AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Meridian, ID

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Meridian?

Many tree diseases affect the health and stability of trees in Idaho. If a tree changes color, the leaves or needles become too dry, or you notice any unusual growth, it’s a good idea to ask for help. Here are the most common tree issues causing tree removal in Meridian.

Dutch elm disease is a big concern for trees in Meridian, Idaho. The elm bark beetle carries and transfers the fungal-based pathogen that causes the disease to start. Usually, the first sign of Dutch elm disease is when the foliage shrivels or wilts. Next, the leaves and shoots will begin to die off. If the branches become infected, they will be killed quickly. After this, if the disease progresses, the entire crown of the tree may be affected. Dutch elm disease can travel to other elms nearby through the root system, becoming out of control quickly. This is a difficult tree problem to have and harder to control. If your tree has these signs, you may need our tree removal services in Meridian.

If you begin noticing a foul smell coming from any of your trees, it could be slime flux, sometimes referred to as bacterial wetwood. This is a bacterial tree disease found in Meridian. Environmental stressors, like pollution or drought, can cause this slime to form. It can also be caused by wounding the tree. The smell can get pretty nasty if left unmanaged, and it can also look really gross. The bacteria can be a problem for our senses but is not likely to kill the tree. However, if the infection is bad enough, it could warrant tree removal. 

The Asian long-horned beetle is a common pest that is responsible for tree removal in Meridian. Idaho is one of the four states this beetle has invaded. The beetle chews a small hole in the bark and lays an egg before moving on to burrow another hole for another egg. Repeat this 50-125 times. Each egg takes about one to two weeks to hatch. The larvae then eat their way toward the heartwood, and when they get big enough, they pupate. Once they become beetles, they chew their way out of the tree to mate. If you see any sawdust around your hardwood trees, along with holes in the bark, you may have an infestation of Asian long-horned beetles. This pest has the potential to devastate forests.

Another pest that does a ton of tree damage is the emerald ash borer. This wood-boring beetle has invaded most of the nation and it doesn’t seem to be finished. It’s currently in 35 states, including Idaho. It’s about one inch long and has a green “emerald-like” iridescent color. It’s responsible for killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The adult beetle likes to eat the foliage, which causes damage to the canopy. Each female beetle can lay anywhere between 40 and 200 eggs in the tree. Once hatched, the larvae will kill the tree quickly by feeding on the inner bark. This disrupts the transport of water and nutrients. Some signs that your tree is infested are D-shaped holes, bark splitting, and thinning of the canopy.

Does the City of Meridian Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

The City of Meridian will help with tree removal problems that are on public land. If the tree is in the public right-of-way, you can report it to the parks department. If the tree problem is on private land, they will not help with removal. The property’s owner is expected to maintain their own property, including trees and vegetation. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Meridian?

If you’re trying to figure out who’s responsible for fallen tree removal in Meridian, the answer will depend on the property it has fallen on. In some cases, it can be difficult to know who is responsible, especially if both parties are worried about cost. This section will look at who is most likely responsible for a fallen tree under normal circumstances. 

If you’re a homeowner?

If you need tree removal in Meridian, and you’re the homeowner, you’re responsible. According to the city, property owners need to maintain the safety and appearance of their own land. This includes trees that have fallen even if the tree was planted by someone else. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters are not responsible for tree removal in Meridian. The city only requires landowners to maintain private property. If you are renting a property and a tree falls, you will need to contact your landlord. They will need as much information as you can give them so that they can take care of the problem.

If you’re a landlord?

If you are a landlord and a tenant calls you to report a fallen tree, you are responsible. The best thing you can do is to collect as much information as possible and then call your homeowner’s insurance company. They can best determine your level of coverage and how much your deductible will be. If there was no other structural damage, your deductible might be higher than the out-of-pocket costs for tree removal in Meridian. 

If you’re a neighbor?

