Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Carson City?
- 2 Does the City of Carson City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal In Carson City?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Carson City?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Carson City?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Carson City?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Carson City?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Carson City?
As the sixth-largest city in Nevada, there is something for everyone in Carson City. It is located just 30 miles south of Reno and next to Lake Tahoe. This gives residents and visitors the chance to enjoy both city living and natural beauty.
It also has a history that can be traced back to the year 1851, when it was a trading post. Today, it is a beautiful city that is home to approximately 55,000 people. It is also home to what could be millions of trees if you consider all that are lining the streets and filling the nearby mountains.
With all the trees and natural beauty that surrounds Carson City, you have to think about the trees. Sadly, there are several common issues that may make it hard to maintain tree health.
These issues include both diseases and insects. They have all caused massive damages to the trees in Carson City and other areas of Nevada. Some of the most common are:
- Root Disease: This disease can affect all trees.
- Dwarf Mistletoe: Primarily affects Douglas fir, spruce, pinyon, and pine trees.
- Pine Blister Rust: White Pine is most susceptible, but it can cause problems for other trees.
- Sudden Oak Death: Primarily affects tanoaks, rhododendron, and others.
- Beetles: Depending on the type, they may invade many tree types.
- Borers: These insects attack any type of tree based on their preferences.
- Pinyon Ips: This problem has caused mortality issues in pinyon-juniper ecosystems and approximately 9,200 trees were wiped out in Carson City.
- Tussock Moths: These moths primarily attack Douglas Fir trees.
Each disease and insect may target specific native trees in our forests. They may also attack the trees that we grow in our city. We all have to work together if we want to keep control of the problem.
Does the City of Carson City Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Carson City, Nevada does not offer a tree removal program that will remove trees from anywhere on your property. However, NVEnergy will help you have a tree that is growing too close to power lines. It is a free service that is designed to protect you and your family, your property, and the electric grid of Nevada. It is also to ensure that you never attempt to remove tree limbs that are close to lines, which will put you in harm’s way.
When you call, you will need to prove your name, the location of the tree that has you concerned, and whether it is yours or a neighbor’s tree. They will take care of the rest so that you do not have to worry.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal In Carson City?
With trees lining every street and filling the lawns in Carson City, responsibility for them often plays a huge role. Do you know what your responsibility for the trees near your home is?
If you’re a homeowner?
The Carson City Code of Ordinance, section 3.13 talks about maintenance of the property. It states that landscape areas must be maintained by the property owners. Any damaged or dead plants must be replaced or repaired within 30 days following a notification by the director.
It goes on to further state, in Carson City Ordinance 8.08.060, that no person owning property shall refuse or neglect to remove garbage. This includes dead trees from alleys or sidewalks. Therefore, you may want to do your part and try to keep your trees trimmed away from other properties, especially if they are dead or diseased.
In many cases, if a healthy tree falls, neighboring properties will have to pay for damages to their property. Contrarily, if your tree is dead or dying, it could be you that has to pay for it.
If you’re a renter
In general, it is assumed that when you rent a home, major maintenance is the property owner’s responsibility. This includes the removal of trees. Tenants are not legally allowed to alter the property in a permanent way. When it falls naturally, who is responsible for cleanup and damages? This can also be assumed to be the responsibility of your landlord.
However, you will want to check your rental agreement or your lease. If there is a section in the lease that says you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the landscaping, you could be responsible. You should still notify your landlord of what is going on to see how they want to handle it.
If you’re a landlord?
NRS 118B.120 Maintenance of tenant’s lot, section 4, states clearly that the landlord is responsible for the trees. You should trim them and dispose of the trimmings. Unless there is a written, voluntary assumption of doing it by the tenant on their lot. This means that unless it is in the lease or rental agreement, you are the one who should take care of the trees on that tenant’s property.
If a tree falls, the same idea should apply. It will be your responsibility first to remove the tree and repair any damages caused. This may also be covered by insurance policies. If your lease agreement gives responsibility to your tenant, then they may be held accountable.
