Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Maplewood?
- 2 Does the City of Maplewood Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Maplewood?
- 4 How Does The Soil Affect Trees in Maplewood?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Maplewood?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Maplewood?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Maplewood?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Maplewood?
Maplewood has a variety of stunning trees. The diversity is incredible to visitors from out of state. In New Jersey, we typically experience all 4 seasons vividly with drastic changes in both greenery and weather. Our summers don’t get too hot, although the winters can get pretty intense. These temperatures allow for a lot of variety in our trees and plant life. Some of the most common tree species in Maplewood are:
- Jersey Pine
- River Birch
- Hazel
- Scarlet Oak
- Tulip Tree
- Silver Bell
- Flowering Dogwood
- Juniper
- Ash
- Alder
- Silver Maple
Maplewood is home to species of flowering, nonflowering, and deciduous trees, but they don’t stay lovely for long without appropriate care. Weather, disease, pests, and pollution can affect the health of a tree. Improper care is another big problem. Here are some of the most common tree issues in Maplewood.
Seiridium Canker
Seiridium Canker is brought about by drought. Symptoms include patches of dead branches and leaves, and swollen areas where sap seeps out. It typically affects Jersey pine and Junipers in this area of the US. It’s a fungus that strikes the vascular system of a tree and spreads swiftly. It can be devastating to trees that are planted in a row or cluster, so immediate detection is invaluable.
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a destructive beetle that affects trees all over the US, but particularly on the east coast. Its larva stops the trees’ vascular system from delivering water and nutrients. The Emerald Ash Borer has been the perpetrator of the destruction of many trees throughout the Northern NJ area in recent years and is projected to continue because of its invasive nature. We can help determine if these nasty bugs are a problem for you if you suspect an invasion.
Lack of Nutrients
Another common Maplewood tree issue is a lack of suitable nutrition. Trees are just like any living thing in that they need nutrients to survive, but the habits of people can deter their growth. People like to keep their yards neat and tidy, and in the process harm their trees. In the forest, trees get their nutrients from decomposing leaves. If they all get raked up, it’s hard for the tree to get proper nutrients.
Compacted Soil
Soil gets compacted after a few years of children playing and backyard activities. Extremely compacted soil restricts root growth and damages the trees’ foundation. It also makes it harder to grow a vegetable or flower garden or even dig up a spot for a swimming pool.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew shows up as white-powdery spots on tree leaves and foliage. It’s a nasty little fungal disease that leads to the death of the tree if not removed. It can easily spread through insect infestations and weather situations like rain and wind as well. Indicators include powdery white spots on leaves, stems, and fruit; yellow and brown wilted discolorations on leaves, stems, and small branches; dried leaves, and broken and disfigured twigs and leaves.
Shot Hole Borer Beetle
The polyphagous shot hole borer beetle can kill a tree in just a few years of steady infestation. It drills into trees and makes cubicles where it eats, and the females lay eggs. This activity effectively stops the flow of water and nutrients. The shot hole borer is especially damaging because it deposits a pathogenic fungus as it moves through the tree that kills quickly and can move on to the next instantly.
Does the City of Maplewood Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Maplewood does not provide any assistance with fallen trees tree in most circumstances. There is a program to help the elderly and disabled with tree removal, but in most private property tree situations, neither the city nor Essex County provides any assistance. Maplewood requires citizens to obtain a tree cutting permit if the tree is over 12 inches in diameter before any work is done.
According to Maplewood Township Ordinance 2580-09, “No person shall remove any tree 12 inches or more in caliper, or authorize the removal of such tree, on any land within the Township of Maplewood unless the owner of such tree or the person authorized by the owner to remove said tree shall first obtain a permit.” [Amended 3-17-2009 by Ord. No. 2580-09]
Tree removal permit applications costs are as follows:
- $25 for 1–3 trees
- $50 for 4–10 trees
- $75 for 11 or more trees
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Maplewood?
Maplewood does not assist citizens in the removal of fallen trees on private property. As a rule, if the tree is on private property, it is the property owner’s responsibility to take care of it. There are several programs in town to help the elderly and needy in some instances.
If you’re a homeowner?
Just like in most towns and cities across the country, homeowners are responsible for everything on their property, including the trees. If one falls, they must file a claim with their insurance or do the cleanup and repair themselves.
If you’re a renter?
Renting isn’t always the easiest way to go, but when it comes to fallen trees, it pays off. Renters aren’t responsible for home repairs or any acts of God like a tree falling during a storm. In some rent-to-own situations, a renter could be responsible for a felled tree. In instances like that, renter’s insurance should cover the tab.
If you’re a landlord?
The landlord also owns the property, so they are responsible for a felled tree and its expenses. If you are just a hired property manager, the liability falls to the property owner.
If you’re a neighbor?
Neighbors are not liable for cleanup and repair of a tree, but neither is the city. If you have a problem with the responsibility of a felled tree, you’ll have to take it to court. Maplewood Township has no legal authority in private matters.
How Does The Soil Affect Trees in Maplewood?
The state soil of New Jersey is called Downer soil, and a lot of Maplewood is made up of it. Downer soils are drain well and have plenty of nutrients in the Maplewood area to promote growth for a variety of trees. They are not excessively sandy or rocky and are idyllic for all types of agriculture. The soil affects the trees in positive ways such as promoting good health, rapid growth, and long life.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Maplewood?
Maplewood has wonderful weather all year round. The winters are cold, but not frigid, and the summers get just hot enough to let you know it’s that time of year. That isn’t to say it’s perfect. We do see some natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes intermittently, which can be harmful to the tree population.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Maplewood?
Dead trees are dangerous. When they are near a power line, they are a significant threat to anything in the near vicinity. Regular trimming and pruning can prevent the issue from becoming worse. Any debris from a tree that’s fallen on a power line is the responsibility of the property owner. Maplewood performs pruning of trees that hang over power lines when they become a public threat.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Maplewood?
Not all tree jobs in Maplewood are the same, and several varying factors have a major impact on cost. A small job here in Maplewood runs approximately $197 if there are no impediments. Mid-range jobs can be tackled for under $600, but larger jobs with a few issues can cost as much as $1,900 or more. Here are a few things that can radically reduce or increase the price of your tree removal job.
Tree Health
A decaying tree is easy to cut down. A healthy tree, on the other hand, can cost more. Other health factors play a part too. Diseased trees can cost more if many have to be taken out – to stop contagion, for instance.
Dimensions and Class of Tree
Hardwood trees, such as oak and sequoia, is also harder to cut down. It can take a few chainsaw blades and more than one of our timber cutters to get the job done. Softer wood, like pines and cedars, is easier to cut. Our prices reflect the species and size of the trees you want cut down.
Location
Trees in tricky positions or locations are harder for our teams to cut down than those standing in the middle of your yard. Trees that are severely leaning are another expensive job. It takes special equipment and several of our laborers to cut a leaning tree and not hit a home or structure.
