Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Brunswick?
- 2 Does the City of Brunswick Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Brunswick?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Brunswick?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Brunswick?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Brunswick?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Brunswick?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Brunswick?
We have been in the tree maintenance and removal business for a long time, so we have seen it all by now. Three of the most common tree issues we see in Brunswick, however, include root rot, pest problems, and storm damage.
Root Rot
Root rot is an awful tree condition that begins when a fungus enters a tree’s root system and prevents it from absorbing adequate amounts of water and nutrients. Root rot is one of Georgia’s most common tree conditions, as we typically receive more rainfall per year than the national average. The fungi that cause root rot love the warm and moist environment we have year-round in Brunswick, to the detriment of our trees.
Trees can be saved if root rot is caught early enough, but the disease is hard to detect because most visible signs are underneath the soil. If you notice that your tree’s leaves are beginning to show discoloration or wilting, however, this can be a sign that root rot may be taking hold. Root rot spreads easily from tree to tree via their root systems, so sometimes the best solution ends up being a total tree and root removal.
Pest Problems
Just like fungi, pests love warm and moist environments, and they aren’t afraid to attack trees all over Brunswick. Some pests feed on the leaves of trees, ultimately defoliating them, which can make it difficult or impossible for them to get enough of the sunlight that is critical for their growth and health. Other insects, like bark beetles, lay their eggs underneath the bark of trees, and the eggs and larvae interfere with the tree’s vascular system.
This makes it difficult for a tree to circulate water and nutrients around its trunk and branches. Pine trees that have browning leaves or dying branches toward the top may have become victims of a bark beetle attack, though, by the time these signs show up, it’s often too late to save the tree. When this happens, we often have to recommend removal as the presence of bark beetles in a dying tree only encourages more bark beetles to join the party, which can then spread to other nearby trees.
Storm Damage
Because we are located on the coast, Brunswick’s trees sustain a great deal of storm damage both during hurricane season and even outside of it. We receive plenty of storms throughout the year that are accompanied by high winds and heavy rain, which can wreak havoc on our trees. It’s not always possible to prevent storm damage among our trees, especially if they are struck by lightning, but regularly pruning trees and keeping them otherwise healthy can allow them to stay more resilient in the face of storm damage.
Does the City of Brunswick Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Yes, the city of Brunswick’s Public Works department manages several different public maintenance projects throughout the year, including tree maintenance and removal on public property. If you see trees that look like they have a disease, appear to be dead, or have fallen over on public property, you can use the online Public Works Service Request form to let the city know about the tree in question.
Glynn County also provides a yard debris drop-off site during the week and on Saturdays for a small fee, or you can add yard debris pickup to your garbage and recycling services for an extra fee. These services are helpful after pruning your trees or properly disposing of branches and leaves after storms.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Brunswick?
Nobody enjoys dealing with a tree after it falls, but one thing is for sure: the tree won’t pick itself up and haul itself away. It’s always helpful to know who is generally responsible for what when a tree falls ahead of time so that you can be prepared and know what to expect.
If you’re a homeowner?
Those who own their home and their surrounding property are almost always responsible for having trees removed after they fall. It can be a downer to not only lose a tree on your property but to also have to pay for removal, but failing to get it removed promptly can quickly become a health and safety hazard to you and your family as well as to the other trees on your property.
If you’re a renter?
Usually, renters aren’t responsible for getting a tree removed that fell on the property they are renting. This is true unless their rental agreement states otherwise, so be sure to read over your lease carefully to see if a tree removal clause is included.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are legally obligated to keep their properties safe and free from hazards, including fallen trees. Landlords are typically responsible for getting fallen trees removed from the properties they own, unless there is a section in the lease that places that responsibility on the renter.
If you’re a neighbor?
If a neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, it may feel unfair that you become the one responsible for having it removed, but that’s normally how the situation shakes out. We recommend speaking with your neighbors ahead of time about these matters so that you can agree well before the situation ever presents itself. Some neighbors even decide to split the costs of tree maintenance and removal of trees that sit close to property lines.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Brunswick?
Soil can have a major impact on the trees in our neighborhoods, though most people don’t give soil much thought when thinking about tree health. Soil provides key nutrients and water to trees that help them grow and thrive. Soils that contain high concentrations of clay absorb and hold onto water well, allowing trees to stay adequately hydrated. On the other hand, soils that contain too much clay can prevent oxygen from entering the soil, leading to saturated roots that often get root rot.
Soil composition can vary widely from yard to yard and even within the same property, which is why it’s always helpful to get a soil test done to better understand the type of soil you are working with. These tests can give you a breakdown of the nutrient composition and help you determine whether you need to add anything to improve the health of your soil.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Brunswick?
Those who have lived in Brunswick for a while know that our summers are hot, our winters are mild, and we get lots of rainfall throughout the year. We also see plenty of sunshine, which is why our trees and plants grow so quickly and beautifully. Unfortunately, this weather is also ideal for allowing pests, fungi, and bacteria to thrive.
By either performing regular preventative maintenance tree tasks on your own or bringing in a professional, you can greatly increase the odds that your trees will stay healthy and strong in the face of these challenges.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Brunswick?
Georgia Power works hard to trim and maintain trees around power lines in a cyclical fashion to reduce the odds of power outages in storms and keep our neighborhoods safe from electrical danger. They will trim trees near your neighborhood’s main power lines, but homeowners are responsible for maintaining the trees near power lines that connect directly to their home.
If you notice a tree that seems dead, diseased, or potentially hazardous to power lines, you can contact Georgia Power to send out an inspector to assess the situation. From there, they will decide if the tree poses and threat and needs to be removed.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Brunswick?
Most Brunswick residents can expect to pay around $530 for tree removal services, but actual final costs can be much higher or lower, depending on your own unique set of circumstances. When we calculate a final bill, the three largest factors we take into account include the size of the tree, whether we have to use special equipment, and whether we had to provide other services.
Tree Size
Larger trees often take much longer to remove, and we often have to bring more staff members to complete the job as safely and efficiently as possible. For these reasons, the larger the tree you need removed, the more you can expect to pay.
Special Equipment Requirements
Trees that grow close to homes or in other hard-to-reach places may require us to bring in specialized equipment or use more complicated removal techniques to make sure the tree doesn’t come crashing down on anyone’s house or car. These techniques may also require more time and staff members, so they will also contribute to a higher bill.
Additional Services
If you need a tree removed because it’s in the way, we can handle that and be on our way. If, on the other hand, you need a tree removed because it had a pest infestation or fungal infection, we often recommend that you let us treat other trees on your property to prevent them from meeting the same fate. These extra services will cost a bit more, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing you from having to pay for tree removal services in the future.
