AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Genesee County, MI

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Genesee County?

Genesee County has a lot of two things: trees and parks. Counting the trees in Genesee County alone would be like lying on your back outdoors on any given clear night and counting the stars. Numerous trees, numerous species of trees, and numerous problems are all part of an arborist’s day in Genesee County. Here we are going to identify some of those problems as well as tell you the things to look for if you decide to discuss any tree-related problems with one of those arborists.

• Verticillium Wilt. This disease is the result of two fungi that have adverse reactions to one another when in the same environment. Either of the two can be found in about every species of hardwoods such as ash, elm, and maple, but when the two are present in the same tree, the reaction will attack the vascular system of the tree. The typical symptoms are wilting, and marginal necrosis of the foliage (early leaf drop), and dark streaks in the flesh where there is missing bark. These fungi are soil-borne pathogens that are absorbed through the root system of the tree.

• Oak Wilt. Another fungal disease that is currently running rampant in several species of tree in the state of Michigan. This fungus will move through the root system and eventually cut off the trees’ ability to absorb water through its roots, wilting leaves– eventual death is almost certain with oak wilt.

• Needle Rust/Casts. These are, of course, limited to the several species of pines in the state of Michigan and are more cosmetic than anything. Needle rust will cause the green needles to either turn yellow or rust-colored. The needles remain attached to the tree unlike the needle cast disease, which turns the whole needle yellow before it falls completely off.

• Anthracnose. Sometimes this disease is called “blight.” It can infect any species of trees. However, it is more common in the dogwoods, ash, sycamore, and maples, which all thrive in the state of Michigan. The most common symptom is black spots on the leaves or blotches of black, brown, and red on the leaves. Many people will confuse this if they notice it during the fall months when these types of colors are to be expected. If you notice these color combinations in the leaf system during May, June, or July, then chances are you have a sick tree. There currently is no treatment for this tree-killing disease.

• Tar Spot. This is another fungal disease that attacks the leaves of our maple trees. While this disease isn’t a death sentence for the tree, it can be rather unsightly to look at. The symptom of tar spot is, that’s right, a spot that resembles tar on the leaves of the maple that promotes an early defoliating of the leaves.

• Powdery Mildew. This disease has readily available chemical treatments that are very successful in treating the tree. The signs are a white powdery substance that builds up on the leaves and eventually causes mildew spots to appear. This disease can also be spread by insects that get the powder on their legs and promptly deliver it to the next tree it lands on, much like a pollinating effect.

There are more diseases that affect the Genesee County trees, but these are the ones that affect trees at will meaning they aren’t just making certain species diseased. The Needle Rust and Casts are specific only to pine trees, but then again, they affect all species of pine trees. Other issues with trees in the Genesee County area are from human intervention, such as injuries from string trimmers and compacted soils. We will be looking at the soil here in Genesee County later on in this guide.

Does the City of Genesee County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

Genesee County’s website has an interactive map that, according to the area that you live in, this map will take you to a page that describes their curbside pickup services. There are specific days set aside bi-annually in the spring and fall where they will pick up tree limbs and yard debris. Also, on the Genesee Township page, there is a number that you can call for extra or specialized debris pickup services. If you have tree limbs or other types of tree debris that you need to have picked up, you can always contact them through their online reporting tool regarding the issue.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Genesee County?

Trees on or near property lines have been the source of quite a few lawsuits in years past. Some of those lawsuits have gone all the way to the Supreme Court of the state in which the issue originated. There are laws specific to these issues in all 50 states, so let’s take a look at those laws that serve the state of Michigan. 

In the state of Michigan, the tree trimming laws state that:

• A neighbor has the right to trim overhanging tree branches up to the property line, so long as it does not result in irreparable injury to the tree
• A tree on the property line is owned by both neighbors and must be maintained based on a mutual agreement
• A landowner is not responsible for damage caused to a neighbor’s property due to weather or “Acts of God,” unless the tree was negligently maintained
• Anyone who willfully and maliciously damages another person’s tree or plant is guilty of a misdemeanor

In most states, when the tree is on the property line, the person that owns the land where the roots are owns the tree and is therefore responsible. Michigan is a bit different, and both parties can be held liable. Just make certain about trimming the tree and have it professionally done to prevent any Michigan turmoil from an improperly trimmed tree that died as a result of the trimming and fell on your neighbors home! There is a lot to be said about the statement of “maintained by a mutual agreement.” Everybody should follow that lead when dealing with a tree dispute from a neighbor. 

