
• Bud Rot

As if the diseases aren’t bad enough, Florida also deals with a variety of invasive plants and insects. Both of which can damage trees in a huge way.

• Skunk Vine
• Old World Climbing Ferns
• Water Hyacinth
• Japanese Honeysuckle
• Carpenter Ants
• Beetles
• Weevils
• Moths
• Cone Worms
• Etc.

The list of dangers for all trees in St. Augustine could go on forever. It poses a problem for the city and the residents who love the natural beauty here.

Does the City of St. Augustine Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

In St. Augustine, the importance of trees is undeniable. It keeps the area beautiful, provides shade, and lessens wind and noise. Residents are encouraged to do all that they can to save the trees. Therefore, you will not find tree removal assistance programs. There are other services available to residents that may fall into “financial crisis” situations. In some situations, you may qualify. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in St. Augustine?

In general, if you have a tree on your property, it is your job to take care of it. This means you are in charge of pruning trees that may be in the way of pedestrians, drivers, and streets. You are expected to treat sick or insect-infested trees. The City Ordinance goes on to state that anyone who owns or lives on that real property is responsible.

So, what does that mean for you? Are you responsible for a tree? It depends on your situation. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners generally have the biggest responsibility for any tree on their property. Sec. 25-53 states clearly that the owner of a property is responsible for all landscaping. They are responsible for irrigation, free of debris, etc. If you look further, you will find that there are protected trees. Those will require more effort to get rid of unless they are diseased or dying. 

If you’re a renter?

As a renter, you will want to check your lease agreement. The tree removal may be your responsibility if it is stated in the lease. It may fall to you as the primary resident of that real property. 

However, if you are unsure, you will want to check with St. Johns county to ensure you are protected. It is often against codes to do something to another person’s trees. It falls into the same category as property damages. 

You should tell your landlord about the tree falling. This will allow them to check over the property to ensure there aren’t other damages that should be repaired. 

If you’re a landlord?

When you have tenants, your property is still yours. You simply allow others to live in it. This means that ultimately you are responsible for your trees if they fall. However, some landlords and tenants do have stipulations that put your tenant in charge of landscaping. It may include tree trimming or tree removals. 

The thing is, as the property owner, you may want to take care of the fallen tree even if you are not living on the property. It allows you to check over any damages that may have been caused by the tree. You will also know that you will not get in trouble for failing to notice that it was dying before it fell. 

If you’re a neighbor?

If there is a healthy tree overhanging into your yard, you can be held responsible for causing damages to the tree, especially if you kill the tree with your actions. You could be guilty of reducing the value of their land by removing the tree and the loss of ornamental value and the creature comforts provided by trees.

However, under Florida Law, if the tree is damaged, liability may fall on the landowner for not taking proper care of their tree. If it is healthy and falls because of a hurricane or other natural occurrences, then you may be responsible for the damages to your property.

If you have questions or concerns about your property line, a fallen tree, or overhanging branches, you will need to take it to court. It is considered a civil matter and not something that is handled by the County Government. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in St. Augustine?

In general, the soil quality in St. Augustine is not bad. It includes a lot of sand in different varieties. Some of the main soil types include:

Various Sand Types (Adamsville Fine Sand, Astatula Fine Sand, Myakka Wet Fine Sand, St. John’s Fine Sand, Immokalee Fine Sand, Etc.)

• Sandy Loam
• Samsula Muck
• Hontoon Muck
• Bluff Sandy Clay Loam

Since Florida is mostly sand, you will want to choose trees that are made for it. For instance:

• Oleander
• Palm Trees
• Citrus Trees
• Weeping Willows
• Elms
• Dogwoods
• Live Oaks
• Red Tips
• Magnolia
• Etc. 

The problem with mostly sandy soil is that water tends to go away quickly. Trees that are planted in the sand will have to be able to grow roots deeper to get where the nutrients are. They need to be able to grab what they can from the rain before it goes away, and retain it for a longer time in case they do not get more water for a while. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in St. Augustine?

Anyone who lives in Florida knows that hurricanes are the biggest risk for trees. Each year, there are several “close calls” with these nasty storms. With St. Augustine being right on the Atlantic coast, the risk is always present from June through November. 

Hurricanes can bring large amounts of water and high winds. Trees, even healthy ones, can be snapped in two. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in St. Augustine?

If you have a tree that is invading public space, then you should contact Road & Bridge crews in St. Augustine. They are not available for the removal of trees on private property. Therefore, we have to wonder who you will need to call if there is a dead tree near a power line.

In St. Augustine, the electric company tries to stay on top of trees if they are near power lines. They work to prune trees to help redirect their growth away from power lines. However, occasionally a tree will get sick or die.

If you happen to find a tree that poses a risk to your safety or the safety of others, it should be dealt with quickly. You are urged to never touch a tree or a power line if the two are touching. Therefore, you will need to call FPL for immediate assistance.

In the event you have a tree that is on your personal property or nearing a power line but not posing a significant risk, you can call for help from FPL or our experts. Our tree trimmers will be able to do the job, provided it isn’t too close to the power line. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in St. Augustine?

It is very hard to predict how much you might spend on the services of our tree removal specialists. However, on average, an easy tree service will cost you between $460.00 and $640.00. Most homeowners end up spending around $550.00 for their tree removals. Easier jobs could be as low as $200, while larger or more complex removals can reach over $1,800.

Your expected cost could be much lower or higher depending on several factors. They include: 

Difficulty of the Job

Do you have a tree that has already fallen, and you just need us to help you clean up the mess? Your cost will be cheaper than for someone who needs a tree brought down. A tree that is near a structure will cost more than one that is located in the middle of a field. Smaller trees will cost less to bring down than larger ones. 

The amount of work that it takes for our professionals will influence the cost of the service. If special equipment or numerous crew members must work on your tree, then you will have to compensate them for their time. 

Emergency Service

Florida’s weather is sometimes quite crazy. If a storm hits on the weekend or during the nighttime hours, and you need a tree service to take care of it quickly, your cost will be higher. The same is true for holidays. 

For this reason, we urge everyone in St. Augustine to take care of tree maintenance as soon as you notice a problem. You may not be able to prevent all tree emergencies, but you can lessen the risk of it happening during a small evening thunderstorm. 

Permitting Costs

You will need a permit to remove certain trees in St. Augustine. The cost for the permit is $30 and necessary for all trees that are 3 inches or larger in diameter at chest height. The catch is that only some trees can be removed with a permit. Some trees are protected, and some you are encouraged to get rid of. If the tree you want to be removed is on the prohibited list, then you will have to satisfy the county to possibly remove it.

In either event, it isn’t something you want to try and deal with alone. There are too many variables in St. Augustine for any part of tree trimming and removal to be simple.