AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Manchester, NH

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Manchester?

From the stately, mature trees of North End to the shady paths of Victory Park, Manchester is a city that loves its trees. Our temperate climate and good soil make fine growing conditions for the many trees that line our streets and shade our yards. Most of our tree problems arise from outside influences, such as non-native insect infestations or simply a tree’s old age. The majority of trees in Manchester are native species such as red maple, spruce, red oak, and white pine — species that are best suited to thrive here but which are vulnerable to attack from imported and invasive threats. Some of the more common tree problems faced in Manchester include:

Insect Pests

Most of our native species can survive infestations by native insects, but those pests which have arrived from other parts of the world often have no local predators, and our trees can be very vulnerable to their damage. 

• Emerald Ash Borer — The emerald ash borer was first detected in Manchester in 2016, and while ash trees are not among the most common here, the ash trees we do have are easily killed by this invasive insect. Affected trees generally die in just a few years.
• Gypsy Moth — Since their arrival in the 19th century, in a misguided attempt to revitalize the silk industry in neighboring Massachusetts, gypsy moths have become a recurring pest, defoliating and, ultimately, killing numerous species of hardwoods.
• Hemlock Wooly Adelgid — Another invasive insect with no predators in our area, the hemlock wooly adelgid attacks the small twigs of hemlocks, making them vulnerable to other pests and diseases, and often contributing to tree death in ten years or less. 

Tree Diseases

• White Pine Blister Rust — A disease of white pines as well as such bushes as currants and gooseberries, white pine blister rust is an invasive European fungus that has become widespread here in the decades since its arrival. It causes affected trees’ branches to yellow, dieback, and leaves swollen, uneven patches on the bark. It can kill young trees and make all affected trees susceptible to other infestations.
• Pine Canker — While rarely fatal, pine canker is a fungus that can attack white pines and fir trees, causing branches to thin out, trees to be weakened, and leaving blistered patches on the bark, which tend to drip lots of sap.

Storm Damage

While we often complain about winter snows (even though we’ll enjoy a trip to Mount Sunapee to hit the slopes on the weekend), our winter weather isn’t normally all that damaging for most of our trees. Summer storms, too, don’t tend to cause a great deal of damage. However, that can all change when a nor’easter blows through, bringing down limbs and entire trees, especially with older, weaker, or unhealthy trees.

Old Age

Because our trees often face few threats, they can be quite long-lived. All, however, do have finite lifespans, as they become weakened by decades or centuries of battling changing conditions, competition for nutrients, and the effects of animals, diseases, and people. Eventually, they start to decay and even form hollow areas, turning them from pleasant parts of our landscapes into potential hazards. When this time comes, even for favorites such as our beloved Freedom Tree, it’s time to arrange for tree removal.

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

The city of Manchester is responsible for maintaining the over 50,000 trees in our parks, along streets and sidewalks, and other public spaces. In general, only publicly-owned trees are taken care of by city crews, though in some cases where trees on private property encroach into public rights-of-way, privately-owned trees may be trimmed or pruned. When no such issues exist, tree removal is normally the homeowner’s responsibility on whose property a tree grows. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Manchester?

The law in New Hampshire indicates that homeowners are responsible (along with their insurance companies) for trees that fall on their property, even if the tree belongs to a neighbor. In some cases, if a tree was clearly in poor condition, the landowner where the tree grew may be responsible for its removal, regardless of where it falls. Determining responsibility in such cases can be complicated and can cause friction with neighbors, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the trees on your property and arrange for tree care and maintenance as needed before disaster strikes.

If you’re a homeowner?

As mentioned, homeowners are normally responsible for trees that fall on their property, even ones that grew in your neighbor’s yard. Trees that grow across property boundaries can have shared responsibility. Homeowner’s insurance will generally apply for fallen trees if they cause damage or hardship (such as blocking your garage door), but not necessarily if they don’t cause problems. In some cases, your deductible may be higher than tree removal cost when there is little or no damage, so having a professional assess the situation can be a great place to start for non-emergency situations.

