Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Warner Robins?
- 2 Does the City of Warner Robins Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Warner Robins?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Warner Robins?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Warner Robins?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Warner Robins?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Warner Robins?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Warner Robins?
The weather in Warner Robins is anything but predictable, but for the most part, we know we’re going to get sun, rain, and a little more than 60 days of above 90-degree heat. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t get to experience all four seasons — we just get to experience all four seasons at their peak in most cases (besides snow!).
While we get a touch of below-freezing at nighttime now and then, snow is nearly non-existent and maximum temps average around 91 degrees, especially between July and August. Fortunately, our native trees thrive off of our sweet mix of sunny and rainy days. The most common speices in our Warner Robins area include:
- Hardwoods:
- Oaks (of 27+ in varieties)
- Maple
- Pecan
- Walnut
- Softwoods:
- Pines
- Hemlocks
- Cedars
- Cypresses
With that being said, no tree is safe from common diseases that are also thriving in our Warner Robins climate, so it’s extremely important to know what they are and how to keep a lookout for them.
According to a University of Georgia publication, some of the most common diseases are as follows:
Root Rots, Crown Rots, and Damping-Off
Considered the most damaging in Warner Robins, root rotting diseases flourish in wet soil environments — and we all know how wet and rainy Warner Robins is most of the year. The problem is this disease can spread easily and attack almost all of your tree, shrub, and flower landscapes.
While this disease often starts on the inside and works its way out (so most homeowners don’t typically catch it early), there are a few signs you can keep an eye out for, such any signs of health decaying and/or dying like drooping, premature falling, lesions at the soil line, wilting, collapsing, off-color foliage, yellowing, and more.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal growth disease that can spread too easily throughout your landscape, moving from tree to tree through insects, rain, unsanitized gardening tools, air currents, etc. Our high humidity, caused by dry, sunny days is what helps these fungi flourish in Warner Robins, often taking our trees down to their death and removal.
If you suspect this fungal disease is present, look for its powdery-white fungal growth on leaves and flowers, distortions, yellowing, premature falling, and an overall decline in health.
Fungal Leaf Spots
Like with the other fungal diseases, fungal leaf spots are also contagious and common, but fortunately, this common tree disease does not often lead to serious damage to our Warner Robins trees. The disease is spread through spores carried through the wind and/or rain current. Lack of rain can kill this fungus, but Warner Robins’ weather is anything but short of rain.
The best way to identify this disease is by spotting anywhere from tiny, discolored specs on your tree to much larger, discolored blotches.
Drought Stress
While any sort of drought disease on trees seems unlikely in a city (and state, for that matter) that gets a good portion of rain, it isn’t uncommon for there to be breaks in between rainfalls. After all, it only takes two weeks without rain for the landscape to suffer, especially if it’s during our hot, 90-degree months.
However, droughts in Georgia happen, and that stress can impact the health of our beloved landscapes. This can show up in the form of leaf browning, curling, or wilting, cracking in trunks, premature falling, and more. This kind of stressor is most common in our Beech, Cypress, and Dogwood species, but native trees like Oak and Hickory are more adapted.
Does the City of Warner Robins Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
When it comes to trees on your private property, the city does not provide any assistance in tree removal, so the responsibility is then placed on the property owner’s shoulders.
However, trees on city property (i.e., right-of-ways, avenues, lanes, alleys, etc.) are the city’s responsibility and, therefore, will be taken care of by the city. Trees that have fallen over and on both private and public property have split responsibility — the city takes care of the portion on city property and property owners take care of the portion on their property.
With that being said, the City of Warner Robins also has the right to remove, cause, and/or order the removal of any tree that is deemed unsafe, such as those “injurious to sewers, streets, electrical power lines, gas lines, water lines, or other public improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pests.”
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Warner Robins?
Fallen tree removal responsibility can be a pain to figure out and isn’t always clear and widely known (especially since it can vary from city to city or state to state). For this reason, we have a breakdown to help you get more familiar with Warner Robins’ stance on the topic.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner, you officially take on the responsibility of nearly everything on your property, including removing any trees. Split responsibility can occur, however, if the tree is on multiple properties. In this case, every property owner takes care of the portion on their property or may choose to pitch in and split costs.
