Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Venice?
- 2 Does the City of Venice Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Venice?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Venice?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Venice?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Venice?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Venice?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Venice?
Most trees in Venice are healthy and happy. They provide us with much-needed shade and create homes for the area’s wildlife. When a homeowner has an issue with a tree, it’s usually due to one of these three problems:
- Disease. There are quite a few tree diseases that thrive in our tropical climate. You’ll want to look for signs of disease such as discolored leaves or branches or strange swelling on the trunk and limbs. Some of the most common conditions are fusiform rust, needle blight, and laurel wilt. If caught early, you may be able to treat these diseases and save the tree. In some cases, though, you should remove the infected tree to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Pests. Trees make great homes for insects, birds, lizards, and other wildlife. Some of these creatures aren’t good residents, though, and could end up hurting your tree. Left untreated, invasive pests such as dogwood borers and pine bark beetles that are common in Venice will damage a tree so much they end up killing it. These pests spread quickly and are airborne, too. You’ll want to look for signs of damage or bugs living on the underside of leaves. If caught early, there is a good chance you can get rid of the pests and save the tree.
- Storm damage. Storm damage is probably the most common tree issue in Venice. Damage from wind and lightning is widespread in the area. Sometimes these storm conditions just knock down a few small branches. However, they may become severe enough to topple a fully-grown, healthy tree. Annual maintenance of your tree can help prevent this and uncover any signs of structural weakness.
Does the City of Venice Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Sarasota County’s Environmental Permitting and Planning Department is currently responsible for the trees in the area. The City of Venice will be taking over in the future. In either case, there is no assistance to residents when it comes to tree removal. These departments only trim and remove trees located on city or county property. If you see an issue with a tree on city or county property, you can report it. The City of Venice will send someone out to evaluate the tree and take the appropriate actions.
For trees located on your private property, you should contact us for removal.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Venice?
Florida state law has plenty to say about who has responsibility for a fallen tree. While this question can come up anytime, it’s widespread after a major storm comes through Venice. So who pays for tree removal?
If You’re a Homeowner?
If the roots and trunk are within your property line, that’s your tree. That means you’ll be responsible for removing the tree if it falls over or is dying from storm damage or disease.
Things get slightly more complicated if your tree is on a property boundary with a neighbor. If the trunk is in your property boundary, it’s still your tree. However, if the branches reach over the property boundary, the neighbor can trim those branches back to the property line. They have to pay for it, though.
If the roots and trunk are on both of your properties, it’s considered a shared tree. You’ll need to work with your neighbor to determine the best care for the tree and if removal is necessary.
If You’re a Renter?
Renters are generally not responsible for any of the trees on their property. Tree maintenance and removal will be up to the landlord. If a tree falls on your rented property, then you’ll want to contact the landlord and let them know. They can arrange for a service to remove the tree. You can make a claim on your renters’ insurance for any damage done to your personal property.
If You’re a Landlord?
Unless you’ve written otherwise in a leasing agreement, you are responsible for the removal of any fallen trees on your rental property. You are also responsible for the care and maintenance of the trees. It’s essential to take good care of the trees on your property because if a sick or damaged tree falls on your renter’s personal property, you may be liable for damages. It may be in your best interest to hire us to maintain the trees on an annual basis.
If You’re a Neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, there is a good chance you’ll be responsible for the removal of it. It comes down to the condition of the tree before it fell. If the tree was in good health and your neighbor took good care of it, then you’ll be responsible for the removal of it from your property. If you can prove that the tree was dying or damaged before it fell, then your neighbor may be responsible for the removal.
However, it can be challenging to prove the health of a tree. It may be faster and less expensive to work with the neighbor on the tree removal instead and see if there is a way to share the expense. If the tree damaged your property, you should be able to make a claim on your homeowners’ insurance.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Venice?
It’s no surprise that the soil in Venice is extremely sandy. Some Venice trees are well suited for this type of soil, especially palms. Palms don’t like compacted roots, and the sand allows them to spread out. That has the added benefit of making them more stable in the wind, which is why they are better at staying up in our extreme weather.
Other trees don’t like the sandy soil. They need expansive soil to grow tighter root balls. Sandy soil is also not good for retaining nutrients, so some trees will slowly starve unless you regularly fertilize them. The soil type is something to consider when choosing trees for your Venice property. If you stick with native Florida trees, they should be low-maintenance and thrive in our sunny, sandy conditions. If you choose non-native plants, they can still thrive, but you may need to give them a little more of your time and attention.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Venice?
While we enjoy plenty of sunny days along the Florida coast, we also get our share of extreme weather. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June to November. Venice manages to avoid most of those major storms, but we still get many thunderstorms during these months. Thunderstorms bring a lot of wind and lightning to the area, both of which can be deadly for our trees.
Wind can be awful for trees that are already damaged or weakened by diseases or pests. The wind can end up knocking off branches or large limbs, which could further weaken the tree. Some winds are powerful enough to topple a tree completely.
Lightning can severely damage a tree. The lightning strike may leave large crevices in the tree that allow pests to move in or make the tree more vulnerable to certain diseases. Some lightning strikes can kill a tree immediately. Don’t believe the old saying, either, because lightning can strike a tree twice.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Venice?
Florida Public Utilities handles tree maintenance along power lines. They maintain trees on a rotational basis, trimming or removing dead trees in neighborhoods about every six years. The service is free, and they will remove any debris a few days after they trim the trees on your property. They will only trim trees that are a risk to the power lines, though. You’ll need to trim your other trees yourself or have a Venice tree trimming company do it for you.
If you see an issue with a dead tree near a power line, you can contact them at 1-800-427-7712. Stay away from the power line and the tree until Florida Public Utilities arrive.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Venice?
Most residents will pay around $500 for tree removal in Venice. The cost varies a lot, though, and you can pay anything from $150 to $1,500. Here are three factors that will determine your cost:
The Size of the Tree
The taller and thicker the tree is, the more it will cost to remove it. Tall trees will require special gear, which means a higher cost for us to remove the tree.
The Location of the Tree
Trees in difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas will also cost more. Trees around power lines are especially tricky to remove due to the risk of electrical shock.
When You Need the Tree Removed
We are often very busy with tree removal after a big storm. If you need a tree removed urgently, you may need to pay a surcharge. If you can safely wait for removal services following a storm, you may end up paying less for the service.
