AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Huntersville, NC

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Huntersville?

Huntersville, NC is a lovely suburban city that is home to 60,000 residents and sits just north of Charlotte. Huntersville has great public schools, an abundance of parks and natural greenery, and great weather throughout the year. Trees common to the area include elms, dogwoods, maples, birches, and oaks, and these provide plenty of shade and beauty to the streets and neighborhoods in Huntersville. 

Unfortunately, these trees undergo a great deal of stress, thanks to three of the most common tree issues we see in the area: cankerworms, root rot, and Native Elm Bark Beetles.

Cankerworms

Cankerworms are one of the most widespread issues we see in Huntersville, and they can lead to major tree damage and even tree death if left unattended for too long. Spring cankerworm moths, or Paleacrita vernata, come out of hiding in late winter, typically around early March. Females like to lay eggs underneath the bark of many types of trees, and those eggs usually hatch around the same time that buds begin to appear on plants. After hatching, the larvae eat the leaves on trees and other plants, often leaving very little behind, if anything. 

Trees that are strong and healthy can withstand multiple cankerworm attacks, but those that are already weak or suffer from defoliation due to cankerworms repeatedly may have weakened structural integrity and die. This can pose a hazard to people and property, but there are a few management strategies we can use to reduce cankerworm damage when they appear. 

Root Rot

Root rot is another major problem in North Carolina, mostly because of the abundant rainfall the state experiences every year. Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist environments with plenty of nutrients. When Huntersville has an especially rainy period, roots can become saturated in water for too long, allowing the fungus to grow and spread easily underground. Trees that are most susceptible to root rot are those that have already undergone some other type of stress, like too much shade, insect attacks, or frost, though root rot can spread to healthy trees, too. 

It can be hard to detect the presence of root rot since it usually takes place underground, but some signs to look out for include drooping leaves, browning or yellowing leaves, and misshapen or malformed fruits. Once root rot takes hold, it can be difficult to save trees from death. In the presence of root rot, we strongly recommend taking steps to prevent it from spreading to other trees and killing them too. 

Native Elm Bark Beetles

Native elm bark beetles, or Hylurgopinus rufipes, are small and dark brown insects that like to live inside and around dead and dying elm trees. These bark beetles lay their eggs underneath the bark of ill elm trees, and they lay intricate egg galleries in a straight line. Once the larvae hatch, they begin to bore tunnels at 90-degree angles, making distinct patterns in the bark. 

Many trees in the area have died due to bark beetle attacks, as they feed on vital parts of trees. They are also highly effective at spreading Dutch elm disease. To slow the spread of bark beetles on your property, it’s important to prune trees outside the hottest summer months, as bark beetles are attracted to open wounds on trees. 

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

Yes, the City of Huntersville removes fallen trees that end up on public property, like roads or sidewalks. If you see a tree that has fallen in a park or is blocking the street, you can call the Public Works Department at 704-875-7007, or you can fill out their online request form. Yard waste, such as tree trimmings and small branches, is also collected weekly from the city on the same day as garbage removal. 

The city will collect limbs and branches that fit into yard waste containers, and these must be placed near the curb by 7:00 am. The city will also collect Christmas trees on the curb during the two weeks after the holiday, and you can schedule a bulk pickup for larger trees and yard debris by calling 704-596-9428. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Huntersville?

Fallen trees are never a fun problem to deal with, and the issue can become even more complicated in certain situations, especially when other parties become involved. When a tree falls, the property owner is usually the one that is responsible for having it removed. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Owning your home allows you to acquire major assets and customize your dwelling to your liking. But owning your home means that you are also responsible for routine maintenance and taking care of property issues when they arise. If a tree falls onto your property, you will be the one that has to contact us and pay for the tree removal services. Performing regular preventative maintenance on your property’s trees can prevent them from becoming ill and falling prematurely, potentially saving you plenty of money in the long run.

If you’re a renter?

