AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Charlotte, NC

What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Charlotte?

While we see a variety of tree issues here in Charlotte, we deal with a few of the most common issues all the time. Dead or dying trees are a continual problem as Charlotte’s canopy ages, and tree diseases have popped up in certain areas of the city, endangering trees in various neighborhoods. The stresses of a growing urban environment as well as cankerworms and other pests contribute to the most common tree issues in Charlotte.

Aging Canopy

Charlotte is a city with a lot of history, and its mature canopy creates a beautiful area in the central city neighborhoods. But no tree lives forever, and many of the trees in this part of Charlotte were planted between 1895 and 1920. As they reach the end of their life cycle, the stresses of urban development and Charlotte’s rapid growth are increasing the rate of tree deaths. In fact, a study from UNC Charlotte showed that the city of Charlotte lost 8% of its canopy between 2012 and 2018 — nearly 250,000 trees. 

The aging canopy results in high numbers of dead and dying trees in the central areas of Charlotte. If you notice a tree is dead or dying, it’s smart to call us about tree removal before the tree becomes a danger to your property. Browning leaves and bare branches are all signs of a dying tree. Removing a dying tree before it is dead is cheaper and safer than waiting until the leaves are gone and the tree’s bark is peeling in large sections. 

Diseases and Pests

Several diseases and pests affect the trees in Charlotte. The red maples in the Fourth Ward district have been hit heavily by scale insects, while an invasion of cankerworms attacks hardwoods throughout the city. The city arborist, Tim Porter, says Charlotte is one of the cities in the US hardest-hit by cankerworms. The small, green worms have especially damaged the willow oaks in Uptown, but they pose a risk to hardwood trees all over the city. If you notice large numbers of cankerworms on a tree, let an arborist know right away. We can help you assess your options for fighting these pests.

Watch carefully for other signs of disease as well, especially in wet weather. If you notice galls, abnormal growths, or weeping cracks and cavities, the disease probably affects the branches or stem of the tree. These diseases are especially serious and need attention right away. Often, these diseases, including Fusiform Rust and Sudden Oak Death, can spread quickly and render the tree unsalvageable. It’s important to remove the tree before the disease spreads.

City Expansion

Charlotte has grown rapidly in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue. As high-rise buildings create more canyon-like areas in Charlotte, the trees that grow successfully in those spaces is changing. If your home is in one of these developing neighborhoods, you should expect some sun-loving trees to struggle. These can be replaced with other trees that grow well in shade, and arborists and landscape designers regularly work together to create the perfect oasis on your property. 

If your trees seem to be doing poorly due to changes in the surrounding landscape, it might be time to re-assess your landscape plan and determine which trees will continue to thrive in your yard. Trees that are no longer right for your property can be removed and replaced with options that will withstand continued growth in this thriving city.

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

The city of Charlotte does not provide assistance for tree removal problems on private property. However, they did pilot a need-based program in Wesley Heights to help remove dangerous branches and even a couple of trees. If funding is available and the pilot program proves to be a success, it’s possible that the city may institute similar programs in other neighborhoods with an abundance of old trees. For now, however, homeowners are responsible for tree removal if the tree is on their land.

The city of Charlotte does maintain trees in the city street right-of-way, so if you see a tree in this area with a downed limb or other problem, contact the city here. In addition, city utilities prune the trees around power lines, so residents can expect utility companies to regularly work on branches near power lines.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Charlotte?

With such an abundant canopy in Charlotte, it can be hard to know who is responsible for removing a fallen tree. Use this guide to help you determine who is responsible for removing a tree in your neighborhood.

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are responsible for trees on their own land in Charlotte. If you have a tree that presents any sort of danger to your home or your neighbors, get it professionally removed as soon as possible. Since the tree is on your land, you could be held liable if it damages a neighbor’s property. 

If you’re a renter?

Check your lease carefully if you’re a renter in Charlotte. Your lease may explicitly say your landlord expects you to maintain the property if you are renting. If you mow the lawn, it’s likely you are responsible for pruning and maintaining trees. If a tree dies because of your negligence, you could be held responsible for it. 

However, it is up to the landlord to maintain a safe and habitable property for renters, which includes addressing reasonable requests for repairs. If you have a tree that poses a danger despite good maintenance on your part, contact your landlord in writing and request that the branches or tree be removed. 

If you’re a landlord?

Clarify in the lease who is responsible for maintaining the landscape. In Charlotte, you can ask renters to maintain the property or have a landscaping service manage it. Either way, the lease should make your expectations clear. Check all your properties periodically for trees that could potentially pose a problem and have them pruned or removed as needed. It’s better to avoid a legal conflict by being proactive and removing dangerous trees before they become a problem.

