Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Owensboro?
- 2 Does the City of Owensboro Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Owensboro?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Owensboro?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Owensboro?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Owensboro?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Owensboro?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Owensboro?
Living in Owensboro, you probably have a spacious yard with many trees and other greenery. The area is home to a diverse selection of trees of varying sizes. Some trees that we most commonly see in the area include:
- Red maple
- Sugar maple
- Yellow poplar
- American beech
- Eastern red cedar
- Black gum
- Sourwood
- Eastern redbud
- Flowering dogwood
With such beautiful trees in your yard, you wonder what could have happened to one that needs to be removed. We see a few common tree issues in the Owensboro area, such as:
Storm Damage
Although not considered Tornado Alley, Owensboro sees more than its fair share of violent storms and tornadoes rush through the area. In January 2000, a tornado ripped through the area with wind speeds of up to 130 mph.
Even if a tornado of this magnitude doesn’t directly cross your home or yard, it can knock over trees and pull tiles off your roof. During a violent thunderstorm, a tree in your yard can get hit by lightning. While some trees recover from a lightning strike, you might have one that needs to be removed.
If you think a tree has been damaged during a storm or tornado event, it’s always a good idea to have it checked by our arborists. You don’t want to chance it falling on your home or other trees. Our team can evaluate the tree and help you decide the best course of action.
Winter Weather
Even though Owensboro is part of the South, it’s far enough north that it sees cold temperatures throughout the winter months. The overnight temps hover around the high 20s from December to early March. This can create a hard freeze situation.
When the temperatures get low enough and stay that way for several days, a hard freeze can freeze all the moisture in your soil. Your trees need the moisture and the nutrients it provides to grow and thrive.
Some trees, such as evergreens, aren’t affected by a hard freeze, while others might not survive an extended hard freeze. In the spring, your trees should begin to grow new leaves and limbs.
There is a chance that a tree seems to start growing again when really a part of the tree isn’t processing nutrients anymore. This dead section in the tree eventually spreads until the tree falls or needs to be removed. It’s always beneficial to keep a close eye on your trees in the spring.
Damage From Bugs and Pests
While all bugs, rodents, and mammals play a part in the ecosystem, they aren’t good for your trees. These pests will live in your tree by burrowing holes or dine on it, leaving the bark and leaves bare and discolored. The insects and pests that we see most often in Owensboro are:
- Emerald Ash Borer Beetle
- Asian Gypsy Moth
- Asian Longhorned Beetle
- European Cherry Fruit Fly
- European Gypsy Moth
- Spotted Lanternfly
When you catch a pest infestation early, there is the possibility of treatment to get rid of the insects and save the tree. In many cases, an infestation may occur on more than a single tree in your Owensboro yard. How do you know that you have an infestation? Here are a few signs:
- Bugs and other critters are visible on the tree.
- The growth seems to suddenly stop.
- Signs of weakness where the branch and tree meet.
- Discolored leaves.
- Misshapen leaves or holes.
- Channels and holes in the bark.
- Bald patches in the bark.
- Parts of the trunk begin to sink in as it dies.
Our team can determine if you have an infestation and provide you with alternatives for treatment.
Does the City of Owensboro Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
In Owensboro, the city only removes trees that are on public land. This might include an easement on your property, typically at the front. Otherwise, it’s up to you as the homeowner to remove any trees that have issues. If you think a tree in your yard is actually on public land, it’s a good idea to call the city and check before making arrangements to have it removed.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Owensboro?
The city of Owensboro is responsible for removing trees on public land, and it could be that there’s an easement on your property that’s owned by the city. If a tree falls in your yard, it’s almost always on private property and your responsibility to remove it. However, the local utility company will remove and trim any trees that are growing under or too close to a power line.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for removing any trees that fall in your Owensboro yard since it’s considered private property. The only exception is when the tree sits on an easement. This area might be the responsibility of the city or one of the local utility companies. You can always call the city before hiring our professionals to remove the tree.
If you’re a renter?
If you rent a home in Owensboro, it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to remove any fallen trees from the yard. Some leases require you to handle the landscape maintenance chores, but it doesn’t cover tree removal. When you notice a tree that’s fallen or appears sick, you need to let the homeowner know right away.
If you’re a landlord?
When you’re the landlord, you are the homeowner too. This makes you responsible for removing any fallen trees in the yard unless their own public land. This public land, when it’s on your property, is called an easement and typically located close to the street area of your yard.
If you’re a neighbor?
When your neighbor’s tree falls into your yard or your tree falls into their yard, it’s up to the Owensboro homeowner to remove it, where the tree once grew. You want to maintain a friendly relationship with your neighbor, so go and talk to them when this happens no matter which of you is responsible for the tree removal.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Owensboro?
There are six soil types most often found in the Owensboro area and you need a soil test to determine the exact soil in your yard. If the soil type is sandy, it will absorb water quickly but drain it effectively. You might have drainage issues with the other soil types, which can make conditions possible for root rot. Knowing your soil type is essential for caring for your yard.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Owensboro?
Yes, the weather in Owensboro can affect the health of the trees in your yard. This area sees some strong storms that can lead to tornadoes that can displace a tree, or one of the trees might get hit by lightning. Also, the below-freezing temperatures during the winter months can freeze the soil and rob your trees of the nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Owensboro?
Trees that are near power lines in Owensboro are almost always removed by the power company in the area. The utility company takes responsibility for trimming these trees as well. However, if the tree is too far back from the power lines, the homeowner is responsible for removing the tree.
While the city will remove yard waste, it doesn’t provide tree removal services on private property even under a power line. Don’t forget that if you see a tree lying on the power lines, it’s dangerous. You need to make an immediate call to emergency services.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Owensboro?
All Owensboro homeowners eventually ask this question. We can provide you with a range of prices but not an actual cost until we come to your home and see the tree.
The average cost of tree removal in the area ranges between $240 and $1,950 with an average cost of $543. There are a few factors that go into your actual costs, such as:
Tree Size
It takes us longer and requires additional safety measures and equipment to cut down larger trees. A particularly tall or wide tree can add to the costs of the removal services.
Location of the Tree
We work hard to ensure that tree removal doesn’t cause any damage to your property. When a tree sits close to your Owensboro home or amid other trees, it takes more time to safely remove it without damaging your house or another tree.
Additional Services
Many Owensboro homeowners choose to have the stump removed along with the tree. Another popular additional service is running the tree through a wood chipper. These extra services take more time to accomplish and increase your cost.