If you’re a renter?

If you rent your home, you are unlikely to be responsible for tree removal on that property. In rare cases, a rental agreement may stipulate that you are responsible for maintenance and care of the property to such an extent that you would be on the hook for the tree removal. Most renters’ insurance will cover damages to your personal property caused by a falling tree. Usually, it will not cover damages to the structure of the home you rent or the cost of tree removal.

If you’re a landlord?

Landlords are generally responsible for fallen trees along the same lines as homeowners. Being proactive about tree maintenance and, when needed, removal can improve landlord-tenant relations and save you money in the long run.

If you’re a neighbor?

Part of being a good neighbor is doing your best to ensure you don’t cause damage to adjacent properties, and keeping your trees in good shape is one way to do so. If your healthy tree falls on the neighbor’s property during a storm, they (and their insurance) are generally responsible for its removal. If your neighbor’s tree is unhealthy and it falls on your property, your neighbor is generally liable for it. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Manchester?

Soil is made up of three main components, sand (which helps it drain), silt (tiny grains of stone which helps water and air circulate), and clay (which retains water and nutrients). Different combinations of the three determine the nature and quality of soil for growing trees, but the ideal soil is called loam, which is equal parts sand and silt with enough clay to help it bind and hold needed resources. The soil around Manchester is generally a sandy loam or loamy sand, meaning it is ideal for growing trees, as witnessed by our many trees in town and the wonderfully dense forests surrounding us.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Manchester?

Although our climate is normally conducive to healthy tree growth, much of southern New Hampshire has experienced abnormally dry or drought conditions in recent years. While these drier conditions aren’t enough to cause tree death, limited water can stress trees, making them more vulnerable to damage and infestations. Strong storms, lightning, nor’easters, and heavy snow or ice in the winter can also cause limbs to break or even topple trees. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Manchester?

All of us have probably experienced power outages caused by falling limbs and trees. Eversource Energy regularly examines and trims or removes trees in the vicinity of power lines to reduce the likelihood of outages caused by them. While this work includes trees on your property if they are in the utility right-of-way, Eversource will notify you and will generally allow you to keep the wood and wood chips from work on your property, if you like. Homeowners are responsible for stump removal and grinding if desired. If you are concerned about a tree near a transmission line, you can contact Eversource to perform a tree assessment. Homeowners are responsible for contacting a private tree service to resolve any problems with trees affecting service lines (between the pole and your house), though.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Manchester?

If you’ve put off having a tree removed because you expect it to be too expensive, you may be pleased to know that the average cost to remove a standing tree in Manchester runs from about $450 to about $750. Removing a fallen tree will usually cost substantially less. However, as you’d expect, many aspects of a tree removal job can affect the overall price. Some of the most common reasons prices can differ, include:

Size & Location of the Tree

The larger a tree is, the more it will cost to remove it. Bigger trees and those with more complicated limb and branch structures require additional, careful planning and must usually be cut into many smaller pieces to be removed safely. Tree removals close to homes, garages, outbuildings, swimming pools, landscaping, and other property require additional care to prevent damage. Trees close to power lines will require added caution to protect our team and prevent damage to the electrical system and avoid causing outages. The terrain and layout of your property and your neighbors’ property may also affect how accessible a tree is, affecting the cost of removing it.

Additional Equipment & Labor

Large, complicated, or difficult-to-access trees can require specialized equipment and a larger crew to remove safely. Such jobs can also require more time to complete the work, adding to the bottom line. 

Added Services

Many Manchester homes have wood-burning fireplaces, and you may want to have a tree cut into log-lengths and even split for firewood. Tree removal services may not automatically include these services, limb chipping, stump removal, stump grinding, or any other additional work you may want to have done in conjunction with your tree removal.