Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Plymouth?
- 2 Does the City of Plymouth Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Plymouth?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Plymouth?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Plymouth?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Plymouth?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Plymouth?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Plymouth?
Plymouth is a coastal town in Massachusetts, south of Boston, known for its rich history and national significance. The first Pilgrim settlement site was founded in 1620, and Plymouth Rock, a boulder in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, marks the place where settlers are thought to have landed on shore. These various historical attractions cause the area to be swamped with tourists from all over the world.
Yet, although the sites bring people to the area, plants, trees, and flowers truly give city life. That is why it is so important that residents in Plymouth take all the necessary precautions to ensure that their foliage remains healthy and safe all year round. However, before they can take these preventative measures, they first need to learn more about some of the common tree diseases the area often has to deal with.
Apple Scab
This disease results from fungus spores spread by rain or wind and can cause dark lesions or spots on fruits and leaves. Once a tree is affected by apple scab disease, it can start to defoliate by mid to late summer, making the trees extremely vulnerable to diseases and pests. Typically, the first line of defense to prevent this condition is to plant different varieties of trees resistant to the disease while also making sure that infected leaves or fruits are cleaned up before the fungus spreads.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew affects a wide variety of trees and plants. Although it may look innocent enough and often appear as if the tree’s leaves were dusted with flour, these spots can spread all over the leaf and end up causing disfigurement.
To control this condition, it is important that homeowners remove all debris under the tree, prune the infected branches, and then destroy them. Since this disease can spread by wind, the piles of these infected trees must be cleared out quickly. In addition, pruning the healthy branches can increase circulation and help reduce the humidity, which can ultimately spread the disease.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a destructive disease, especially in fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and crabapple trees. It can ultimately destroy branches or even the entire tree as the infection spreads. Generally, it can be seen in the spring as a watery liquid that oozes from cankers in the bark. As it progresses, diseased leaves and flowers will wilt and turn black and usually hang onto the tree throughout the year, making it look as if it has been burned.
Does the City of Plymouth Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city of Plymouth has a tree ordinance that regulates the removal of trees in the area. It is in place because preserving all trees in the city is extremely important, especially since there are just over 3,000,000 trees or 117 trees per person in Plymouth. That is why unless a tree has an invasive species like the Dutch Elm Disease, a permit will be required if you want to remove the tree.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Plymouth?
Generally, homeowners in Plymouth are responsible for maintaining their plants, flowers, and private trees. Yet, determining who is responsible for the costs associated with removing a dead or fallen tree is not at apparent as many people expect it to be. In truth, this responsibility will often depend on the circumstances of the situation. For instance, consider the following:
If you’re a homeowner?
In Massachusetts, the property laws indicate that if a tree falls because of natural causes such as intense storms, the property owner of the place where the tree has fallen will be held liable for removing the tree.
However, it is also important to point out that property owners in the state must reasonably care for their trees to prevent damaging another person’s property. If a tree shows signs of instability, damage, or weakness, the property owner needs to make sure they take care of these problems within a reasonable period. If they don’t, and the tree falls, they can be held accountable for the costs associated with the tree’s removal.
If you’re a renter?
Typically, a renter and a landlord will agree on how to care for the rental property. However, suppose issues arise that are not mentioned in the agreement. In that case, the landlord will often be responsible for making the necessary repairs to the property, while the renter will be in charge of cleaning and maintaining the premises. As a result, if a tree falls onto the property, it is more likely that the situation will go beyond the renter’s responsibility and become an issue for the landlord.
If you’re a landlord?
As mentioned above, the landlord will often be held accountable for a fallen tree unless the property agreement indicates otherwise. This means the landlord will be on the hook for the costs associated with the fallen tree, including the expenses to remove it.
If you’re a neighbor?
If a tree falls onto your neighbor’s property because of natural causes, such as a strong wind, you will not be responsible for the damages it causes or its removal expenses. In these situations, the neighbor will have to file a claim with their property insurance to get reimbursed for their losses.
On the other hand, if you knew your tree was hazardous or had reason to know there were problems with it, then if it falls onto your neighbor’s property, you can be held responsible for the damages it causes and its removal costs.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Plymouth?
In the coastal area of Plymouth Colony, soils remain sandy, stony, and shallow, which makes cultivating the soil extremely difficult. In addition, sandy soils do not hold many nutrients or water in them, which are required for plants to grow. As a result, the plants in the area are more susceptible to drought, as the water filters through them faster than other soil types. For these reasons, it is crucial to plant trees that can grow and thrive in less than ideal soil conditions.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Plymouth?
Plymouth has a humid continental climate, which is the predominant climate for the state. Because it is located on the Atlantic Ocean, humidity levels can be very high all year round. Residents can experience warmer temperatures than many of the inland locations in New England. Consequently, summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are windy, cold, and incredibly snowy.
That is why before gardeners plant trees in the area, they must pick tree varieties that can handle these changing climate conditions and thrive in this type of weather, such as the:
- Sugar maple
- Silver maple
- Red maple
- Eastern white pine
- Eastern hemlock
- American beech
- Sweet birch
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Plymouth?
In Massachusetts, tree branches and limbs are the leading cause of power outages. That is why utility companies, such as Eversource, are responsible for doing everything they can to provide a strong vegetation management program that can improve electric system safety and reliability.
Professionals and certified arborists who have vast experience in arboriculture run this program. Eversource also makes sure to hire qualified line clearance contractors who continuously monitor power lines and equipment and periodically trim trees around the lines to provide secure electric service to the neighborhoods.
For these reasons, if you have any issues with your trees interfering with your power lines, it is important to contact Eversource and speak with a representative as quickly as possible.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Plymouth?
The total cost of removing a tree in Plymouth will depend on various factors, including the size of the tree, the tree’s health, and the equipment we need to remove the tree. Most removal jobs in the area cost between $240 and $2,280. Yet, before you spend thousands of dollars on a tree removal project, it would help to learn more about these different factors to better cover the project’s costs.
The Size of the Tree
One of the most critical factors when it comes to the price of removing a tree is the size of the tree. Even though the average tree removal cost in Plymouth is over $1,000, which is 26% above the nation’s average, this price will vary significantly depending on the tree’s size. For example, small trees can cost anywhere between $200 and $400 to cut down, while tall trees can cost upwards of $2,000 to remove.
The Area’s Terrain and the Tree’s Accessibility
Another factor has to do with the terrain the tree is located on and the accessibility of the tree. For instance, we will look into whether:
- It is difficult to access the tree
- It will be challenging to get large equipment into the yard
- It will be incredibly time-consuming to remove the tree’s debris from the area
Our arboristswill also look into the area surrounding the tree and determine if it poses any issues for them, such as if a tree is blocked by a fence or garden or located on a slope. If any of these elements are present, it can end up costing you more money to remove the tree.
The Health of the Tree
If your tree is dying, sick, or at risk of falling over, we may need special equipment and safety precautions to ensure that injury can be prevented when the tree is being removed. However, if this special care is required, the overall cost of removing the tree may increase.