In Meridian, neighbors are only responsible for tree removals on their property. If your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, you are responsible for removing it. If your tree falls in your neighbor’s yard, they will need to have it removed. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Meridian?

The state soil for Idaho is Threebear. It’s a loess soil with a high amount of volcanic ash and dust. This is one of the most productive soils for forested regions, making it great for your trees. Threebear can hold on to water really well as long as there is a ground cover of leaves, debris, or topsoil. If you don’t have some kind of top cover, Threebear will erode with every rainfall and snowmelt, washing away the dust and ash that makes the soil so nutrient-dense. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Meridian?

Winter can get very cold in Meridian, Idaho. During winter storms, temperatures can drop into the single digits, which can be very hard on our trees. While native trees in this region can handle a little snow and ice, some blizzards can dump a foot or more of snow in a short amount of time. This can devastate trees, especially if they are sick or damaged. We see an increase in fallen branches and tree removal in Meridian after each big storm. 

Thunderstorms are another common issue that increases tree removal in Meridian. We see an increase in lightning strikes, wind, and even hail damage to trees during the summer months. It is important to keep your trees regularly maintained and remove any dead or dying trees. These trees have a higher risk of catching fire when struck by lightning. Well-manicured trees are less likely to fall due to high winds.

The City of Meridian, like most of Idaho, is currently under drought conditions, with Ada county at abnormally dry to moderate drought levels. The lower levels of rain have increased wildfires and tree damage. If you’re thinking about planting more trees, you may want to go with drought-resistant varieties to help with the situation. Droughts don’t just cause fires. They can also compact the soil, making it hard for water to penetrate the roots.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Meridian?

Dead trees are a hazard. The longer a dead tree is allowed to stand, it becomes dryer, more brittle, and less stable. At some point, the tree is going to fall. If you have a dead tree near power lines, you have a big liability. Besides the added fire risk to you and your neighbor’s property, there is also the risk of shutting down the power grid throughout the city. Reach out to your electric company immediately if you notice dead trees near power lines. They will either prune the tree or remove it entirely.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Meridian?

The best way to find out how much tree removal will cost you is to contact us for a quote. There are a lot of factors that can influence the price depending on each particular job. Here’s a rough estimate based on what other people have paid for tree removal in Meridian. The price range for an average tree removal is between $155 and $1,910, with an average cost of $690. Below, you will find the most common circumstances that increase the cost. 

Size of the Tree

The size of the tree is an important factor. First, the size will help determine the workforce and tools needed to get the job done. Second, larger trees take a lot longer to dispose of and clean up after. In Meridian, there is a huge variation both in the type of tree but also in size.

• The average cost of 20-foot tree removal in Meridian is $165 to $355.
• The average cost of 40-foot tree removal in Meridian is $340 to $655.
• The average cost of 60-foot tree removal in Meridian is $635 to $860.
• The average cost of 80-foot tree removal in Meridian is $820 to $1,910+

Tree Accessibility 

Most people don’t think about tree trimming and maintenance when they plant the tree. However, 30 years later, when a diseased 50-foot elm needs to be removed, location is everything. If the tree is easy to get to, it will cost less than a tree that backs up to a busy road. In some cases, traffic might need to be rerouted during the job, costing more. If a crane needs to be rented for the day, that will also increase the price. Other things that can increase the price include:

• Yards that are difficult to access
• If the tree is near power lines
• Distance from the tree and other property

If you are thinking about removing more than one tree, it is best to do them at the same time, especially if the location of the trees is difficult to access. It will cost you more than cutting just one tree down, but you’ll save money in the long run if you’re not paying for multiple visits.

Emergency Service

As you probably guessed, if you need emergency tree removal in Meridian, you will likely pay more. This is because we are often booked up after natural disasters. During storms, when most fallen tree emergencies occur, our crews are already working around the clock. It will always cost less if you can schedule the work in advance and avoid paying overtime for labor.