Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Albuquerque?
- 2 Does the City of Albuquerque Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Albuquerque?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Albuquerque?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Albuquerque?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Albuquerque?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Albuquerque?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Albuquerque?
The urban forest canopy in Albuquerque is disappearing at an alarmingly high rate due to climate change, forest fires, and other multiple threats affecting trees in this locale and its surroundings. We have also noted a great problem in poor species choices that cannot suit the conditions in Albuquerque. Parks and Recreational City Forester lists the appropriate trees that can grow in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. It acts as a great reference to Albuquerque residents on which species will do well in their arid climate.
Since Albuquerque is a predominantly dry area, the trees also lack adequate watering, especially in their early stages, and there are some instances of improper planting. Spring winds are also increasingly becoming a danger to the vulnerable trees in Albuquerque. There are various reports in late 2020 and early 2021 where several were affected by strong winds. The result was multiple uprooted trees, power lines, and downed branches with debris spreading all over the streets due to heavy rains and winds throughout the night.
We’ve also noted that trees in Albuquerque have a life expectancy of about 50 to 100 years, depending on the location and species, provided they are in the right conditions. However, climate changes in Albuquerque, as mentioned earlier, affect the trees in their early establishment years, and they may fail to outgrow this stage. Even if they survive, they are less likely to go past ten years. Although a bigger part of Albuquerque doesn’t have a conducive natural environment for tree growth, we can get them to live longer with the right care. Note that older trees are usually larger, and the larger ones will benefit our urban environment.
Does the City of Albuquerque Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City Forester is responsible for empowering, supervising, and authorizing the maintenance, planning, and removal of trees in Albuquerque, NM. City Forester also formulates laws for planning, removal, and maintenance of trees and other vegetation subject to the consent and approval of the city mayor.
The City Forester, under public health, also has the mandate to issue permits for any tree removal in Albuquerque. They also review city tree ordinances, regulations, and policies that directly or indirectly affect landscaping. It’s unlawful for any Albuquerque resident to prune, trim, cut, or remove a tree within the streets, sidewalks, or other public areas without a permit from the City Forester.
City Forester also makes inspections when required to check on the health of trees. If they spot any infested or disease detrimental tree, they will notify you in writing to remove the tree. Failure to comply with the guidelines in 20 days will result in the City Forester removing the tree.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Albuquerque?
Fallen trees are a common scenario in Albuquerque, especially during heavy downpours and strong winds that can uproot or fall an entire tree or branch. It can happen at any place; your home, public streets, and more. Yet, many residents in Albuquerque are unsure of who should remove a fallen tree. The location of the fallen tree determines who is responsible for removing it as per the zoning code in Albuquerque.
If You’re a Homeowner?
When there is a fallen tree within your home, it’s your responsibility to remove the tree. Additionally, you are required to trim overhanging branches that are a danger to life or property. If you spot a diseased tree or one that is susceptible to strong winds, make sure you remove it. You can also seek help from our arborists to assess the health of your trees to avoid wind damage.
If You’re a Renter?
As a renter, the property owner is responsible for the fallen tree. However, if it’s proved that you played a part in what led to the tree falling, the landlord can take action against you.
If You’re a Landlord?
Landlords are responsible for any fallen trees within their rental units because they are the owners of the property and the trees within the property. You should also call a tree pruning and trimming professional whenever you spot any overgrown branches that might cause damage to property or injuries to people.
If You’re a Neighbor?
When a tree falls into your property from a neighboring home, it’s their responsibility to remove the tree. If the tree caused any damages, file a claim with your insurance company for the damages caused during the storm. Sometimes, it’s considered a natural occurrence, and you may have to fend for yourself. If the tree caused damages to your car, your comprehensive car insurance could cover the damages.
