AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN New York, NY

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in New York?

With approximately 600,000 trees within the city’s borders, New York is passionate about the maintenance and care of city trees. The trees are integrated into the backdrop of the city, lining streets, parkways, sidewalks, and city parks. Many residents add to the city’s tree canopy with the addition of trees that grow in yards and decorate commercial and residential properties. Even with this attention to detail and various maintenance plans, the trees in New York face certain threats and issues that may require our tree removal services. These are the most common tree issues in New York.

Insects

Many insects make their homes in trees without any adverse consequences. However, some insects are invasive species that reproduce rapidly and feed on the pulp, wood, or leaves of trees, causing major decline and often premature tree death. These are the most common insects that are a threat to trees in New York.

• Emerald Ash Borer: These beetles affect all types of ash trees in New York. The first noticeable sign of their presence is often increased woodpecker activity, which often leads to large strips of bark falling off. Signs of infestation include canopy dieback and yellowing and browning of leaves. As the larvae eat away the pulp beneath the bark of infested ash trees, the tree’s circulatory system becomes damaged and the tree dies within 2 to 5 years.
• Asian Longhorned Beetle: This invasive wood-boring insect feeds on a variety of hardwood trees found in New York. Early signs of infestation usually include canopy wilting and dieback. Exit holes oozing sap can be found in trunks of infested trees. Since the beetle’s preferred tree species is maple, these pests are a major concern to the state’s maple syrup industry. Currently, ALB is quarantined in central Long Island, yet it’s important to watch for potential signs of the spread of these extremely invasive pests.
• Gypsy Moth: These pests always exist on some level in New York. Yet, they’re generally not a major threat until a population spike occurs. When outbreaks occur, thousands of acres of trees can be damaged. The gypsy moth larvae feed on early spring leaves of trees, defoliating the trees and making them more susceptible to other threats.
• Hemlock Wooly Adelgid: These insects affect all types of hemlocks. Juvenile HWA attach themselves to feeding spots at the base of needles in hemlocks and remain there, feeding on the tree’s starch for the remainder of their life cycle. Feeding disrupts the flow of nutrients to the tree’s needles leading to tree decline and death within 4 to 10 years.

Diseases

Diseases that impact trees often target an entire species. While trees in NYC aren’t subject to many diseases, a select few do impact the health of trees in the area. These are the most common tree diseases in New York.

• Beech Leaf Disease: Symptoms of this disease are noted in leaves and may include curling, striping, and drying of leaves. Beech leaf disease can kill mature beech trees in 6-10 years and can kill younger trees even more quickly. 
• Oak Wilt Disease: Caused by a fungus that blocks the flow of water and nutrients, oak wilt spreads rapidly and can kill red oaks within weeks to a few months. White oaks usually take years to succumb to the disease.

Does the City of New York Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for all trees growing in the public right-of-way, which includes public trees planted along city streets and on sidewalks. Newly planted trees are watered and maintained by contractors who plant them for the first two years, after which maintenance tasks are passed to the Parks and Recreation Borough Forestry offices. These offices manage reports for hazardous trees and the removal of public trees in poor condition. Forestry teams also remove city trees and large branches that have fallen onto private property.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in New York?

While the city’s forestry teams take responsibility for the removal of public trees, determining where responsibility lies for the removal of private trees is more difficult. This guide can help you understand who is responsible for the removal of fallen trees on private property in New York City.

If you’re a homeowner?

If a privately owned tree falls on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to have it taken care of. This means you’re responsible for the removal of private trees that fall on your property.

If you’re a renter?

As a renter, you may have some lawn maintenance responsibilities. However, you’re not responsible for the maintenance or removal of trees. If there’s a hazardous tree or a tree falls on the property you rent, you’ll need to contact your landlord. As the owner of the property, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to remove fallen trees on the property.

If you’re a landlord?

As a landlord, you’re likely the owner of the property. This means you’re responsible for providing your tenants with a safe dwelling. Part of that responsibility includes tree maintenance, repairs to the dwelling if tree damage occurs, and removal of fallen trees on your property. If you’re a property manager who doesn’t own the property, your employment contract will likely outline your responsibilities regarding fallen trees. 

If you’re a neighbor?

As a neighbor, you don’t have the right to enter your neighbor’s property to remove an offending or hazardous tree. If your neighbor’s tree branches or roots cause problems on your property, it’s your responsibility to disclose the information to your neighbor. If your neighbor does nothing, you may trim branches or roots to the property boundary as long as such trimming won’t cause permanent damage to the tree. If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property and failure to maintain the tree contributed to the damage, your neighbor may be responsible for the costs of damage and removal. However, if the tree was healthy and properly maintained, removal is your responsibility.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in New York?

New York state is mainly blessed with Honeoye soils. The Honeoye series consists of very deep, well-drained soils on drumlins, till plains, and hills. These fertile soils are used for a variety of agricultural growth and support many healthy trees. Healthy soils in New York provide adequate hydration and nutrients, increasing the healthy growth of local trees.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in New York?

The two main weather factors that affect tree health in New York are severe storms and urban heat. Severe storms can cause extensive tree damage across the city, resulting in the need for many removals after a single event. Storms may cause cracked or fallen limbs, split trunks, and uprooted trees. The effects of urban heat on trees aren’t as dramatic, but can cause tree decline in the areas where trees are needed most. Increased temperatures in areas where tree cover is limited lead to heat stress that causes declining tree health and can lead to premature tree death.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in New York?

ConEdison regularly inspects and trims trees near power lines in New York. However, some situations may lead to hazardous trees falling near power lines in the area. If you notice a hazardous or dying tree on your property that could fall on power lines, contact ConEdison to learn if you’re eligible to have the tree removed for free. If a tree is touching or close to power lines, it must be removed by their professionals. ConEdison supplies this guide to help customers determine their responsibility regarding trees on private property.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in New York?

Tree removal in New York City can vary quite widely depending on the circumstances of your tree removal project. Prices may range from around $200 to over $2,000, with an average of around $900. The main factors affecting the cost of any tree removal are the size of the tree and the time required to complete the project. However, some specific factors may affect the removal cost of your tree in New York. These cost factors may include:

Obtaining a Permit

Any person wishing to perform maintenance or removal of a public tree must obtain a permit from New York’s Parks and Recreation department. Failure to obtain a permit before doing any work on or near a city tree is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or jail of up to 90 days. Removing a tree without a permit and damaging trees is a serious offense punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or jail for up to one year. As a property owner, it’s considered your responsibility to determine whether a tree is located on your property, your neighbor’s, or the city’s. You’ll face a considerable cost if you unintentionally remove a public tree.

Hazardous Removal

Since storm damage is one of the main reasons trees are damaged in New York, removals are more likely to be dangerous. A tree in fragile condition that is leaning or still standing can be difficult to remove safely. Therefore, the cost of removal might be increased. Hazardous tree removal often requires specialized equipment, more of our team members, and can place our specialists in danger.

Tree Location

New York is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. This bountiful population requires many structures and buildings closely placed together. While this can lead to tight-knit neighborhoods, it can make tree removal difficult. If your tree is located in a backyard that’s difficult to access with large equipment, our teams will need to take extra measures for proper removal. These removals generally require more time and additional team members, leading to a higher cost.