Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Pikesville?
- 2 Does the City of Pikesville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Pikesville?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Pikesville?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Pikesville?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Pikesville?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Pikesville?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Pikesville?
Tree removal in Pikesville often occurs after a tree disease has made it a fall hazard. Sometimes removal is necessary to reduce the spread of infection or invasive pest species. If you think your tree is diseased, we can help identify the culprit and possibly save the tree if caught early enough. Below are a few of the common tree issues we see here.
A bacteria-based pathogen affecting the health of shade trees in Maryland is bacterial leaf scorch. This is a potentially deadly tree disease attacking its ability to move water through its vascular tissue. The signs to watch out for can be mistaken for drought or under-watering. These include yellowing areas of foliage, branch dieback, and reduced or stunted growth. The damage will continue to occur each season until the crown is affected. Trees that are most commonly infected are sycamore, maple, elm, mulberry, and oak. There’s no cure for bacterial leaf scorch, but prompt removal may keep the disease from spreading.
If you notice that your trees look like they’ve been hit with baby powder, they may have powdery mildew. As the name implies, this mold growth looks like white powdery spots on the leaves. Trees rely on their leaves to absorb energy from the sun. When this fungus starts to cover the leaves, you might notice the leaves shrivel, die, and fall. This white chalky residue is actually mold spores covering the leaves. This is more likely to happen if there are several nights with higher humidity, followed by dry daytime weather, which is needed for spores to travel with the wind. If you have this problem, your tree may need to be sprayed with fungicide.
If you have any pine trees on your property, you will want to be on the lookout for pine shoot beetles. These pests can stunt your tree’s growth because they bore into and feed on the new shoots. This is why one of its first signs includes drooping, yellow, or brown shoots that would otherwise be green and healthy. Sometimes the new shoots will be completely hollowed out. Other signs include galleries under the bark and boring dust (sawdust) around affected areas. If you have a big enough infestation, you may need our tree removal services in Pikesville to prevent further spread.
A fungal-based pathogen in Pikesville, Maryland, you’ll want to watch out for is the black knot. Prunus trees like plum, flowering almond, and cherry are the most common targets for this disease and if not addressed quickly, the black knot can cause the trees to stop producing fruit and eventually die. Early signs of the disease are easy to miss. You might see a slight color change on an affected branch. Next, the area will swell up to form a gull shape. Within a year, these knotted bumps will become very dark and eventually disintegrate. The fungus travels by wind and touch. If caught early, the infected areas can be cut back.
Does the City of Pikesville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If you have a tree removal problem in Pikesville and it’s on your property, the city and county will not assist. They do not maintain trees or vegetation growing on private land. If you need tree removal in Pikesville, which is part of the public right of way, you can report it. The Department of Natural Resources has strict rules for any roadside tree removal or trim. If you live near a road that is lined with trees, it is probably part of the right of way. You are not allowed to maintain or change these trees in any way without a permit.
If you are not sure if the tree is public or private, you can use Baltimore County’s My Neighborhood App to find out. Just enter your address to get started. This is especially helpful when road trees are near your property.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Pikesville?
If you need fallen tree removal in Pikesville, you may not immediately know who is responsible for removing it. This is especially true after any major storm when downed trees seem to be everywhere. Before determining who is responsible for tree removal, we’ll need to know where the tree has fallen and who owns that property. Below are the most common situations of fallen trees and who’s responsible for them.
If you’re a homeowner?
Homeowners are expected to maintain the safety and appearance of their property. This includes fallen trees, even if the tree belonged to someone else before it fell. In this situation, you might want to call your homeowner’s insurance company to find out if it is covered.
If you’re a renter?
Renters are not responsible for fallen tree removal in Pikesville. This is because they are not the property owner. They are responsible for reporting the problem to their landlord in a timely manner. Make sure to let them know about any property damage that resulted from the downed tree.
If you’re a landlord?
If you’re a landlord and your tenant reports a fallen tree on your property, you are responsible for removing it. The best thing you should do is gather as much information about the problem and contact your homeowner’s insurance company. If there were structural damage, they would likely cover it after the deductible is met. Be sure to compare out-of-pocket tree removal costs with your deductible.
If you’re a neighbor?
Neighbors will have to follow all the same rules regarding their property. If a tree falls on your neighbor’s land, they are responsible for tree removal in Pikesville. This is still true even if the fallen tree came from someone else’s yard. It is more about where the tree has landed as opposed to where it grew.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Pikesville?
The Maryland State soil is called Sassafras and it’s a strong sandy loam. This soil type is higher in the sand than in silt and clay, making it great for moisture absorption and permeability. That’s great for tree roots because they will be able to move through the soil easily. However, if the moisture is too high, you might start to see problems. If you suspect that the roots are beginning to rot or show signs of fungal growth, you may need to reduce watering or have the tree looked at. The worst drainage problems and excess moisture come after storms and snowmelt. This soil can also have erosion problems as water washes away sand, but this can be helped by using topsoil.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Pikesville?
The weather in Pikesville is considered temperate and mild most of the year. However, it is located in the path of hurricanes. Although it rarely gets a direct hit, it is affected by storms annually after being downgraded to a tropical storm. Tropical storms are categorized as having wind speeds between 39-73 MPH. This usually occurs in August and September each year causing an increase in tree removals in Pikesville and the surrounding towns.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Pikesville?
If you have a dead tree near power lines, you will need tree removal in Pikesville. Any tree near utility lines is considered a hazard and a liability. According to the county and the city, the homeowner and the utility company are responsible for keeping the lines clear from vegetation and tree growth. They recommend that homeowners contact BGE, Verizon, or Comcast right away as they should be obligated to keep the power lines safe.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Pikesville?
If you need tree removal in Pikesville, you probably want to know how much it will cost. This section will give you an estimate based on past work. If you want an exact estimate based on your specific tree, we can help. Every tree removal is a little different, and they all come with their own unique challenges. Most tree removals will be in a price range between $145 to $1,720 per tree. Here are some common factors that can increase the price of tree removal.
Tree Size
The biggest cost factor for tree removal in Pikesville, Maryland is tree size and height. The bigger and taller the tree is, the harder it is to cut down safely. Tall trees come with more hazards, especially for our crew. Here is a general estimate of how much you could spend based on height.
- The average cost of 20-foot tree removal in Pikesville: $115 to $350
- The average cost of 40-foot tree removal in Pikesville: $350 to $675
- The average cost of 60-foot tree removal in Pikesville: $635 to $1,060
- The average cost of 80-foot tree removal in Pikesville: $950 to $1,985+
Tree Location
How accessible is the tree you need to remove? The location of the tree matters a lot, and it will affect the final price. If your tree is situated on a tall hill, right up against a building, it will be more difficult for us to remove. That will increase the cost. If traffic needs to be rerouted because the tree is near the street, that will also cost more.
Tree Health
The health of your tree will help us determine the best way to remove it. Trees that are diseased and possibly contagious will need to come down carefully to prevent further spread to other trees. This can take longer, but it’s worth it in the long run. Dead trees are much more hazardous and unpredictable. If they have been dead for a while, they may be dry and brittle. This increases the risk of a sudden collapse during removal, putting our crew in even more danger.
