Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Kokomo?
- 2 Does the City of Kokomo Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Kokomo?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Kokomo?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Kokomo?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Kokomo?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Kokomo?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Kokomo?
Kokomo trees are susceptible to many pests and diseases. Some of the most common issues we see are listed below.
Emerald Ash Borer
The female emerald ash borers lay their eggs under the bark of ash trees, and once they hatch, the larvae eat away at the tissue underneath. This process disrupts the flow of nutrients inside the tree, and branches will begin to die off. If left untreated, the tree will die within a few years. Unfortunately, emerald ash borers are responsible for killing millions of trees across North America, and they can quickly spread from one tree to the next. If you notice any sign of these pests, call us right away and have us assess your tree.
Gypsy Moths
Before transforming into moths, these tiny caterpillars ferociously feed off the leaves of over 300 trees. These hungry bugs can quickly defoliate a tree, leaving it weakened and vulnerable to other pests and diseases. If you see any sign of gypsy moths on your tree’s leaves, have our arborists check it out. We have pesticides that will rid your tree of bugs so it can remain healthy and strong.
Anthracnose
This fungal disease affects many species of deciduous and evergreen trees. It can cause leaves to wilt and become discolored, and trees can defoliate completely. Anthracnose doesn’t kill trees, but it can weaken them so that they’re susceptible to other pests and diseases. If you notice symptoms of anthracnose, it’s best to call us to have your trees sprayed with a fungicide so they can remain healthy. A weakened tree is at risk of getting sicker and can become a fall hazard.
Oak Wilt
This fatal disease affects oak trees in Kokomo. Infected trees begin to show symptoms in June that include the discoloration of leaf tips and edges. As the disease progresses, trees lose their leaves, and by the end of summer, the tree will be completely bare. If you remove the bark from branches, dark streaks will appear. This disease is especially fatal to red oak trees. If you notice symptoms, have our arborists assess your tree to give you advice for treatment.
Does the City of Kokomo Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The Kokomo Code of Ordinance states that homeowners must maintain their properties so that they are both safe and pleasant to look at. More specifically, the city has declared the following items a violation of Kokomo’s Nuisance Ordinance:
- Tree stumps
- Fallen trees
- Dead trees
- Cut brush
- Fallen or cut limbs
If you find yourself with dead trees or stumps in your yard, it’s up to you to hire us to take care of the issue. If you are found to be in violation of the code, the city will send an abatement notice, and if you don’t comply, you can be fined up to $1,000 per day. If a homeowner doesn’t comply, the city can also hire a crew to remove the problem tree themselves at the homeowner’s expense.
Additionally, the Howard County Code of Ordinances requires homeowners to trim their trees so that branches don’t hang lower than eight feet above the ground. Trees must also be trimmed so that stop signs and traffic lights are visible from a distance of 200 feet. If trees are not maintained within 14 days after receiving notice, the Traffic Commission will fine the homeowner.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Kokomo?
Trees can fall at any time and in any direction they choose. Unfortunately, that can leave homeowners with an expensive mess to clean up. Here’s a breakdown of scenarios that can help you if you find yourself in need of tree removal in Kokomo.
If you’re a homeowner?
Homeowners are responsible for pruning their trees regularly and making sure they remain healthy and strong. If a tree falls on your property during a storm or other unforeseen event, your homeowners insurance will pay to have it removed. You will only need to pay your deductible.
If you’re a renter?
Renters get to enjoy living in a home without worrying about maintaining it or its surrounding landscape. If a tree falls, your landlord will take care of the cleanup and any damages that were ensued to the home. If your personal property was affected by the tree’s fall, the cost will be included in the landlord’s insurance claim. Sometimes insurance companies can be stingy about this, so you may need to contact a lawyer if they make it difficult for you.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are responsible for maintaining all the homes and surrounding landscapes on their rental properties. If a tree falls, your insurance company will likely cover the damages. You will only be responsible for paying the deductible. If your insurance company can prove that your tree had been dead and was neglected, your premium will probably go up.
