AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Rochester, NH

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rochester?

In the 1950s the City of Rochester lost some 20,000 trees to Dutch Elm Disease. American Elms were planted throughout the Rochester area in strategic places around the city so everyone could enjoy their shade and ornamental values. It only took some 15 years to claim the lives of every species of Elm tree in this area when Dutch Elm Disease ravaged its way through.

That is a textbook example of how one disease can affect so many different species of trees. Here in the Rochester area, we see different types of issues happening to the urban canopy. Some can be blamed on mother nature, but there is also a vast majority of issues that are brought on by the presence of humans. Some of those issues are:

• Bacterial Wetwood and Root Rot. These two diseases are carried to the tree throughout the vast number of small capillaries running through the root system feeding the tree. Harmful chemicals that are present in the water table from things like industrial runoff, and construction runoff exacerbate this fungus which is developed once these chemicals come in contact with the root system of the tree.
  
• Lucidous Rot and Butt Rot. These, too, are the after-effects of man’s environment intruding onto the environment of the trees. Butt and Lucidous are the fungal root diseases that affect the hardwoods of the area such as Maple, Oak, Ash, and Hickory.

Now here are some issues that occur naturally in the trees of Rochester, and they also represent a large portion of what the City of Rochester’s Forestry Commission is currently developing treatments for:

• Blights and Wilts. These are the common diseases that only affect the leaves of a tree. In most cases, the leaves fall in mid-summer as opposed to fall, and the trees that have these diseases can be easily identified as having spots and discoloration issues with their leaves.
  
• Canker Disease. There are several names for different types of canker disease and all primarily are linked to unsightly growths on the trunk of the tree where limbs have either come off from storm damage or been improperly removed by human efforts.
  
• Molds and Rusts. These diseases are easy to identify in their mold and rust appearance on the leaves of infected trees. Another disease that is carried throughout the tree’s vascular network eventually causing death to the entire tree.

There are also issues with weather and soil content that affect the trees of Rochester, and we will be looking into those as well later on. Now let’s see what kind of services are offered by the City of Rochester when addressing issues with tree limbs and debris.

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

As a general rule, the City of Rochester has specific provisions in its City Code regarding the schedule for picking up yard/tree debris. In fact, Chapter 210 – Solid Waste deals with those specifics, and subsection 210-19 outlines what they will pick up, when they will pick it up, and how they want you to prepare this debris for pickup. It is also made clear that should you need any additional tree limbs or other tree debris you can always contact the City of Rochester to schedule an extra pickup.

You may also request that larger City-owned equipment be brought to your Rochester home for the removal of any dead, diseased, or infested trees. Once you and the City of Rochester’s Urban Forestry Commissioner have deemed these trees to be removed, keep in mind that you must comply with the City’s request. Failure to comply will result in the City of Rochester billing you personally for the costs associated with removing a tree.

These regulations and ordinances are put in place to protect and promote the health of the tree population here in the greater Rochester area. If you have any more questions or concerns, try this webpage as a starting point for exploring the tree ordinance that has been put in place by the City of Rochester.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal In Rochester?

In recent years, in some high-profile neighborhoods across the U.S., there have been issues with “the property line tree” and the people on either side of that line. In fact, there have been numerous cases in which the matter was settled by the Supreme Courts of the states where such problems have existed. New Hampshire is no different. The laws in the state of New Hampshire are designed to protect the tree. 

Now let’s look into this matter by addressing each different situation regarding a tree that has come down in your Rochester yard.

If you’re a homeowner?

Those mentioned laws state that the person that owns the property where the trunk of the tree is located, is the owner of that tree. But if your tree poses a threat to your neighbor’s property, then they are allowed to cut the branches and/or roots back from their property. But if this causes the tree to die, or to become diseased because of improper pruning techniques, then you can file suit against that neighbor for 5 times the tree’s original worth. This would be determined by the City of Rochester’s Forestry Commissioner.