If you’re a neighbor?
NRS 40.160 Actions and Proceedings for Nevada states that if you enter onto another person’s property and remove wood from trees without permission, you could be subject to civil action. This does not mean you cannot trim tree limbs if they hang onto your property. Unfortunately, you have to do it in a way that does not cause damage to their tree. This could also lead to court involvement if you damage the tree in a permanent way.
Your best option is to try and appeal to your neighbor and have them cut back the limbs if they are a problem for you.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Carson City?
Primarily, the soils in Carson City are very hard, tightly packed clay. However, other areas may be very sandy or Xerta soil until you reach a depth of around 20 inches. Then it will become more compacted clay.
Both can make it tough to keep trees and plants healthy. In clay soil, too much water and compacted soils can damage roots. In sandy soil, water runs off too quickly for the trees and plants to get enough of it, which can harm them, as well.
With these two soil types, you will need to rely heavily on organic matter. The best organic matters are:
- Compost
- Animal Manure
- Peat Moss
- Green Manure
By adding these things to your soil, you will encourage water to stay in sandy soils for as long as possible. If your soil is too compacted, organic matter will make the soil less compacted. This will prevent it from not draining at all and reduce the risk of root rot.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Carson City?
Carson City is a semi-desert. It is not as hot or as dry as some other areas, which makes it enjoyable for residents and visitors. Carson City may have dry spells where very little precipitation will fall. On average, there is between 20 to 33 inches of precipitation annually, with more than half of that total falling as snow.
This can impact trees, especially when combined with the soil type. With so little precipitation, residents will need to have irrigation if they have any hope of growing a healthy lawn with happy trees, shrubs, and plants. The problem is, too much irrigation in tightly compacted soil can increase the risk of root rot.
Other extreme weather events can also cause problems for trees in the area. This includes storms, blizzards, fire risk, and high winds. Therefore, it is vital for residents to examine trees often to make sure they are healthy enough to withstand whatever nature brings their way.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Carson City?
If you are dealing with a power line issue, you can contact NVEnergy. They offer emergency services and should be called immediately if you hear arcing or sparking. You should also call them if the power line has already fallen, whether because of a tree or not.
In the event you feel that it is an emergency situation where others may get injured because of the tree connecting with a power line, you can call 911. They can send help to the area to ensure that people do not get close until the power company can arrive to remove the problem.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Carson City?
As a homeowner in Carson City, it is normal to wonder how much it may cost you to have a tree removed. We can tell you that, on average, you should expect to spend between $240.00 and $2,040.00. Most people in the area spend $640.00 on basic tree removals.
It is difficult to give more exact quotes because every tree is unique. There are several cost factors that may increase or decrease the price of your tree removal.
Size
The size of a tree can impact the cost of its removal. A tree that is less than 10-feet will have less height, less bulk, and a smaller root system anchoring it in place. Trees that extend 20 feet and up will take us more time to remove. They require more equipment and care from our arborists, which will be reflected in the cost to you.
Emergency Services
If your tree removal stems from an emergency, such as a serious infestation of insects or disease, then you may be required to pay more for the removal. Special care will have to be taken to bring it down without putting other nearby trees at risk.
You should also expect to spend more if your tree issue must be taken care of on weekends or holidays. For instance, a dead tree limb splits away from the tree, and you need someone to clean it up immediately. This is why we suggest that homeowners take care of their trees with regular inspections so that it doesn’t become an issue when you least expect it.
Difficulty
How difficult is the tree to get to or to bring down? This is something our professional arborists will need to know before they can begin a job or give an accurate price quote. Trees near buildings and power lines require more equipment. A crane may have to be brought in to prevent gravity from pulling the tree down so that property is damaged, which will increase the cost of tree removal.
If you have a tree that is in the middle of your lawn and there isn’t any risk of damaging property, then the price will be lower.