Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Norcross?
- 2 Does the City of Norcross Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Norcross?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Norcross?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Norcross?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Norcross?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Norcross?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Norcross?
Trees in Norcross face many common pests and diseases, and it’s your job to call our arborists at the first sign of a problem. Here’s what you can look out for.
English Ivy
English ivy is common in Norcross and likes to grow from the base of a tree and climb its trunk and branches. If left to its own devices, English ivy will overtake the tree, weighing down branches, and preventing light from accessing the tree’s leaves. Ivy makes it much easier for a tree to succumb to disease or infestation. If you notice signs of ivy around your trees, prune it away so your tree can breathe. If you’re having trouble controlling it, it’s best to call us for help.
Cankers
Seiridium and hypoxylon cankers are common fungal diseases that affect trees in Norcross. The most common symptom is wilted leaves that will eventually die and fall. Cankers are notorious for affecting stressed or sick trees so prevention is the key. Make sure you prune your tree’s branches and keep roots hydrated during a drought. If you notice signs of cankers, have our arborists check it out. Oftentimes, we can manage the problem by pruning away affected branches.
Beetles
There are several types of beetles that attack Norcross trees. Ambrosia beetles like to infest trees that are sick or already dead. Females lay their eggs under the bark and the larvae burrow into the tree, releasing a fungus that weakens and kills it. Pine beetles, as the name suggests, attack pine trees that are usually sick. If an infestation is bad enough, they will attack healthy trees as well, eventually cutting off the tree’s water supply and killing it. Unfortunately, there is no cure for pine beetles. Japanese beetles, on the other hand, eat the leaves of trees and leave them with veins intact, looking like little leaf skeletons. If caught early enough, our experts can treat a tree for Japanese beetles.
Aphids
Aphids are very common pests to both plants and trees, and in small numbers, pose no real threat. These bugs feed off of the leaves and stems of trees and can cause leaves to turn yellow or stop growing at all. They can also inject toxic substances into your tree’s leaves that can cause them to stop growing. If you notice an aphid infestation that is out of control, call us for help. We’ve got specific chemicals that can eliminate them from your trees.
Does the City of Norcross Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If you need to have a tree removed on your property, you will need to call our arborists yourself. The city does not provide assistance, but they do require you to obtain a permit before having any tree removed that has a diameter of over 6 inches at breast height. There are a few exceptions that include occasions where a storm or other act of nature has severely damaged a tree or if the tree is deemed hazardous to the health, safety, or welfare of the public. In these instances, the Community Development Director can waive your permit needs.
Tree removal is also discussed in Article V of Chapter 200 in the Unified Development Ordinance. It is specified that when landscaping within the city limits, a tree can only be pruned at 25% of the tree’s crown each season and that only the Community Development Director can approve the removal of a tree on public or private property.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Norcross?
When a tree falls, neighbors can be left with a mess to clean up. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the law says so you won’t have to waste time sorting out financial responsibilities as well.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining all the trees on your property. If one should fall during an unforeseen act of nature, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost. You will only need to pay your deductible.
If you’re a renter?
If you rent your home, you also rent the surrounding property and everything on it. That means you are not responsible for pruning or caring for the trees on your property. If one should fall, your landlord will take care of the cleanup and damage. If your personal property is damaged by the tree, your landlord’s insurance will also pay to have them replaced. If you have trouble getting them to do this, you may need to consult with a lawyer.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, you are responsible for regularly pruning and maintaining all the trees on your rental properties. If one should fall, your insurance will pay for the tree’s removal. You will only need to cover the deductible.
If you’re a neighbor?
When a tree falls across property lines, things can get a little muddy. The experts agree that if a tree falls onto your property, your insurance is responsible for covering the cost. It doesn’t matter whether the tree belonged to you or your neighbor. The same concept applies to your neighbors. If your tree (or theirs) falls onto your neighbor’s property, their homeowner’s insurance will take care of the expense of removal. Now, if your insurance company can prove that your neighbor had been negligent in pruning a hazardous tree, they will go after your neighbor’s insurance for payment.
In order to avoid neighborhood disputes, try to keep an eye out for hazardous trees and branches and let your neighbors know if one of their trees needs a little TLC.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Norcross?
The soil in Norcross is composed of ultisols, inceptisols, and alfisols. These soils can range in depth and are pretty well-drained. The famous “Georgia clay” soil is translated to “red clay.” This ultisol takes its reddish huge from the oxidation of iron and other minerals that are exposed to heavy rainfall. Much of Norcross’s soil lacks the nutrients needed to help trees thrive so it’s always a good idea to add fertilizer or compost to your soil.
The city also encourages residents to add a layer of mulch around your tree’s base that is three to four inches thick. The mulch acts like the forest floor, protecting your tree’s vulnerable roots from temperature fluctuation and it helps to retain moisture in the soil. As mulch breaks down, it provides organic matter to the soil that feeds your tree and keeps it strong.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Norcross?
Norcross trees see their share of extreme weather. Spring and summer storms can be very strong, bringing damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes through the area. If that isn’t enough to battle, Norcross trees have learned to stand strong against the occasional hurricane that blows in from off the coast. In order to help your trees stand strong no matter what Mother Nature brings their way, it’s important to properly care for them. When we clean up after a major storm has blown through, most uprooted trees had already been dead or were dying.
Preventative care from our team can help your trees withstand any storm. We recommend regularly pruning away dead or dying branches. Water your trees during drought conditions and add mulch around the base. And if your tree shows signs of infestation or disease, have our arborists check it out. Norcross provides a list of Summer Tree Tips to help homeowners take care of their trees.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Norcross?
Municipal Electric Associate of Georgia Power (MEAG) is responsible for over 84 miles of electric lines that support 4,500 customers. Norcross purchases electricity from MEAG for resale to homes and businesses in the city. In order for the power to remain reliable, homeowners are responsible for regularly pruning any tree branches that encroach on power lines. The city’s Tree Board helps with tree maintenance and is working to alleviate homeowners from this unfavorable chore. If you notice an electrical emergency, call (678)421-2069. A customer service representative is available 24 hours a day and will send someone out to take care of the problem immediately.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Norcross?
On average, it will cost you about $800 to remove a tree in Norcross, with most jobs totaling between $200 and $2,000. That said, there are many factors that will influence your individual price. Some of the factors are listed below.
Tree Size
When quoting a price, our arborist will measure your tree’s height as well as the diameter of its trunk. These measurements will likely be the biggest factor in determining your final price. Large trees with lots of foliage just take more time, manpower, and equipment to remove, and that will cause your bill to be higher.
Tree Location
If your tree is near obstacles like a home or power lines, we usually factor them into the price. We’ll need to take extra care to work around your property, and we want to keep your home and our arborists safe in the process. Since we’ll be taking extra safety measures, your tree removal project will cost more with each obstacle that is nearby.
Tree Access
Our arborist will want to get an idea of how they can access your tree. If it’s going to be a process to get there, your price will go up. We’ve got lots of equipment to get to a worksite and if it’s hard to reach, it’s going to take extra time and effort for our arborists to get there. We’ll always find a way, but the more complicated it is to access, the more it’s going to cost you.