Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Binghamton?
- 2 Does the City of Binghamton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Binghamton?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Binghamton?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Binghamton?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Binghamton?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Binghamton?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Binghamton?
The Binghamton area is home to some lush and beautiful trees. Here’s a look at some of the most common trees that we see growing around the area:
- Douglas fir
- Balsam fir
- Norway spruce
- White spruce
- Eastern hemlock
- Red pine
- Japanese pine
You might even have a few of these growing in your yard. When a tree needs to be removed, you may wonder what you did wrong. There are a few common tree issues that we see in Binghamton, and none of them is your fault. Here’s a look at the most common tree issues that we see in the area:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs when there’s too much water around the roots of your tree for an extended period of time. While the Binghamton area sees only two inches above the yearly national average in rainfall, it makes up for it with white winters. The area sees an average yearly snowfall of 64 inches.
All the rain and snow in Binghamton pushes water into the soil around your trees. This excess moisture can place your trees in danger of developing root rot. If you catch root rot early, there are treatments available. On the other hand, you may need to have it removed. Here are a few signs of root rot to help you catch the problem early:
- Stunted growth
- Pale leaves
- Smaller than average leaves
- Mushy stems
- Wilting leaves
- Unpleasant odor around the base of the tree
If you notice these signs, our team can evaluate the tree’s condition for you.
Freezing Temperatures
Those gorgeous white winters in upstate New York come with freezing temperatures. You probably see weeks on end when the ground has a hard freeze. Temperatures this cold can freeze all the moisture in the soil of your Binghamton yard. Trees need water and nutrients to grow and thrive, and these cold temperatures provide a challenge.
Many of the trees you see growing in the area are evergreens and can easily survive harsh winter temperatures. However, smaller trees are susceptible to these cold temperatures. In the spring, you may notice that a tree doesn’t bounce back from the cold.
In some cases, a tree appears to flourish in the spring, when actually, there are parts of the tree that are slowly dying, no longer processing water and nutrients. Eventually, these dying parts will spread to the entire tree.
If you have a tree that you think isn’t bouncing back after a cold winter in Binghamton, our team can check it for you.
Insect Infestations
We all know that bugs play an important role in the outside world. Unfortunately, those critters can destroy a tree in your yard by eating it or making a home in it. There are a few bugs that we see most commonly harming trees in Binghamton. These include:
- Asian long-horned beetles
- European gypsy moth
- Asian gypsy moth
- European grapevine moth
- Light brown apple moth
When these critters arrive to take over your trees, there are measures you can take if you catch an infestation early. You need to know the signs. Here are a few:
- Discolored leaves
- Holes in leaves
- Misshapen leaves
- Bald patches
- Seeing bugs on your tree
- Withering leaves and trees
If you think you have an infestation, our team can check and help you determine the best way forward.
Does the City of Binghamton Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
While the city of Binghamton does pick up tree limbs and brush for disposal in the spring and fall, it doesn’t offer any services to remove an entire tree. It’s the expectation that the homeowner will take responsibility for any trees that need to be removed.
It’s possible that the tree sits on an easement. The city and utility companies retain the right to use a small piece of your land, usually at the front of the yard, to run utility lines or to build sidewalks. If the tree sits on an easement, you can expect the city or utility company to take care of it.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Binghamton?
In Binghamton, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to remove fallen trees from their yard in almost all cases. You might check to see if the tree sits on an easement for the city or a utility company. If it does, you might be able to get the city to remove it for you.
If you’re a homeowner?
Yes, as the Binghamton homeowner, it’s usually your responsibility to remove a fallen tree. The only exception is when the tree originally grew on an easement. This is a small area of land that the city or a local utility company retains the right to use. When the tree is on an easement, you should contact the city or utility company to see if they’ll remove it.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter, your lease might make you responsible for taking care of the yard. This isn’t usual. However, if a tree falls in the Binghamton yard, it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to remove it. If you notice a tree that appears stunted or sick, you want to let the homeowner know immediately.
If you’re a landlord?
As the landlord, you are also the Binghamton homeowner. This makes it your responsibility to remove a fallen tree from the yard unless it’s on an easement. The tenant might have agreed to take care of the yard in the lease, but that only covers routine maintenance, such as mowing the grass and sweeping the walkways. A large project, such as removing a fallen tree, is the responsibility of the homeowner.
If you’re a neighbor?
When a neighbor’s tree falls in your yard or your tree falls onto the neighbor’s property, the responsibility for removing the tree falls to the homeowner where the tree once grew. You and your neighbor are probably already on talking terms, so it’s a good idea to discuss the fallen tree with them, no matter who the responsible party is. It’ll help you remain on friendly terms with them.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Binghamton?
The most common soil type in Binghamton is silt loam. This type of soil is made up of dirt and small pieces of rocks from the area. It’s actually a great soil for growing trees and other greenery in your yard. When water enters the soil, the dirt doesn’t clump up, making it hard for the tree roots to get water and nutrients. Also, it drains well, so hopefully, all the excess moisture in the area doesn’t cause root rot.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Binghamton?
Yes, the frigid weather and increased moisture can have an impact on your trees. A hard freeze can cripple a tree and cause it to stop growing. While a tree might appear to flourish again in the spring, it might have damage that you can’t see.
All the additional water in the soil from rain and snowmelt can damage the roots of your trees. It can also cause root rot.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Binghamton?
If a dead tree falls on a power line, it’s dangerous. Don’t approach it, and call emergency services. When the dead tree is still standing near a power line, it’s the Binghamton homeowner’s responsibility to remove it. However, if it’s really close to the power line, it’s a good idea to check if it’s on an easement.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Binghamton?
The first question that we always hear from Binghamton homeowners is about the cost of removing a tree. We can’t provide you with an exact quote until we come to your home. However, the cost of removing a tree in the area typically ranges between $533 and $724 with an average of $628. However, very large trees can sometimes cost more than $1,800 to remove. You need to learn most about factors that affect the final cost:
Tree Size
It takes a lot less time and effort to cut down a five-foot tree than a 55-foot one. From height to width, the size of the tree (and safety equipment necessary) can increase the time it takes to cut it down.
Tree Locations
Sometimes, if a dead tree sits too close to your Binghamton home, we’ll need to take additional time to safely remove it without damaging your home or roof. There might be a tree that needs to be removed that sits in a tight group of trees. It will take extra time and equipment to remove it without damaging other trees.
Additional Services
In Binghamton, we find that many homeowners request additional services. The two most common are removing the stump and running the tree through a wood chipper. You can use the wood chips as mulch around your yard to help your trees and other greenery to find more nutrients.