Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Williston?
- 2 Does the City of Williston Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Williston?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Williston?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Williston?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Williston?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Williston?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Williston?
The sabal palm is the official tree of the Sunshine State. The hearty palm can grow in any soil and thrives throughout Florida.
In recent years, lethal bronzing disease is putting these majestic trees at risk. Spreading rapidly since its discovery in 2006, these pests that resemble mosquitoes are causing massive destruction to the broad-leaved palms. Bronzing of the lower foliage with upward progression is indicative of this invasive threat.
Asian cycad scale poses another serious risk to palm trees in Williston. Easily spread by the wind, these invasive pests can kill a host tree within the first year of infestation. The highly contagious insect presents as a white bug attached to the leaf, covered by a white protective film.
The ash is another common tree found in Williston, with the ash plant bug posing the biggest issue. As the oval pests feed on the foliage, black spots appear under the leaves with yellow or white specks on the tops. Signs of reddish-black bugs in the spring are a clear sign of infestation.
Does the City of Williston Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a tree assistance program (TAP) to provide communities with disaster assistance during an emergency. Orchards and tree growers in Florida are given financial assistance to rehabilitate trees damaged during a natural disaster.
Homeowners are responsible for the costs associated with tree removal and debris cleanup following an event.
It is important to note that most insurance providers will not provide coverage for debris removal if there is no damage to your property. If you have structural damage, usually the cleanup will be covered for a fixed amount.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Williston?
You want to remove a tree before it falls unexpectedly and causes significant damage to you or your neighboring property. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, and sometimes trees fall without warning. Florida’s law is clear on who is responsible for tree removal:
If you’re a homeowner?
If a tree on your property falls, you do not need a permit from the city of Williston for removal. If it damages your neighbor’s property, you are not held responsible. If the fallen tree damages your property, contact your insurance company to file a claim.
This is assuming the tree was not diseased or damaged before it fell, and the damage caused was outside your control. If an issue was present and you did nothing to correct it before falling, you may be held liable for damages.
If you’re a renter?
Check your lease to see if you agreed to a landscaping addendum. If you did, this means you are responsible for the mowing, weeding, and watering of the lawn on the rented property.
In Florida, tenants are not obligated to handle tree trimming or tree removal. It is the sole responsibility of the landlord to take care of all associated costs including debris cleanup.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, you are responsible for the proper maintenance of trees including trimming and pruning to ensure they are not a hazard on the rental property. Tenants in Florida are not responsible for the care of trees unless defined in the rental terms of the lease.
If a tree that was damaged or neglected falls and damages your tenant’s personal property, you will be held liable for damages. If you are unable to properly care for trees before, during, or after a storm, consider hiring us to handle this task for you.
If you’re a neighbor?
If a tree from your neighbor’s property falls and causes damage to your property, you are responsible for filing a claim with your insurance company. The same is true if a tree that you own falls on a neighbor’s property. They have to file an insurance claim with their carrier.
If the tree was previously damaged and no action was taken to prevent the hazard, the property owner where the tree was located is held responsible for all incurred damages including all costs associated with the tree removal.
In Florida, state law prohibits the removal of a healthy tree that sits on a property line between neighbors without prior consent. You could be held financially liable for reducing the value of the land. You may, however, trim any branches or roots that are encroaching onto your side of the property line.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Williston?
Dubbed as the Gateway to the Nature Coast, Williston is known for its peanut and watermelon crops. The agricultural farms of Levy County produce bountiful harvests every season.
The area’s trees take advantage of soil that allows for deep root structures to grow. For a tree to thrive, it needs plenty of space for proper growth of both the roots and the trunk. A deeper root structure gives trees a better chance of survival, especially during high winds. Root development needs to have enough space to spread beyond the canopy of the tree to avoid surface encroachment.
Without strong, deep roots, trees can become unstable, easily falling under stressful situations. Compacted soil will stunt the growth of a tree, leaving it susceptible to disease and pest infestation. When the water table is high and the soil poorly drained, the tree will not flourish. For a sustainable root system, healthy trees need to have at least three feet of soil depth, preferably in a deep water table region.
If you plan to trim the root structure of an existing tree to prevent encroachment, make sure to never cut closer than five times the diameter of the trunk. Exposing roots may negatively impact the anchoring system, compromising its ability to withstand high winds.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Williston?
Trees provide many benefits to the environment by providing shade and reducing heat coming off pavement and concrete surfaces as temperatures rise.
Florida is known for its abundance of sunshine, but from June to November, it is also known for being hurricane-prone.
During a storm, trees are susceptible to devastating damage caused by high winds, torrential rain, and flooding. Since 1992, following Hurricane Andrew, the University of Florida started studying the effect storms have on trees in Florida.
They determined that the higher the wind speed, the greater the chance of trees falling. Also, areas with flooding conditions saw more loss of trees because the water accumulated in the soil, and the roots were unable to hold the tree up. Trees in shallow soil that were less than one foot in depth also experienced more devastation than trees planted with a deeper root structure in place.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Williston?
The city of Williston is currently working on a three-year cycle to trim all trees and inspect problem trees located along distribution lines.
If a downed tree presents an immediate danger, is blocking a roadway, or touching a power line, immediately call 911 to report the emergency. The Williston utility department can also be reached at 352-528-3060 during regular business hours.
According to the report to the Florida Public Service Commission, any problem tree not located within the right-of-way is addressed with the property owner, and a solution is agreed upon before corrective actions are taken.
According to Section 40-146 of the Williston municipal code, it is unlawful for any person to cut or trim trees in such a manner as to interfere with or damage the electric distribution lines of the city.
Removal of a tree 20 feet high and within 100 feet of any municipal power line is prohibited until the homeowner receives permission from the public works department. Tree trimming of limbs that overhang a power line is also prohibited without prior consent. At least 24-hour notice must be given before any service is performed.
A homeowner must apply for a tree removal permit from the Williston Public Works department for any tree removal or limb cutting that may pose a threat to a municipal power line. There is no fee for the application and inspection process.
Any contractor hired to remove a tree in the city of Williston must have an occupational license and proof of worker’s compensation and liability insurance before rendering service. Tree Triage is fully licensed and insured.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Williston?
The cost to remove a tree from your property in Williston typically falls between $200 and $1,950, with an average of $700. Several cost factors are taken into consideration before you receive a final estimate.
Access to the Tree
If the tree is in a hard-to-reach location on your property, there will be a premium surcharge. Impeding obstacles such as fencing, neighboring structures, or difficult circumstances will also be considered when determining a final price.
Trees located in easily accessible areas will cost considerably less to remove.
Stump Removal
There is an extra charge to have a stump removed during tree removal. It is best to get the stump ground down to at least soil level to avoid a potential safety hazard. For complete removal, have us grind the stump below the soil level. It will cost approximately $150 for this additional service.
Tree Size
The main factor considered for tree removal is the size of the tree. The height as well as the trunk diameter are measured when determining a final price. In Williston, the average cost for tree removal, based on size alone, is as follows:
- Small trees up to 15 feet in height with a 6-inch trunk: $125 to $450
- Medium trees up to 35 feet in height with an 8 to 12-inch trunk: $150 to $800
- Large trees up to 80 feet in height with a 25 to 40-inch trunk: $750 to $2,000
