Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Apex?
- 2 Does the City of Apex Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Apex?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Apex?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Apex?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Apex?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Apex?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Apex?
Apex is home to an abundance of beautiful native and adaptive tree species, including:
- Red maple
- White ash
- Chestnut oak
- Virginia pine
However, even when a tree is well-suited to its environment, it is still at risk of developing certain diseases or pest problems. The following are a few of the tree issues we most commonly see in Apex.
Fusiform Rust
This disease impacts many pine species but is particularly likely to target loblolly pines. It appears as an orange material coating the trunk or branches of the infected tree. If it is just located on the branches, the tree may be salvageable. However, once it has spread to the trunk, we must remove the tree to prevent the disease from spreading. Fusiform rust will often appear during the spring months.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt often appears as the bronzing or wilting of leaves on oaks. It can cause the leaves to fall prematurely, resulting in the death of the tree. Diseased oaks may also exhibit areas of cracked bark due to pressure caused by the infecting fungus. Oak wilt can spread through tree roots, and may also be transmitted by pests such as sap-feeding beetles.
Native Elm Bark Beetle
We will typically see one generation of these pests each year in North Carolina. Native elm bark beetles spread Dutch elm disease, which will block areas of the elm’s vascular system and lead to the tree’s death. Species of elm that are particularly susceptible to Dutch elm disease include:
- American elm
- Rock elm
- Red elm
- Cedar elm
To reduce the chance of attracting native elm bark beetles, it’s best to avoid pruning healthy elm trees during the summer months as the open tree wounds will attract the pests.
Does the City of Apex Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city of Apex will investigate and resolve tree removal problems on public property or easements. Easements are sections of town that the city has the right to use, even if they are technically private property. Apex has easements for a number of utilities, including electric, water, and sewage. When it comes to trees, easements give the city the right to prune or remove trees as needed if they are interfering with the proper functioning of these utilities. While city officials will not remove trees unnecessarily, they may remove a tree on your property if it is too close to infrastructures such as sewer mains or water lines.
Apex may also intervene if there is a zoning issue related to local trees. If you are having this type of problem, you can submit this form to receive assistance. Beyond this, however, Apex will not provide assistance with tree removal on private property. In fact, if you would like to remove a tree you will need to apply for a permit.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Apex?
Most often, it is the responsibility of the property owner to arrange for the removal of fallen trees. However, since a tree falling unexpectedly can create fair amounts of stress, the last thing you’ll want to do in this situation is waste time wondering who needs to handle it. To make the process easier, here’s what you’ll need to know based on these common scenarios.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you own the land that the tree fell on, you will be responsible for its removal. In instances where the tree damaged your home when it fell, you should be able to file a claim with your insurance. However, it is important to note that if your tree was dead or diseased when it fell, you may be found negligent. If that should happen, you are unlikely to receive assistance from your insurance.
If you’re a renter?
Fortunately, it is unlikely that you will be responsible for fallen tree removal if you are living on a rental property. You should contact your landlord as soon as possible to alert them that a tree has fallen, and they will be the one to arrange for its removal.
If you’re a landlord?
Regardless of whether you live on the property or not, you are responsible for the maintenance of the land you own. If a tree falls on a property that you are renting out, it will be your responsibility to remove it. Taking the time to regularly care for your trees can help prevent them from falling due to illness.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, you will typically be responsible for removing it even though it was not your tree. If the tree damaged your home, your insurance will generally provide assistance. Additionally, if you are able to prove that your neighbor had good reason to foresee the tree falling, for example, if it was dead before it fell, they may be found liable and will need to pay for its removal.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Apex?
The soil in this area is mostly clay, with moderate amounts of loam. Clay soil can be somewhat challenging for trees, as it is very thick. This texture makes it more difficult for water and oxygen to reach the roots, and the roots may also have trouble expanding fully. However, when it is combined with loam, clay soil can provide a slightly more welcoming environment for trees.
In general, the plants that do well in Apex are those that can tolerate waterlogged soil. Examples of trees that grow well in clay soil include:
- Norway spruce
- White ash
- White cedar
- Poplar
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Apex?
The climate in Apex is temperate, with clear seasons and overall moderate temperatures. While snow and ice do typically occur in winter, it will generally not get colder than 15° F. Apex is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, meaning that the average lowest temperature in the winter will hover around 5° F.
Zone 7 includes much of the southern United States and is excellent for the health of plant life. Deciduous, flowering, and evergreen trees are all able to thrive in this climate.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Apex?
Dead trees located near power lines are a serious safety hazard. If any part of a tree is in contact with live power lines, the tree itself can become energized and turn into an electrocution hazard. An energized tree is also at risk of catching fire. Dead trees pose a particularly large risk because they are more likely to fall, and may bring the power lines down with them, resulting in a power outage and exposed live wires.
These dangers mean that it is the responsibility of the electric utility company to manage trees near power lines. The city of Apex supplies power to residents, meaning that you will need to contact city officials for assistance in this type of situation. If you spot a potentially hazardous tree near a power line, you can report it by filling out this form.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Apex?
The cost of removing a tree can vary greatly depending on several factors. In Apex, you could pay as little as $250 or as much as $2,200. While we cannot predict the cost without examining the location, here are a few things that may influence the price of tree removal.
Tree Size
When a tree is small, it requires significantly less time and equipment to safely remove. For these trees, the cost of removal will be much lower. The larger a tree is, however, the more challenging it becomes to remove. Very large trees will often need to be removed in sections, taking more time and requiring more of our crew members and specialized equipment. Additionally, larger trees will typically have a large crown with a wide reach. This adds another layer of challenge for safe removal. The added complications that arise from these situations will ultimately drive up costs.
Healthy Trees Vs Diseased Trees
The healthier a tree is, the more affordable it will be to remove. When trees become diseased, several things combine to make them trickier to deal with. Depending on the type of disease, we may need to take special precautions in order to avoid facilitating the spread of the disease to surrounding trees. Even after removal, there are often special precautions that need to be taken when disposing of the timber, as it may still be contagious.
Additionally, diseased or dead trees are more likely to be structurally weakened. In order to safely remove them, our crew members will need to be exceedingly cautious. This will further increase the cost of removal.
The Urgency of the Situation
When faced with an emergency, such as a tree that has fallen on a roof, an immediate response is necessary, regardless of the time of day. This means that our crews will often need to work during off-hours, and will need to be paid more in order to compensate them for their time. Additionally, emergencies tend to be more unpredictable and may require higher amounts of equipment and time to safely resolve.