If you’re a neighbor?
In Indiana, a homeowner’s insurance company will pay for the cleanup of any tree that falls onto their property including trees that were firmly rooted in your neighbor’s yard. Similarly, your neighbor’s insurance will cover the removal of a tree that fell from your yard onto their property. If your insurance company can prove that your neighbor’s tree fell onto your property because they had been negligent, they will go after your neighbor’s insurance for payment.
To avoid neighborhood tree drama, it’s best to keep up with the maintenance of all the trees on your property. Prune them regularly and have them assessed by our experts at the first sign of a problem. And if you notice an issue with your neighbor’s tree, kindly give them a heads up.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Kokomo?
Kokomo’s soil is a silty clay loam. This soil type is very deep, and because of its clay content, it doesn’t drain well at all. Native plants and trees, like elm, maple, and ash, can grow well in Kokomo’s soil, but amendments can be made to help plants thrive. When the soil has a lot of clay in it, water can’t make its way to roots and roots can’t stretch out and grow properly. Adding organic materials like compost, pine bark, and leaves is a great way to break up the clay and allow water and roots to move freely through the soil.
It’s also helpful to add a thick layer of mulch around the base of your tree. At a depth of three to four inches, the mulch will help water stick around long enough to soak into the soil, helping it avoid compaction, which can happen easily to soils that consist of a lot of clay.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Kokomo?
Kokomo experiences all four seasons, and the trees have learned to adapt to many severe weather conditions. Winters bring heavy snowfall and ice storms that can weigh down branches, causing them to snap under the pressure. Warm springs and summers bring severe thunderstorms, causing heavy rainfall, gusting winds, and an occasional tornado that can easily uproot an already weakened tree.
The best way to prepare your trees for the weather is by keeping them healthy. Always remember to prune your trees so dead branches aren’t at risk of falling onto your home or family during a storm. Keep an eye out for signs of disease or infestation and never hesitate to call us if your tree is sick.
When branches and trees fall during a summer or winter storm, they’ve most likely already been weakened from sickness or infestation. We are rarely called to remove a healthy tree that had fallen randomly. Help your tree stay firmly rooted in the ground by keeping it healthy and strong.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Kokomo?
Duke Energy is responsible for pruning all the street trees that are near the main power lines on your property. If a tree needs to be trimmed, they’ll take care of the job at no expense to you, and they’ll remove all the small branches that have been cut. The larger cuttings will be chopped up and left at the edge of your property to keep as firewood. They’ll also remove trees that are encroaching on power lines and not salvageable. Duke Energy does not grind stumps or replace trees that they need to remove, so if you want to remove your stump or replant a new tree, you will need to do it at your own expense.
When it comes to pruning around power lines, the job should always be left to the professionals. Duke’s illustration makes it easy to see which lines are under their realm of responsibility and which ones are yours to take care of. If you have limbs that are interfering with your service line, for example, you’ll need to have us trim them, at your expense.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Kokomo?
You can expect to spend between $200 and $2,100 for tree removal in Kokomo, with an average cost of around $700. When quoting a price, we’ll consider several factors. Some of them include:
Tree Size
Our arborists will measure your tree’s height and the diameter of its trunk. Both of these measurements will greatly affect your final price for tree removal. These measurements will probably be the biggest factor in determining your final price. Trees that are large with lots of foliage will cost much more to remove than small trees with few branches.
Tree Location
We’ll also consider the location of your tree. Is it near your home or another structure? Are there power lines nearby that need to be avoided? If we need to take additional safety measures to protect your property and our arborists, your price will increase.
Stump Grinding
Our arborists don’t include the price of stump grinding in the cost of tree removal in Kokomo. If you want to have your stump ground, you can ask to have it added on, at an additional charge. Luckily, it will cost you far less to have our arborists grind your stump than to rent a machine to do it yourself.