If you’re a renter?
The beauty of being a renter in Warner Robins is the responsibility of major components on the property is left to the landlord to address. If you are aware of any potential tree dangers (in need of removal), make sure to let your landlord know.
If you’re a landlord?
Being a landlord means you have the same responsibilities (including tree removal) as homeowners. The major difference is the safety of all your renters and units falls on your shoulders, so tree removal, when necessary, should be taken seriously to prevent injuries or any other dangers and damages.
If you’re a neighbor?
According to Georgia laws, a general health rule applies to fallen trees. This means that if your neighbor’s healthy tree falls on your property due to weather or natural causes, then it is your responsibility to take care of the portion on your property.
However, if the disease in question is obviously dead or dying, then it is your neighbor’s responsibility to remove the tree and pay any costs associated with damage done by the tree.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Warner Robins?
Clay soils are the most common type in Warner Robins since they result from wet, hot, and typically humid weather. While clay isn’t an ideal soil for all trees, our native trees in Georgia are rather fond of it.
According to the Warner Robins Native Plant Education Center (NPEC), our native trees are accustomed to the local sun, soil, and climate. However, it can affect many trees in the area — our native plants are generally safe in terms of our soil.
At the same time, they report the fun fact that because our native trees suit our local conditions so well, we can significantly reduce pollution to our waters by planting native trees because it eliminates the need for fertilizers, extra watering, and pesticides.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Warner Robins?
Although Warner Robins’ native trees are generally used to our weather, the weather can certainly play a part in the negative impact on tree health on occasion. This is because our heavy rains, particularly in July, can often be strong and heavy, causing trees to lose major branches, leaves, etc., or fall altogether.
On the other hand, the sporadic below-freezing nights and extremely hot summers can also affect tree health; in many cases weakening their exterior rather than actually killing them.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Warner Robins?
If there are any dead trees or tree services near power lines that need to be taken care of, homeowners must first contact Georgia Power. Failure to do so could not only risk the safety of you and those around you, but could also result in criminal penalties and fines as much as $1,000 for a first offense and $3,000 for the second and more offenses.
However, it is important to keep in mind that according to the Warner Robins Tree Board, “No tree, other than those small trees in this division, may be planted under or within ten (10) lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five (5) lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, power line or other utility.”
This means trees shouldn’t be close enough to be problematic, to begin with. But if by some chance they are, call your electric company for further service.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Warner Robins?
First and foremost, any tree removal process must start with obtaining a permit if the tree is on public property. However, small trees that are 5 inches or less in diameter do not need a tree service permit (bigger ones usually do). As always, it is always best to consult your local tree expert first before moving forward, as ordinances can update and change at any time.
With that in mind, the following factors can influence your final cost to be more or less expensive, but the average cost is typically between $250 and $750 to remove your tree.
Tree Height
For good reason, height plays a significant part in the overall cost of your tree removal service in Warner Robins. This is because the job can get much more dangerous, difficult, and require more equipment the higher it goes (i.e., keeping surrounding properties and belongings safe while accessing its height).
In most cases, you can expect to pay an additional $15 – $20 per foot of tree height after 30 feet.
Additional Service – Land and Lot Clearing
A great option often offered to homeowners is Land and Lot Clearing – a service that includes the clean-up and removal of twigs, branches, debris, etc. that covers your property following the removal of a tree. It can get pretty expensive (typically, well over a thousand dollars), but it does get done faster and without any extra hassles on you.
It should also be noted that some general requirements and specifications go with the disposal of trees, brush, and more, so having our professionals complete the job would be ideal in alleviating that headache, too.
Fallen/Standing Trees
Many homeowners in Warner Robins also don’t realize the impact the position of your tree can have on final costs. If your tree is still standing, it’s typically more expensive than one that has already fallen over and just needs to be removed from the property. The reason for this is that there’s less hard work and equipment needed for the job.
However, if it’s a dead tree that needs to be removed from a verge (between curb and sidewalk — city property), make sure you fill out the City of Warner Robins’ Dead Tree form to let the city know beforehand.