Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Savannah?
- 2 Does the City of Savannah Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Savannah?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Savannah?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Savannah?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Savannah?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Savannah?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Savannah?
Located on the banks of the Savannah River and within easy driving distance of the beach, Savannah has a rich history as a port city. The city is known for its tree-lined streets and lush public parks. Who can forget Forrest Gump sitting on a bench talking about chocolates in one of Savannah’s famous parks?
Savannah reveres its trees and lush greenery that the moderate temperatures help thrive. The most common trees found in Savannah include:
- Southern live oak
- Red oak
- American beech
- Eastern redbud
- Crepe myrtle
- Loblolly pine
- Bald cypress
- Flowering dogwood
- Southern magnolia
The drive up to the Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah is iconic for its towering oaks draped in Spanish moss that line the drive. Savannah loves its trees but sometimes, there are issues with them. Here are some of the most common tree issues in Savannah:
Damage From Insect and Other Critters
With its warm temperatures and high humidity, Savannah is a haven for all types of wildlife, and some of these insects and critters might be feasting on or nesting in your trees. This can cause the tree to become unhealthy or die. Here are a few of the most common pests in Savannah that endanger your trees:
- Bark beetles
- Weevils
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
- Wasps
- Bees
- Termites
- Beetles
- Aphids
- Seed bugs
A pest infestation doesn’t have to be the death of your tree. If caught early enough, our team can treat the pest infestation and help return your tree to good health.
It’s always a good idea to walk your property every couple of weeks. You need to look for signs of pest infestations in your trees. This can include bald patches in the wood, holes or pests flying in and out of the tree, and channel marks. Our team is always ready to evaluate your trees if you suspect an infestation.
Diseases
Savannah is known for its moderate winter temperature and high humidity during the spring and summer months. Savannah sees rain on an average of 104 days each year and racks up an average of 10 inches higher than the national average. This weather is a breeding ground for the most common diseases that affect trees in your yard. They include:
- Root rot. This tree disease is caused by fungal infections and soil that is oversaturated with water. All that extra rainfall in Savannah leaves your trees in a position to suffer from this disease.
- Powdery mildew. You may notice white spots on new leaves on your tree. This is an indication of powdery mildew, a fungal infection that grows in this humid area.
- Fire Blight. If this infection arrives in your Savannah yard, you need to call us immediately. This is a highly contagious disease that will infest all of your greenery. You’ll notice branches that seem to die with a rust color on the edges.
If you think your trees are infested with a disease, don’t panic. Most diseases can be treated if caught early enough. Call our team to come out and evaluate the situation. If there is a disease, our specialists can create a game plan for a solution.
Storms, Hurricanes, and Tropical Depressions
With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Savannah River, Savannah sees its fair share of storms. Each fall, the town gets ready for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane along with the flooding that comes with it.
A tropical storm can bring wind gusts of up to 73 mph, while a hurricane brings winds of 74 mph and greater, as fast as 157 mph, depending on the category. This wind can pick up a tree, roots and all, and drop it. When the winds subside, the flooding begins. Rushing water can easily topple trees and saturate the ground with water for weeks to come.
Does the City of Savannah Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Savannah has an ordinance that dates back to 1773 that restricts the removal of trees. The Landscape and Tree Ordinance requires you to get permission and a permit before removing trees even from your yard.
While the city routinely takes care of trees that need removal or other care in the right-of-ways and easements, as a homeowner, you’re responsible for the removal of any trees in your yard, after you get the right permits.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Savannah?
In Savannah, the homeowner or property owner is responsible for the costs of fallen tree removal. This might require a permit because of the strict policies concerning trees and cutting them. However, if the tree has already fallen, it shouldn’t be an issue.
If your fallen tree is on a right of way, the city or utility easement, the city of Savannah or the utility company might be responsible for its removal.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the homeowner or property owner, it falls to you to handle all the chores in connection with removing a fallen tree. This includes financial responsibility as well as securing the appropriate permits.
If the fallen tree is close to the road, you might consider calling the city of Savannah to see if it lies on an easement or right of way. Fallen trees are the responsibility of the city if they’re located in these places.
If you’re a renter?
When you rent a home in Savannah, your lease might specify that you’re required to maintain the lawn and outdoor space. Typically, this means that you need to move the lawn, water the grass, trim the hedges, and rake the leaves. The homeowner wants to keep the property tidy.
However, if there’s a fallen tree that needs removal, you need to notify the owner immediately. They are the ones responsible for a big project, such as tree removal.
If you’re a landlord?
This is a tricky one. If you’re the landlord, you’re also the property owner, and you’re responsible for the removal of the fallen tree.
If you’re a property manager for a homeowner, you might need to take care of the fallen tree and make any necessary payments upfront. It depends on the contract with the homeowner. In most cases, the contract specifies how the homeowner repays this type of service. It might be a deduction from profits, or the property owner may need to make a payment to the property manager.
If you’re a neighbor?
This is another tricky one. What do you do if a tree is lying half in your yard and half in your neighbor’s? In this case, you need to look for the base and roots of the tree. The responsible party is the one with the base and roots in their yard. When this happens, it’s always a good idea to go and talk to your neighbor. You don’t want any hard feelings.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Savannah?
The two main soil types in Savannah are sandy and red clay. The red clay makes it hard for roots to spread out while the sandy soil can become easily saturated with all the rainfall in the area.
When the soil becomes saturated with water, you may see diseases, such as root rot, damage your trees. You need to keep an out for any possible signs of disease in your trees.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Savannah?
Yes, the weather in Savannah affects the health of your trees. Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce winds high enough to pull a tree from the ground or knock it over, while post-storm flooding can pull a tree out of the ground or saturate the soil.
The above-average rainfall and moist warm air can be a breeding ground for diseases that affect trees. While you can’t predict the weather, if you think your tree has been stricken by disease, our team can evaluate it and form a plan to restore its health.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Savannah?
A dead tree that has fallen on a power line can be dangerous. In addition to power outages, the power lines can electrocute you if you get near or touch them. In this situation, you must immediately call emergency services in Savannah and keep your distance.
However, if it’s a dead tree near a power line, it’s probably the responsibility of the City of Savannah or the utility company. You want to call both before taking steps to have it removed yourself.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Savannah?
The cost of removing a small to a medium-sized tree in Savannah costs between $150 and $850. A larger tree starts at around $500 and up for removal. Of course, there are other factors that play a part in the cost of removing a tree. These costs include:
Other Required Services
When you look at the cost of tree removal, you’re really only seeing the cost of cutting down the tree, which is a lot of work. However, there are other services in connection with tree removal that you may need.
You can request that our team run your tree through a wood chipper, so you can use the chips as mulch for your yard. The other most common additional service is removing the stump.
Tree Location
We take great care to ensure that during the tree removal process, your home and other trees aren’t damaged. This takes a lot more precautions, extra equipment, and team members to ensure this if the tree is close to your Savannah home or in the middle of other trees. The location of your tree can play a part in the cost of its removal.
Tree Size
In Savannah, the trees can grow tall, and some of them have multiple trunks. If you have a tall or wide tree, you can expect that $500 starting price to soar. It takes extra time, equipment, and manpower to safely remove larger trees.
