AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Holland, MI

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Holland?

The outstanding beauty of Holland is around every corner. From white, sandy beaches to tulips growing in abundance, it is one of the prettiest cities in the U.S. It is also one of the most photographed, and it is likely everyone near or far away has seen its fields of tulips or its red lighthouse.

This wasn’t always the case. The Dutch first landed here in 1847. At that time, it was swampland, a fact which ended up building the land we love so much.

Today, there is never a dull moment in Holland. Special events throughout the year pay tribute to the Dutch heritage that is still abundant in the area. City parks, the Holland State Park, gardens, and more are all waiting to be explored by residents and visitors alike.

In Holland, what was once swampland is now “the” place to live and explore. The trees that made early settlers work hard are now something we embrace and show off. For this reason, we must strive to keep our trees in the best health, which is a little difficult considering there are common tree issues in Holland as there are in every other part of Michigan. Some top concerns include:

• Dutch Elm: This disease causes yellowing or withering of the tree. It affects American elms and other elm species. It can be cured by having our arborists inject fungicides into the tree, but you have to catch it early.

• Bark Beetles: These insects may contribute to how Dutch Elm Disease is spread. They spread the fungus from one tree to another, attacking stressed trees, those that are dead, and dying.

• Needle Dieback: This stems from cold, wet spring seasons and causes trees with needles to turn brown and dieback. The most affected are Spruce and Pine.

There are numerous diseases and pests that can attack weaker trees in the Michigan area. Therefore, if you are going to plant new trees in Holland, you will want to stay away from certain types, such as:

• Willow
• Elm
• Ash
• Cottonwood
• Birch
• Mulberry
• Etc. 

By avoiding these trees, you will ensure the beauty of Holland remains and some of the most common problems may go away. 

Does The City of Holland Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?

As the largest city in Ottawa County, there isn’t much in the way of tree removal assistance for Holland. The city is more concerned with keeping the trees, even encouraging residents to plant more in an effort to reduce energy use.

This does not necessarily mean that you must shoulder all the burden of tree removal services. There are many assistance programs available through Ottawa County. At least one will help you with home repair and weatherization, which could potentially offer tree removal, especially if there is a risk of it damaging your home. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Holland?

It’s never really easy to know who is responsible for a tree. After all, they can sometimes grow of their own accord and aren’t always simply planted by us. Trees can grow on city land, private property, and along property lines. Who is actually responsible for a tree that has fallen in Holland?

When it falls on city land, the city will usually be the one to remove it. In other cases, on private land, the answer is a little less black and white in some situations. To break it down, we will try to give you some idea of when it may be your responsibility or someone else’s.

If you’re a homeowner?

A tree in the middle of your property, whether it is standing or fallen, is your responsibility. Whether you planted it or it grew naturally, you are the one who is supposed to take care of it. Your job is to keep it healthy, disease-free, and clean it up if it falls or needs a trim.

This is a good thing for most homeowners. It means that you do not have to worry about someone coming onto your property and removing a tree that provides you with shade. However, it can also be a burden, since you could be responsible for damages caused if it falls due to being a dead or diseased tree.

If you’re a renter?

Since you are not the property owner, you will likely escape some responsibility if a tree falls on the property. There are exceptions to every rule, though. For instance, if you have a tree on the property that you know is not well, and you fail to report it to the property owner, you could face some liability, especially if the neighbor or city has told you to report it. You may also be accountable if it is in your lease agreement that you are responsible for lawn care and maintenance of the property. This is mostly a factor for single-family home rentals, but it does mean that you shouldn’t check your lease agreement to see if it is your responsibility or not.

If you’re a landlord?

Landlords are responsible for the property unless it is stated in a lease agreement with the tenant that they are the ones who should take care of the property. Trees fall into the same category as faulty air conditioning, heating, a leaky roof, etc. You know it is your job to repair what is broken. Therefore, if your tenant says that they have a sick tree or that the neighbor has complained about a tree that is hanging in their yard, you will need to call us to take care of it.

If you’re a neighbor?

This is an exceptionally difficult position to be in. As a neighbor, you can maintain anything that is on your property. This can mean even tree limbs that may hang into your property from your neighbor’s tree. However, there are also laws that say you cannot cause “irreparable harm to the tree”. In Holland, diseased, dying, or dead trees that may threaten your property are a nuisance according to Sec. 19-12 of the city ordinances.  You will want to contact the city to help you deal with a neighbor’s tree to protect yourself from the liability of damaging the tree. 

If the tree has fallen, you may ultimately be responsible for cleaning up the tree that is on your property. However, you may also be able to get compensation from your neighbor for any damages that were done as a result of their tree falling. 

How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Holland?

In Ottawa County, you will find a variety of different soil types. Sand, clay, loamy, and more are all a part of what makes up the soil. There are also areas of bedrock that may be near the surface, as well as gravel.

Holland has always been a thriving agricultural area, which proves that the soil is mostly good. Near the lake, you may have more sand, but away from the lake, you will find more of a loamy mixture. Loamy is the type of soil that is best for planting, which is good news for trees and shrubs.

If you live in an area that has bedrock near the surface, you may need to add a layer of soil to the area to give your trees room to grow. You can find several additives that will improve the soil quality, whether it is adding peat moss, wood chips, or others.

Although the soil quality is good overall, you may still want to try and stick with trees that are native to the area. These include:

• Oak
• Maple
• Coffee Trees
• And more

By choosing native trees and plants for your landscaping, you will be keeping Michigan naturally beautiful. This is a good thing in Holland.  

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Holland?

If you choose trees that are native to Holland, you shouldn’t have to worry much about how the weather impacts their health. The complications would come from bringing in trees that may not be accustomed to heavy snows and freezing temperatures during the winter months.

The coldest months of the year are October through March, when temperatures at night may not get above freezing. During January, it is possible that highs won’t reach beyond freezing.  

However, there are times when even native trees may not be able to handle the weather in Holland. Occasionally, high winds, damaging storms, and more come in. This can cause power outages and fallen trees throughout the area. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Holland?

Trees and power lines are a deadly combination. If you know of a tree that is near a power line, you should contact the Holland Board of Public Works. You can seek help for non-emergencies or emergency situations thanks to a 24-hour on-call number.

If a dead tree has already fallen on the power line, your first call should be to 911 and your second call should go to HBPW. 911 will be able to ensure that public safety is preserved while waiting for the electric company to arrive and remove the tree safely. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Holland?

No matter where you are in the world, tree removal must sometimes be considered. You may be clearing land or simply removing a dead tree. In Holland, it is especially important to remove dead or dying trees, which is why most people want to know the average price for removal.

On average, people can expect to spend somewhere between $337.00 and $800.00. Most come in a little closer to $600.00, while the most extensive and complicated jobs can top $1,750. Your price will depend on several factors.

Tree Size

A tree that is small will usually cost much less to remove. They have less height and a smaller root system. Larger trees pose special risks to surrounding areas and our crews. Some of the largest may need to be brought down in pieces. It takes longer to do the job and there is an increased risk of property damage if it comes down wrong. Special equipment may be required.

Labor

Along the same line as tree size, a larger tree may need more of our professionals on the same job. This means you will ultimately have to pay for each person’s labor and the time that it takes them to bring the tree down safely. Smaller trees that only require one or two professionals will be less expensive.

Special Considerations

If you are lucky enough to have a tree in the middle of your lawn and away from all power lines or structures, your tree removal will cost less. A tree that is near power lines may require not only our tree removal team but someone from the electric company. A tree near a structure may mean that equipment has to be brought in to prevent it from damaging the building or fences. A tree that hangs over to your neighbor’s yard can also complicate the removal.