Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Princeton?
- 2 Does the City of Princeton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Princeton?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Princeton?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Princeton?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Princeton?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Princeton?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Princeton?
Here are some of the common problems trees are susceptible to in Princeton. It is important to walk around your property and inspect the trees. The signs to look out for are unusual color changes, new cankers forming in the bark, and infestations. Preventing many of these diseases can be done through regular tree maintenance.
If you notice small, dead areas forming on the needles of your trees, followed by the needles dying off and dropping, it may be anthracnose. This is a tree disease that is caused by several varieties of fungus. Anthracnose is common in Princeton, affecting mainly sycamores and white oak trees. The disease starts with a small black fungus eating the dead needle tissue. Eventually, causing large parts of the branches to turn brown as needles fall. Although anthracnose is not likely to kill your tree, it will make it weaker. If the tree is too weak, it may not make it through frost and other storms. The disease can be avoided by keeping the foliage dry. Try watering at the base of the tree rather than overhead or use a drip watering system.
Another potentially dangerous disease is armillaria root rot. Symptoms that can alert you to this tree issue are slow growth and plant wilting. The roots may also be smaller than usual. If the roots look brown or black, it is a pretty good indication that your tree has root rot. You can help avoid this problem by using a pasteurized mix and maintaining the soil’s moisture. You may also need to use a fungicide to protect roots and other surrounding trees in Princeton.
The emerald ash borer, named for its green color, is a destructive, exotic beetle. This wood-boring pest is in 35 states, including New Jersey. It is responsible for killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The adult beetle likes to eat the tree’s foliage, but it’s the larvae that do most of the killing. They will feed on the inner bark, which will disrupt water and nutrient transport through the tree. If you see holes in the bark or S-shaped bark splitting, you may have an infestation. Sometimes, the first sign is thinning of the canopy.
Does the City of Princeton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Princeton has strict rules for the removal of trees. Permits are required to ensure these rules are followed. We will go over some of the additional costs of permits a bit later. The city does not assist with tree removal in Princeton on private property unless it affects any public areas. If the tree shows signs of disease that may spread, the city may want to know before removal to ensure the infection does not spread. The permit application for tree removal in Princeton asks about any possible disease.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Princeton?
Who is responsible for a fallen tree in the City of Princeton? The answer will depend on the property where the fallen tree is. If a tree falls on public property, they will come and take care of it. Fallen trees on private property are a little less clear. Below are the most common situations of where a tree might fall and who is responsible.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you own a property and there is a fallen tree on it, you are responsible for tree removal in Princeton. This is because, according to the city ordinance, you need to maintain the appearance and safety of your own property. If the tree has fallen, you will not need to get a permit for removal. However, if the tree is damaged or leaning, you will need a permit. If the tree poses an immediate risk, you should call us for tree removal as soon as possible. We have experience with the City of Princeton and can get the tree out quickly.
If you’re a renter?
Renters in Princeton, New Jersey, do not need to worry about tree removal. The responsibility will almost always go to the property owner. Renters are not allowed to apply for tree removal permits, and they are not allowed to harm the tree in any way. If you are a renter and a tree falls, you should contact your landlord, so they can start taking care of it.
If you’re a landlord?
The landlord will be responsible for tree removal in Princeton because they are the property’s owner. If your tenant contacts you about a fallen tree, you should make sure no one is injured. Next, assess the damage and call your homeowner’s insurance. They can help you determine if you have coverage and what your deductible might be.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your tree falls in your neighbor’s yard, who is responsible for removing it? The responsibility, in this situation, goes to your neighbor. Even if the tree was not theirs, they would need to take care of it because it fell on their property. The only way around this is if they can prove that the tree fell due to neglect. If the neighbor had previously complained about the tree’s safety to the city, they might not need to pay for tree removal in Princeton.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Princeton?
The predominant soil in Princeton, New Jersey is the Downer series. They are known for being well-drained and very deep. The soil has a higher proportion of sand than other materials like silt or clay, and because of this, the water runs through to the roots efficiently. This helps reduce the risk of excess moisture. The sandy soil can have problems with erosion depending on the location. If, for example, the tree is on a slight slope or a hill, water will run downwards and may take some of the sand with it.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Princeton?
The warm and humid summer climate in Princeton can harm some trees. Non-native trees are the most vulnerable to high humid weather. While trees need regular moisture to survive, too much can cause them to suffocate. The higher water vapor in the air can make it harder for trees to release oxygen and take in nutrients from the soil. This is only a problem during the warmer months in New Jersey.
Winter storms are a big concern in Princeton, and they can wreak havoc on your trees. Most trees can handle the added weight of a little snow and ice, which is a regular occurrence in New Jersey. The problems come when we get winter storms. These can bring in excess snow, freezing rain, and a lot of wind. During these storms, trees can become too heavy and collapse from the added weight. You can help your tree by calling us for regular trims and maintenance. This will reduce the tree’s surface area for the snow and ice to sit.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Princeton?
Dead trees can be hazardous because they become dry and brittle over time, increasing the risk of breaking. If the tree is near power lines, the problem is much worse. Not only is this a significant fire hazard, but if the tree falls, it can take out the power lines, causing widespread electrical grid shutdowns. If you see a tree near a power line, you should report the issue with the City of Princeton. They may come out and remove it if the tree is dead and poses a risk of falling. If the tree is alive, they may trim it back.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Princeton?
The cost of tree removal in Princeton depends on several different factors. The three main things that influence the price are the size of the tree, accessibility or location, and any required permits. This is only an estimate based on past work, but the price range for the average tree removal is between $215 and $2,150. Below you will find the most common things that increase the cost.
Tree Size
The biggest cost factor for tree removal in Princeton, New Jersey is tree size and height. The bigger and taller the tree is, the harder it is to cut down safely. In addition, tall trees come with more hazards, especially for our crew members cutting them down. Here is a general estimate of how much you could spend based on height alone.
- Tree Removal cost for a 20-foot tree: $175 to $335
- Tree Removal cost for a 40-foot tree: $360 to $685
- Tree Removal cost for a 60-foot tree: $525 to $990
- Tree Removal cost for an 80-foot tree: $940 to $2,510 or more
Tree Location
Another important cost factor of tree removal in Princeton is the location and accessibility. Where the tree sits in relation to other trees, homes, roads, and power lines matter. For example, if the tree is near power lines, the job becomes a lot more dangerous. In some cases, the power company may need to assist in the removal, adding time and money to the project. On the other hand, if the tree has already fallen and is in an empty field, the job will cost a lot less.
Tree Permits
As we mentioned earlier, New Jersey is home to many endangered and rare tree species. This is why they take tree removal in Princeton so seriously. Before a private or public tree can come down, you have to apply for a permit with the City of Princeton. The city will want to know everything about the tree, including:
- Tree’s location
- Tree species
- Private or public
- Reason for removal
- DBH of tree
- Tree replacement plan
- Tree replacement sketch
The added cost for a tree removal permit is between $40 and $1,600. This is because the city preservation ordinance mandates tree replacement. Therefore, you will need to have a tree replacement plan or pay the added money per tree. The payment goes toward replacing trees and increasing the city’s canopy.
