Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Charlton?
- 2 Does the City of Charlton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Charlton?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Charlton?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Charlton?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Charlton?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Charlton?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Charlton?
Even though there are more than 13,700 living in Charlton, the first thing we noticed about this laid-back city is that trees are everywhere. If you look back at its history, it makes sense. Charlton was first settled by French Huguenots in the late 1600s. The English moved in around 1713. After that, the city separated from Oxford and became incorporated in 1755. As you look back through history, farming has always been the major occupation, along with wool mills.
We love every part of this area. With a location that is just 6.5 miles from Oxford and approximately one hour’s drive from Boston, we feel that Charlton is the ideal area for nature lovers. Residents have easy access to fun things to do, while this city remains a quaint, little town that people are delighted to call home.
All the natural beauty of Charlton does pose some problems, though. With the abundance of trees all around and small forest areas between many homes, insects and tree diseases are possible, as they are all around Massachusetts.
- Gypsy Moths: The worst part of having gypsy moths is their ability to remove all the leaves from a tree in a short amount of time. This is not usually fatal to the tree, but if combined with other insects or diseases, it may be.
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Although not a serious threat to trees, this insect will suck the sap from trees, which can weaken them and allow other insects and diseases to set in.
- Winter Moths: These moths can defoliate a tree, opening it up to other diseases, which can kill it.
- Pine Beetles: These nasty insects have killed more than 65,000 square miles of forest in British Columbia. They are a threat to forests everywhere.
- Asian Longhorned Beetles: Beetles are generally borers. They get into a tree and feed on the inside of it, which can be fatal for the tree. This is why they are said to have wiped out millions of acres of forests in the U.S. alone.
- Black Oak Gall Wasp: Gall wasps burrow into the tree and lay eggs in the vascular parts of it. Water and nutrients are unable to spread through the tree, which is ultimately fatal for the tree.
- Emerald Ash Borers: Unfortunately, these insects are likely to kill your tree. Small trees may die within only 2 to 3 years after infestation.
- Beech Leaf Disease: Leaves of an infected tree will typically turn yellow and wrinkled. They may feel leathery. The tree may die from this disease.
- White Pine Needle Cast: If you notice your white pine has browning needles, then your tree could be sick.
- Apple Scab: This causes yellowing leaves. It may cause early defoliation and slow down fruit production.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a white film that may get on plants or trees. It will cause the tree to slow down drastically on fruit production.
- Fire Blight: This is a bacterial infection that can spread rapidly among fruit trees. It spreads easily enough that entire orchards can be eliminated in just one growing season.
This is not a full list of the threats to Charlton’s trees, but it should give you a good reason to watch over your trees.
Does the City of Charlton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
In general, the city of Charlton does not offer tree removal services if the tree is located on private property. However, there is a Tree Warden, Seth Lemansky, that can oversee the removal of trees if they are dangerous and on town property. If necessary, the tree will be removed at no cost to the residents. You can contact the tree warden about insects and pest control services.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Charlton?
The city is responsible for the trees on public property. If a tree falls or damages property, they have to repair damages and remove the tree. When dealing with private property, things may not be so simple, yet everyone has a responsibility.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner, you are responsible for your property. This includes the trees that grow there. If they become unhealthy, you will need to have them treated. If they fall, you will be expected to repair and remove them.
However, in most cases, you are only responsible for what is on your property after it falls. This means you will not have to clean up or pay for your neighbor, even if it is your tree.
There are exceptions, though. If your neighbor can prove that the tree was unhealthy, and you knew it, then you could hold full responsibility and have to have your homeowners insurance help with their cost.
If you’re a renter?
As a tenant, you are owed a safe and habitable home to live in. Your landlord is responsible for providing it. If they fail, then you may have the ability to get help to urge them to do what is right for you. However, as a trade-off, you are expected to keep the property clean and repair damages that you cause to the home.
If you have a tree that you are concerned about, your first obligation is to contact your landlord. They are the property owner and you, as a renter, should not do anything to alter the property. If it falls, you should let your landlord know, so they can clean up and repair any damages caused by it.
If you’re a landlord?
It is a goal that the residents of Charlton will do what they can to preserve trees. As a landlord, you are obligated to keep trees around if you have a subdivision. You have certain obligations to maintain the property. This may mean that you maintain the trees as other property owners must.
If you’re a neighbor?
Trees are great to have around. They improve air quality and add beauty to every area. However, how do you handle a tree that isn’t yours to remove? Homeowners have few rights in Massachusetts regarding their neighbor’s trees. If you cause injury to them, you could face fines and jail. Yet, you can sometimes trim it back to the property line. It is best to get the permission of the tree owner.
If the tree falls on your property, you will be expected to remove and clean up the parts of it that are on your property. You must repair your own damages, especially if the tree fell as an act of God. If your neighbor has a tree that is diseased or dead, you have to prove that they knew it, but they may be held accountable for it falling. This applies even if it still falls because of a storm or other natural occurrences.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Charlton?
There are a lot of different soils in Worcester County. In the southern part, around Charlton, you will find mostly:
- Fine, sandy loam
- Gravelly, loamy sand
- Very gravelly sand
A lot of the area is Paxton soil, which means that is fairly well-draining. This means that it is good soil for trees and plant life, which is quite possibly why there has been such an emphasis on farming since it was founded.
If you are hoping to plant trees that will thrive in the area, you may want to consider native trees. This will ensure that there aren’t any other invasive plants coming in along with your trees.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Charlton?
In Charlton, the winters are very cold. Lows often dip into the teens during the winter months, with highs only around freezing. Summers are much nicer, with highs in the mid-70s to lower 80s and overnight lows near 60 degrees.
Rainfall is likely throughout the year, typically around 4 inches for every month of the year. Snowfall is possible, with often as much as 11 to 12 inches.
For the trees, the seasonal changes are good. However, there is a risk of severe weather in Massachusetts. Hurricane impacts, flooding, and extreme heat are all likely. The biggest risk for trees is flooding, which brings along the risk of root rots and other diseases.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Charlton?
The main utility company, National Grid, is available if you need help with your power lines and trees that are dead near them. You should contact them immediately for issues that you see and try to keep people, pets, and kids away from the line until help arrives.
If you are unable to call them or have trouble getting through, you may be able to contact the Tree Warden or 911. You do what you have to do to ensure the safety of all who may be near that power line and tree.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Charlton?
Most people can expect to pay between $230 and $1,925 for tree removal in Charlton. However, the average out-of-pocket cost for most homeowners is going to be about $630. You should know that your price could be much more or less, depending on several factors.
Tree Size
The larger your tree, the more difficult it will be to remove. Some people believe it is all about the height since we have to combat gravity to bring your tree down safely. This is true, but not 100%. It depends on the diameter of the tree because it will indicate the root size. A tree with a diameter of only 6 inches may have roots that reach out nearly 19.5 feet. This is more likely if the soil quality is lacking nutrients or water, forcing the tree to reach more to get those things.
Tree Condition
We would rather remove a healthy tree than a dead one, though we are sorry to see that healthy tree removed. The truth is, though, that diseases and insects make a tree unstable. A dead tree is harder to take down because of its instability. Therefore, if you have a tree that is in bad condition, you will have to pay more for the removal.
Emergency Service
Storms that bring down a lot of trees in the area are going to cost more to remove than the occasional one when the weather conditions are perfect. The same is true for our emergency services on weekends and holidays. Our goal isn’t to hurt your finances, but we strive to be away from work sometimes as well. Therefore, if you have a tree that concerns you, you are encouraged to reach out for inspections or assistance before it has a chance to fall.