However, having the right to claim liability against the tree owner only applies if the tree owner had prior knowledge about the potential danger. If you can prove that the tree was already weak or diseased before the winds or storm and did nothing to remedy the situation, they should pay for the damages.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque’s soils range from sandy to clayey soils, with some areas having a few silt soils, with loam being a mixture of all three. Some areas also have decomposed caliche and granite. As a result, you should plant specific tree species in a certain area. There is an ongoing exploration to find out the trees that can survive and thrive in these varying factors. However, the ideal tree species will be tolerant to all the soil textures.
The different soil types also have some impacts on the establishment and growth of the trees. Clay soil has very tiny particles that easily absorb water and hold it a lot, making them waterlogged. Although they can hold many nutrients, they also deplete oxygen in the tree roots, which can be very harmful. Sandy soils have larger particles than clay, and they absorb water quickly, but they don’t hold water as much. Consequently, they hold very little amounts of nutrients but are easier to work with. You will need to water trees on these soils but not as often as those on clay soils. Silt soils are in between sand and clay in nutrient or water-holding capacities.
However, most Albuquerque soils can benefit significantly from soil amendment additions. We can safely say that it’s almost impossible to add too much humus to the soils around the Albuquerque area.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Albuquerque?
Even minor changes in winter or summer can have devastating effects on trees’ health. Climate changes in Albuquerque, NM affect water availability and temperatures that trees rely on for better growth.
Essentially, the average temperatures in New Mexico increased by about 3.32 degrees Fahrenheit between 1978-2018, which means Albuquerque residents have hotter summers, earlier springs, and less predictable winters. On the other hand, precipitation patterns are continually changing, with a greater proportion of precipitation falling in the rain instead of snow. The shrink in snowpack leads to lower stream flows when the trees need them most in the critical periods of the year when there is reduced water availability.
Today most of the tree canopy in Albuquerque mostly comprises senescent trees of only one invasive species known as the Siberian elm. The problem is due to the urban heat island effect since the city is in a high desert environment. On average, the temperatures add up to 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 4.4 degrees Fahrenheit at night. As a result, most tree species that local arborists planted in the past, like Rocky Mountain Juniper and Pinyon Pine, aren’t viable options. The canopy in Albuquerque is slowly fading away, and fewer trees are making it to the maturity stage. The change in weather patterns prompted many debates and meetings that decided on a list of climate-ready tree species that would thrive in the harsh Albuquerque climate.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Albuquerque?
Anything that interferes with power lines can be a danger to the people and property nearby. Only specially trained professionals should attempt to cut down or remove trees around power lines.
In Albuquerque, PNM makes routine checks for trees interfering with power lines and trims them. If the tree is in your yard, PNM will also contact you and schedule a day to trim it. PNM protects trees around Albuquerque, so they prioritize removing tall trees and replanting the low-growing species.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Albuquerque?
As a property owner in Albuquerque, the cost of removing a tree ranges from about $310 to $500 for many homeowners. Still, the cost can get to a minimum of about $111 and a maximum of $1,000. The wide difference in the prices is a result of various factors such as:
Accessibility
Some trees have an enormous height that requires specialized equipment, such as cranes. If the tree is next to your home, more effort will be needed to avoid property damage. It may worsen if there isn’t sufficient space around the tree. That said, you will have an additional cost of about $75 to $1,000 depending on the size of the tree.
If a tree has grown around power lines, it’s dangerous to remove and requires a team of experts. In such cases, we will cut each branch carefully, rope it, and then lower it to the ground, which takes more time. The more time it takes, the higher the price paid for the tree removal service.
Labor
Some homeowners request the complete removal of a tree, including the tree stump and the roots. Stump grinding costs vary depending on the stump size, and they are determined by calculating the unit labor productivity rates, hourly labor wages, and the average material costs. If the tree stump is large, you will pay about $85 to $140 for every stump, while a mid-sized stump is about $60 to $80 per stump in Albuquerque. To completely remove the stump, you will incur a cost of about $200 to $300.
Lastly, the evacuation of the root system takes time, especially if it’s an aging tree with a complex root structure. You will pay an extra cost of about $387 for root removal.
