Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rochester?
- 2 Does the City of Rochester Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rochester?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rochester?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rochester?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rochester?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rochester?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rochester?
The majority of trees in Rochester are healthy. However, there are many reasons a homeowner might want to have a tree removed. Here are the three most common tree issues in Rochester:
- Storm damage. Rochester weather can be extreme. We can get powerful thunderstorms, raging blizzards, and even the occasional tornado. These extreme weather conditions can damage your trees. It’s important to inspect your trees after every storm. If a tree drops large limbs or shows signs of instability, you should call our arborists. They’ll be able to assess your tree and create a plan to help the tree heal while keeping the surrounding area safe. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that the safest option is to remove the tree entirely.
- Overcrowding. Michigan is a great place to grow trees. Sometimes, though, your trees might love it here a little too much. This can lead to overcrowding, which can make trees compete for resources and nutrients with other nearby trees. All the trees in the area may suffer, or one tree may flourish while the others start to die. By thinning out the trees, the remaining specimens won’t have to compete for nutrients and can each begin to thrive. Overcrowding is also an issue when you wish to develop a property, so ground clearing is another very common reason to contact a tree removal company in Rochester.
- Pests and disease. Anthracnose is one of the most common tree diseases in the Rochester area. It’s a fungus that tends to attack shade trees. Needle cast is another common tree disease in the area. This one attacks blue spruces, and it’s difficult to manage even with strong fungicides. In some cases, the best treatment for a diseased tree is to remove it entirely before it can spread the disease to other nearby trees. Check your trees regularly for signs of disease, including changes in the appearance of leaves or bark and an increase in limb breakage.
Does the City of Rochester Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If the trunk of a tree sits within your property line, then that tree is your responsibility. You’ll need to care for and maintain it, including paying for its removal if that becomes necessary.
The only exceptions are the trees that sit between the sidewalk and the street. That property is yours to maintain, but the city will take care of the tree planted there if you do not. That includes pruning and removal. If you want to plant your own tree in this space, you’ll need to get the approval of the city, as there are only certain species approved for planting in the right of way.
Keep in mind, too, that you’ll need to apply for a tree removal permit from the city if you do decide to remove a tree from your property.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rochester?
After a storm, you might find a tree has fallen onto your property. It’s important to know what Michigan law has to say on this subject and whether you could be liable for the cost of the removal or damage done to your neighbor’s property.
If you’re a homeowner?
Whether or not you have to pay for fallen tree removal will depend on what you knew about the tree before it fell. If you maintained the tree, cared for it, and believed it was safe, then you shouldn’t have to pay for its removal if it falls. This is considered an “act of God,” so you had no control over it. Your homeowner’s insurance company should cover the cost.
However, if you knew the tree was damaged, diseased, or otherwise unsafe prior to its fall, then you could be on the hook for damages.
If you’re a renter?
Renters aren’t responsible for the trees on their rental property. This falls under the categories of things that your landlord should maintain on the property. If a tree does fall at your rented accommodation, then you should contact your landlord to let them know. If the fallen tree does any damage to your personal property, you should be able to file a claim on your renter’s insurance.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are responsible for the maintenance of the trees on their rental properties unless they state otherwise in a leasing agreement with their tenant. If a tree on your rental property falls, then you’ll need to pay for and arrange its removal.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, responsibility for the removal comes down to what your neighbor knew about the tree before it fell. If they believed the tree was healthy and in good condition, then they aren’t responsible for it falling. That’s considered, under state law, to be an “act of God.” So you’ll need to pay for the removal.
However, if the tree was in poor health and you can prove the neighbor knew about that, then they are responsible for the removal and could be liable for damages. This can be difficult to prove, though. You may get that tree moved faster by simply hiring us to do it for you. Once the tree is on your property, you can do whatever you want to it, so you shouldn’t have to get your neighbor’s permission to get it hauled away.
Keep in mind that, according to Michigan law, the tree doesn’t have to belong to you for you to make a claim on your insurance for damages. So even if your neighbor won’t pay, your insurance might cover the cost of any damage done to your property.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rochester?
Rochester has great soil for growing trees. It’s classified as Spinks and Oshtemo soil. That means it is well-draining and made up of relatively equal parts of sand, silt, and clay, though some areas are sandier than others.
Most trees prefer the kind of loamy soil we have here because it drains pretty quickly and won’t cause root rot. The soil is also good at retaining nutrients, so there is plenty of food for the trees as they grow.
For the most part, though, gardeners will find Rochester’s soil to be great for growing trees, shrubs, and flowers of all types.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rochester?
Whether it’s flooding, thunderstorms, snow, heavy winds, or a tornado, Rochester experiences plenty of extreme weather that can harm the trees in the area. Storms can cause a tree to topple over, especially if the root structure isn’t strong enough or the tree is otherwise unhealthy. Storm damage can also cause trees to drop branches and even large limbs. The resulting wounds in the tree after it drops branches can make the tree vulnerable to pests and disease, which could end up killing it.
You should always inspect your trees after a storm. If you see any issues or have concerns, contact us right away to talk about your options.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rochester?
DTE is the electricity provider for Oakland County. They are responsible for the trimming and maintenance of all vegetation around the power lines, including trees. They trim trees in the area on a rotating basis, and you’ll usually get a notice on your day a few days before they do the work. They’ll remove any debris but may leave larger branches nearly piled for your use or disposal.
If you see a dead tree near a power line, you should not approach it or attempt to move the tree. Contact DTE immediately at (800) 477-4747. They are available 24 hours a day.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rochester?
When you need to have a tree removed in Rochester, you’ll pay anywhere from around $150 to $1,900. That’s a big difference in price and the cost will come down to these three factors:
Size
The size of your tree matters when it comes to removal. A small tree, under 25 feet tall, will cost you between $100 and $350 to remove. A large tree, over 100 feet tall, will cost between $1,550 and $2,200 for removal. Beech trees, which are very common in Michigan, grow to be around 60 feet tall. They will cost around $675 to remove.
Standing or Fallen
Fallen trees are less expensive to remove than a standing tree. That’s because, in part, the fallen tree poses less of a safety risk to our removal team. There is less need for complicated safety equipment to bring down the uppermost branches. For fallen trees, you’ll pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for their removal, again depending on the size. The cost to remove a fallen tree is about a third of that of a standing tree.
Optional Stump Grinding
Tree removal happens in three sections: the limbs, then the trunk, then the stump. You can opt to leave the stump in place if you are trying to save money on the cost of tree removal. However, we recommend that you get it removed at the same time. It’s better for your landscaping, more visually pleasing, and prevents the stump from becoming diseased or infested with pests later on. You’ll usually pay between $200 and $300 for stump removal.
