AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Lincoln, NE

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lincoln?

Known as the capital of Nebraska and loved for its green thumb, Lincoln is home to Sunken Gardens featuring themes, sculptures, and breathtaking lily ponds. The city is known for being arborist friendly and constantly seeks out efforts that encourage replanting trees throughout public areas. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Lincoln’s natural friends are free from exposure to harmful insects and diseases.

Bagworms

As part of the Psychidae and Lepidoptera family, Bagworms are known worldwide for targeting trees. Bagworm Caterpillars attack more than 120 types of trees, feeding on the buds and foliage until branches turn brown and begin to die. The slow decay can be difficult to notice unless you’re specifically looking for the predator. Bagworms will also target trees by wrapping their silk bags around limbs which can cause branches and twigs on trees to break off over time. 

Diplodia Blight

Primarily targeting pines and conifers, Diplodia Blight is a fungal disease that can be found in trees over 15 years of age. The disease is known for causing disfigurement and stunts the growth of branches. Over time, this can leave trees with cankers and a weakened structure making them vulnerable to pests such as bagworms and borers. 

Anthracnose

Attacking plants in the spring when weather is wet and cool, Anthracnose is a fungal disease found on leaves and twigs. The condition creates spores by infecting the veins of leaves and can leave behind small lesions that prevent trees from reaching their full potential in growing. This can leave a tree deformed, vulnerable to attacks from insects and other diseases, and doesn’t usually kill the tree on its own. 

Emerald Ash Borer

Known for being one of the most common predators throughout the US, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has become one of the major predators for trees in Lincoln. Luckily, the EAB primarily targets Ash trees at this time. The EAB is a well-known predator that bores into Ash trees and can lead to full decay within 5-7 years upon infestation. The borer is known for feeding on the nutrients and water from a tree, causing a decline in the tree’s internal structure which may lead to them falling during storms. 

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

The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department’s Community Forestry Section is responsible for maintaining and removing decaying or dying trees on city-owned property. Fallen trees or decaying trees on private property are to be handled by the property owner. Lincoln does require that any tree removed on private property be done so by a licensed or certified arborist in the area.

The Forestry Section will assist in removing trees on right-of-way property if that tree is a risk to public roads, sidewalks, or private property. It is possible to get approval from the city to remove right-of-way trees that are a threat to private property in special cases.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lincoln?

Unless a fallen tree is partially on public property, the responsibility of tree removal projects is the property owner’s duty. Trees in Lincoln that are blown down due to both natural causes and negligence in care are the responsibility of the property owner and must be removed within reasonable timing. In many situations, should a tree fall due to natural causes, the homeowner or neighbor of the damaged property can file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance to assist in paying for damages and removal. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Any debris and all fallen trees are the responsibility of the homeowner on which a tree resides. Should it be a boundary tree, then both property owners may share responsibility in maintaining and trimming the tree, as well as removing it should it fall. 

If you’re a renter?

Most rental contracts dictate that renters take responsibility for basic lawn care and yard maintenance, but if it is not specified in your lease that you handle the trimming and pruning of trees you may not be liable for damages caused by a fallen tree or the removal of that tree. However, if a tree falls due to neglect and you don’t report potential diseases or decay that are noticeable, your landlord may be able to report some liability for the cost of damages and removal in court. 

If you’re a landlord?

As the homeowner or manager of the property, responsibility for decaying or dying trees falls on you. If a tree falls due to natural causes, it is still your responsibility to handle the cost of removing that tree from the property. You may be able to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance if the tree falls due to causes such as strong winds or heavy storms. 

If you’re a neighbor?

There are no special regulations in the city of Lincoln that dictate the responsibility of fallen trees outside of trees on public property. This means that if your neighbor’s tree falls over your fence or on your property, you may both be responsible for the cost of removal. In most situations, the tree is the responsibility of the homeowner, but code enforcement of the city doesn’t always enforce liability for trees that are on private property.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lincoln?

Pockets of soil throughout Lincoln have high concentrates of iron and other micronutrients, which can make the perfect combination of nutrients and minerals for young trees to thrive and grow. However, in many areas, there is also a high concentrate of clay-based soils, which can hinder drainage when planting trees. The soil in the area doesn’t require constant watering due to having shallow root systems that can easily become flooded. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lincoln?

In the last decade, weather throughout Nebraska has been the culprit behind the decline of 18% of canopy trees. From ice storms to high winds, fires, drought, and snow the weather in Lincoln plays a huge part in how often trees need maintenance and care throughout the city. While not much can be done about storms that bring tornadoes, proper care and routine trimming or pruning can help Lincoln’s trees combat freezing weather. 

Following frozen or extremely wet periods, you can help prevent the decay of trees by cutting and trimming branches that show signs of common fungal diseases in the area. This may assist in giving the tree a chance to re-grow and strengthen its natural immune system, leaving it better prepared to handle the next spout of poor weather. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lincoln?

LES is the primary provider for electricity throughout Lincoln, NE. The company recommends that arborists and homeowners assume that power lines are always energized when trimming and pruning trees. Due to the high voltage that electric lines can carry, it is recommended that you don’t interact with lines close to power poles or dig holes where power lines may run underground. If you’re concerned and uncertain about where lines run, the company can assist you and advise you on where underground lines are.

By avoiding physically interacting with live lines, you can help prevent serious injury and potential death from occurring. If at any time a loved one or neighbor comes into contact with a power line, call 911 and don’t go to assist them as it may result in putting yourself in harm’s way as well. 

If a tree falls or is decaying near power lines, our licensed professionals should always handle the trimming, pruning, and removal of that tree. This is to keep you safe and ensure all the right tools are used when dealing with this dangerous project.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lincoln?

The removal of medium-sized trees in Lincoln, NE averages at $580 but can be up to or more than $1,500. This typically includes the ground prep, labor, bringing tools and machinery for the job, and cleaning up afterward. Depending on certain factors, such as accessibility and difficulty of the job, pricing may vary slightly. Let’s take a look at a few of the cost factors that make up your tree removal quote. 

Accessibility and Size

Smaller trees that are decaying or at risk of falling tend to take less time for removal, which can lower your final bill if they’re easily accessible. Larger trees that require heavier equipment and are more time-consuming will typically cost a little more. Depending on the size and where the tree is located, if it’s near fencing or a structure, more equipment may be needed to complete the job. In that case, the cost of removal may rise due to the difficulty, extra equipment needed, and the expectation of an extra hour or two needed for work. 

Materials and Equipment

Our quotes for tree removal include the cost of material and equipment that’ll be used on the project. However, in more complex situations, additional equipment may be necessary. This is typically when machines are brought in to haul and shred parts of the tree and can sometimes fall under additional services of the job. Harnesses, chainsaws, and items that are used for the average job will already be included in your original quote. 

Additional Services

Our arborists typically don’t include stump removal following the removal of a tree. So, if you’re wanting to have that stump completely removed and you’d like the ground to look somewhat normal after the project is finished, then you’ll likely be paying additional money. In order to remove the stump, it has to be separated from the root system and a special drill is used to do so. Then, a machine that grinds up wood will be brought in to shred the stump into chunks and hauled away.