Renters are sometimes responsible for basic lawn care and maintenance, including mowing the lawn or raking leaves. Whether these responsibilities fall to you should be written specifically in your rental agreement. For the most part, landlords are responsible for larger maintenance projects that keep the rental property safe and free of hazards. When a tree falls, getting it removed is usually handled by the landlord, unless the rental contract specifically states that it is the renter’s responsibility. 

If you notice any trees that seem weak or dead, let your landlord know as soon as possible, so they can take care of them in a timely manner. 

If you’re a landlord?

Renting out a property that you own is a great way to make an income each month. When issues arise in the properties you rent out, you are responsible for getting those taken care of right away. The same is true if trees fall on your property. Leaving dead and fallen trees on your property for too long can attract pests and diseases that can infect other trees, so it’s in your best interest to get the issue taken care of right away.

If your tenant warns you about a tree that seems hazardous, you can become liable for property damage or injuries that it causes if you know it isn’t safe but neglect to take care of it. 

If you’re a neighbor?

We have seen our fair share of neighborly disputes that have begun due to a tree that falls from one neighbor’s yard to another. In most cases, the person who owns the property that the tree fell on will become responsible for having the tree removed. Things can become a bit more complicated when trees are rooted on or near property lines, so it’s helpful to speak with your neighbor about these matters before they arise. This allows neighbors to negotiate and reach an agreement about what happens in any given tree scenario, and some neighbors even opt to share the costs of tree maintenance and cleanup on trees that are shared by both properties. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Huntersville?

Huntersville has a unique soil composition of Cecil Soil, which is also North Carolina’s state soil! Cecil Soil is a helpful soil for maintaining tree health in the state because it is quite permeable, allowing plenty of oxygen and nutrients to get in, and it provides proper drainage. Both of these factors can reduce problematic fungi and pests from taking hold. Trees that grow particularly well in this type of soil include oaks and hickories, though the soil is also conducive to growing several types of crops, like corn, wheat, and soy. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Huntersville?

Huntersville tends to get a lot of rainfall throughout the year, some snow, and lots of sunshine. We do experience a few days with below-freezing temperatures, but the average winter temperature in the city is still much warmer than most of the rest of the country. These factors allow trees to grow healthy and strong, though periods of excessive rainfall can negatively affect their health and lead to certain diseases. Huntersville also gets bouts of high winds that can damage trees, especially those that have already endured stress. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Huntersville?

When dead trees are near power lines, they pose a significant hazard to nearby homes and families. If a tree falls and knocks over a power line or gets entangled within the lines, it can lead to power outages and dangerous conditions. If you notice dead or hazardous trees near power lines, you can contact Electricities by using their online form.

They routinely trim trees in neighborhoods near main power lines, but they are not responsible for trimming trees that grow near lines from poles to homes. Those will have to be taken care of by a private contractor that you hire, and you should get your power disconnected when your trees are being serviced. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Huntersville?

The average cost of having a tree removed from your property in Huntersville is about $440, though the cost can vary drastically depending upon a wide range of factors. The three most important factors for tree removal costs, however, are the size of the tree, location of the tree, and which other services are provided if any. 

Size of the Tree

Tall and wide trees require us to enlist the help of a larger team to bring down, and it takes much more time to complete the job than it would for a smaller and thinner tree. Generally, the larger the tree, the more it will cost to remove. 

Location of the Tree

Removing trees is no easy feat, but it can get even more complicated when the tree is located in a hard-to-reach place or maybe a hazard to nearby property. When trees are close to homes, we often have to employ more complicated tactics to remove them safely, which will end up costing you more. 

Other Services Provided

Sometimes trees are removed because they are in the way, but trees are often removed because they are dying or ill. After removing a tree that has been infected or ravaged by pests, it’s important to take precautions to prevent those issues from spreading to other trees and eventually killing them. These services may add to your bill, but they are important for saving you time and money in the long run by reducing the odds that other trees in your yard will have to be removed later.