Another key item to keep in mind is that if you’re going to have any sizable tree removed in Genesee County, Michigan you will need to purchase a tree removal permit. 

If you’re a homeowner?

If you own a home and your neighbor’s tree has decided to move over to your side, just make sure that you have it maintained correctly and nothing further happens. If you and your neighbor adhere to the laws of the state of Michigan, there should be no problems. If the tree is definitely on your property and has fallen and damaged your home, the first place to start is with your homeowner’s insurance carrier.

If you’re a renter?

When you go into a rental agreement, bring up the idea to your landlord about what kind of policy that he or she has in place regarding tree-related issues. This way you will know what to expect when a storm uproots a tree, or a gust of wind brings down a few rotten branches.

If you’re a landlord?

When you are a landlord with multiple homes or apartments to rent, it is hard to think of a way to cover yourself with whatever scenario may come your way. The tree falling down or needing to come down is one of those things that deserves your attention. Adopt your own policy concerning the trees that are on your rental property, and make sure you stick to those policies. You may want to think about having a signed document concerning the tree policy on your property, and that document could be part of your rental agreement.

If you’re a neighbor?

Michigan’s laws are clear, and if you and your neighbor both have the responsibility to maintain the tree, make sure you do. If that tree needs to be removed, make sure that you and your neighbor are all on the same page, and bring down the tree — not the friendship — of a good neighbor.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Genesee County?

Earlier, we mentioned the soil that has an effect on Genesee County trees. According to this soil analysis of Genesee County, the only problem with the soil is from man himself. Soil that has the ability to expand and contract from water content is called expansive soil. When this soil expands, it often creates voids around the roots of the tree and this can cause a tree to become unstable. This holds particularly true for trees located in or around construction sites. These sites sometimes have runoff water that needs proper disposal due to high amounts of contaminants that simply are not healthy for any tree.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Genesee County?

In May 2012, it was reported that Genesee County Michigan had received over 45 tornado touchdowns since 1950. That was far more than any other county or township in the entire state of Michigan. So, yes, the weather does affect the trees here in Genesee County. The most famous tornado was the 1958 Flint-Beecher Tornado that reached a terrifying F5, the highest available on the Fujita Scale and the most deadly of all tornadoes.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Genesee County?

If you happen to see a tree that poses a threat to a power line in Genesee County, you can report the problem to First Energy Corporation by using their webpage tool for this issue. If there is a dead tree that either poses a threat or has already come down due to inclement weather, use the same web tool or call 1-888-544-4877

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Genesee County?

In the final section of our guide, we will be showing you some average costs associated with having a tree removed here in Genesee County, Michigan. These first figures will give you an idea of the costs, and then we will discuss what is and what is not included in those costs. 

• The average lowest cost to have a tree removed in Genesee County, MI $216
• The average highest cost to have a tree removed in Genesee County, MI $1,918
• The average price paid for tree removal in Genesee County, MI: $517

Those averages include the following things:

• The average cost for labor in Genesee County, MI
• The average cost for material and equipment
• All fees associated with site prep and cleanup

Those averages do not include the following:

• Tree removal permits for Genesee County, MI
• Sales taxes on materials and supplies for the state of Michigan
• Sales taxes on materials and supplies for Genesee County

The following factors will cause your final invoice to be a bit more or possibly less.

Size of Your Tree

The average cost of tree removal of $517 represents the charges for removing a medium-sized tree under 40 feet tall. How big is your tree? Is it over 40 feet tall? If so, you may be paying significantly more when all is done.

Extra Manpower or Equipment

If you do have a large tree well over 40 feet tall, it may also require a few extra hands or possibly some specialized equipment that will be reflected in the total cost of your tree removal project.

Is the Tree Already on the Ground?

If your tree has already fallen and not caused any further damage, you need a tree cleanup project. That might be a bit less than what you were originally quoted.