If you’re a neighbor?

With Charlotte’s extensive tree canopy, it’s possible that a tree from a neighbor’s yard could fall and damage your property. If the tree or branches fall, but the accident could not have been predicted, as in the case of a lightning strike or other unanticipated natural occurrence, the property owner is not held responsible for damages. 

However, if your neighbor is neglecting a dangerous tree, they can be held liable for damages. It’s usually best to ask a neighbor to do something about a tree that endangers your property. In many cases, they will remove the tree or branches, and you won’t have to worry about it. You can also ask if you can remove the branches that threaten your land. Technically, it’s your legal right in North Carolina to remove branches that hang directly over your property, but it’s best to work things out cooperatively with your neighbor first if possible. If the neighbor refuses, consider writing them a letter requesting they do something about the tree, so there’s a record of your request.

How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Charlotte?

The soil in Charlotte mostly consists of sandy clay loam, an ideal soil for a variety of native hardwoods. In areas with few trees, this soil can erode quickly, causing drainage problems and poor plant growth. Fortunately, Charlotte’s trees hold the soil together and prevent erosion. For this reason, if you have a tree removed it is a good idea to replace it with another tree or plant to continue keeping the soil healthy. In fact, the city may require it! You’ll need a permit to remove a tree, which often involves a commitment to replace it.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Charlotte?

The weather in Charlotte can dramatically affect tree health. Strong storms can break tree branches, resulting in property damage and creating an opening for diseases and pests to enter the tree. While most strong storms result in only minor damage, those with strong winds, hail, and heavy rains can create a significant problem.

In the humid subtropical climate of Charlotte, these storms are not uncommon. Check your trees for signs of damage after a storm, and clean up any dead branches that have fallen. If you notice any dead or fallen branches on a specific tree, talk to our arborists. We can help you determine what will keep the tree in good health, or assist with tree removal if necessary.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Charlotte?

Since utility companies regularly prune and maintain the trees near power lines, residents of Charlotte rarely have to worry about dead trees near power lines. However, a tall dead tree that is just out of the path of the utility companies’ maintenance area could pose a risk to utility lines. If this tree is on your land, call us to remove it as soon as possible. If it is in a public area, contact the local utility company and let them know about the threat to their power line, so they can fix it promptly.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Charlotte?

Tree removal in Charlotte typically ranges between $500 and $800. The cost varies depending on the size of the tree, the method required to remove it, and whether the removal is an emergency situation. 

Tree size

Most trees in Charlotte are removed by cutting off smaller sections at a time, starting at the top. This minimizes damage to your lawn and protects your landscaping. In urban areas like Charlotte, it is often the only viable option for safe tree removal. A very tall tree requires more sections for removal, and one with a large crown may require special equipment to avoid property damage.

The city of Charlotte requires a permit to remove a tree, so our arborists work with homeowners to meet the permit requirements and apply for permits. The cost of permits is fairly low, but it often requires homeowners to replace a tree when it is removed. The cost of a new tree should be factored in when required by permit, and a good arborist can help you decide what type of tree is best for your location.

Removal Method

As arborists, we carefully evaluate each tree to ensure it is removed safely and minimizes damage to your lawn. While felling a tree is the simplest, and therefore cheapest, way to remove a tree, the damage caused by its fall could impact your property. We work hard to prevent damage to the rest of your landscape, so this method is rarely used except on very large properties in Charlotte.

For smaller urban and suburban lots, trees are usually removed in sections. This is more expensive than felling a tree, but it pays off by avoiding damage to other parts of your property. If your tree is close to a neighbor’s yard, this is often the only option for safe tree removal. Our specialists are expert climbers and can assess whether this is the best method for your home.

In extreme cases where a tree is close to power lines or would damage a nearby structure even if it is removed in sections, we bring in a crane to safely remove the tree. Although this isn’t very common, it does increase the cost.

Urgency

Typically, emergency tree removal situations cost more than non-emergency removals. Since these removals usually involve properties that are damaged before the tree is removed, our arborists must take special care to ensure that all workers stay safe during the removal process. Depending on the level of damage, it often takes extra time, effort, and special equipment to ensure workplace safety in an emergency situation. Although there are times in Charlotte where large storms cause an unexpected emergency tree removal, property owners can save money by watching for warning signs and removing trees before they become a hazard. 

If you have a tree that shows signs of death, disease, or is simply unsightly, our expert tree removal specialists are here to help. We are committed to excellence in everything we do and are always ready to help you navigate the process of tree removal in Charlotte.