If you’re a renter?

If you are planning on renting any property in the Rochester area, take note of the trees on the property and politely ask your prospective landlord if they have a policy in place regarding the trees. Without documentation stating otherwise, the landlord is responsible for tree removal on their property. If they don’t have any kind of documentation regarding the trees on the property, you can let them know how big that issue is to you and possibly draft the new policy together as an act of friendship going forward.

If you’re a landlord?

The reverse side of the above situation. If you do not have any policy or procedure that follows the letter of the law regarding the trees on your rental property, do so as soon as you can. Protect yourself, your property, and your trees, while you make it clear to your potential renter how important these trees are to you and your family. In general, landlords are responsible for tree maintenance and removal.

If you’re a neighbor?

These are the problems that movies are made about! Again, please know the laws regarding your trees in your state. Then do what those laws tell you to do. Most states, if not all, have a person who you can call or get in touch with by email to know what you are doing is within your rights. Above all else, be an adult and see if you can keep this thing from going all the way to the Supreme Court for the State of New Hampshire.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rochester?

The way a tree responds to the soil around it is much the way that we respond to our surroundings. There are certain things and conditions that can cause us to become ill or even hospitalized. Trees are just the same. Well, except for going to the hospital. Seriously though, the soil surrounding a tree is like the air we breathe. It’s a lifeline.

The soil in the state of New Hampshire, as a whole, is considered to among the best soil in North America. It has, according to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, some of the best soil for agricultural purposes and forestry production. While there remain some issues concerning the human footprint on New Hampshire soils, the “good” far outweighs the “bad”.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rochester?

Weather patterns, and the likelihood of severe weather, always play an important role in the overall health and well-being of any forest. The City of Rochester, located in the southeastern “heel” of New Hampshire, is situated so that we see both coastal weather patterns and the regular weather patterns that are delivered via the jet stream. It is in this mixing pot of weather that we are constantly in the direct path of severe thunderstorms and high winds, both known enemies of any tree. Then during the season for hurricanes, we have those threats as well. Weather in Rochester New Hampshire can change in an instant. Tree losses in Rochester from thunderstorms, high winds, or hurricane activity are far less than what you may think. It is just a good testament to the way the people of Rochester care about what happens to their trees.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rochester?

If you have a tree that is either dead or dying, and that tree poses a threat to the nearby power lines, the best course of action is to promptly report the issue to your local electric service provider. In Rochester, New Hampshire there is also this rather informative downloadable brochure from National Grid that has the procedures and contact numbers that you need to report the problem, so it can be quickly addressed without interruption to your power supply.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rochester?

Now, let’s take a look at the costs associated with having a tree removed here in Rochester. The way we are going to present this data is by showing you the “average” prices that were paid to remove a tree in the city.

• Average low price – $153
• Average high price – $1,930
• Average price paid – $565

The above figures also include things like:

• The average price for labor to remove a tree in Rochester, NH
• Average miscellaneous costs for material and equipment in Rochester, NH
• Project costs such as site prep, and clean up

However, they do not include any of the following:

• Permits that will be required by the City of Rochester

And finally, let’s take a few things into consideration that can cause your tree removal costs to be more, or in some instances even less.

Are You Removing a Large or Extra-Large Tree?

Those average figures above were costs associated with an average tree. How big is your tree? If you have one of those extra-large oak trees that towers over 80 feet high, you will most likely be paying a bit more for its removal.

Bigger Tree + More Workers = More Expense 

If your tree is that 80-foot tall granddaddy oak, you may be needing a few extra hands to get it all done in one day. Even then, there are no guarantees, and you could be footing the bill for an additional day of our crew’s labor.

Still Standing or Already On the Ground?

If that big oak came down on its own, without causing any damage to surrounding homes or cars, then all you need is a tree clean-up project, not a tree removal project. This may cost you less on that final invoice.