Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rockland County?
- 2 Does the City of Rockland County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rockland County?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rockland County?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rockland County?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rockland County?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rockland County?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rockland County?
Rockland County is made up of five towns and several villages. Trees are a valuable resource in all of Rockland County and taken care of by the representative towns and villages in the county. While residents and government officials take measures to care for the health of trees, certain issues do threaten the health and lifespan of local trees. These are the most common tree issues in Rockland County.
Insects
Invasive insects live in and feed on trees, causing declining tree health that can lead to tree death. Some of the most common insects that affect trees in Rockland County include:
- Emerald Ash Borer: This invasive wood-boring beetle feeds on and eventually kills all species of ash.
- Hemlock Wooly Adelgid: HWAs feed on hemlock trees and dry out needles resulting in needle loss and prevention of new growth. Infestation can obstruct water movement, causing tree death.
- Asian Long-horned Beetle: A threat to hardwood trees like maples, Asian long-horned beetles bore into hardwood trees and feed on the wood beneath the bark. Tree death usually occurs within 10 to 15 years.
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Most people are familiar with the unpleasant smell these bugs produce, but many don’t realize they can damage fruit trees including apples, pears, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus, persimmon, and soybeans.
Invasive Species
Invasive species of plants and trees have a deteriorating effect on the natural environment in any area. These plants, vines, and trees are usually imported from another area and are fast-growing species that spread quickly through an area. While this seems harmless, these species rob nutrients, hydration, and growing space from native plants in the area. Common invasive plants in Rockland County include:
- Common Buckthorn
- Exotic Honeysuckle
- Giant Hogweed
- Japanese Barberry
- Multiflora Rose
- Tree of Heaven
Storm Damage
High winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes can cause tree damage and topple trees. Severe storms in Rockland County topple trees, break branches, and cause structural damage and power outages. When heavy rain saturates the ground, trees are more likely to be uprooted by high winds. Tornadoes and high winds can also break branches and damage tree trunks while leaving trees standing. This can cause hazardous conditions for people on your property. Storm damage often results in multiple fallen trees in a single area. Trees that are already stressed by infestation or disease are more likely to be damaged by storms.
Disease
There are a variety of diseases that affect trees in Rockland County. These diseases are generally spread by insects and fungus and attack entire species of trees in a single area. Tree diseases often target trees weakened by climate factors, insects, or other damage. The effects of tree diseases can range from a decline in tree health or slow growth to premature tree death. Common tree diseases affecting trees in Rockland County include:
- Fungal diseases that affect leaves or roots
- Tree growths like cankers, burls, and mushrooms can weaken a tree’s structure and allow invasive pests to enter
- Fungus that attacks fruit trees and causes fruit to die or fail to ripen
- Root rot that eventually causes root death and the inability of trees to absorb hydration and nutrients
Winter Weather
While many trees that are native to Rockland County are hardy and naturally predisposed to survive winter temperatures, damage still can occur during harsh weather. Rockland County winters affect trees in the following ways.
- Frozen ground prevents evergreen trees from absorbing moisture and leads to dried-out leaves.
- Heavy snow and ice weigh down and break brittle branches.
- Salt and calcium chloride used to melt ice can seep into the root zone of trees and cause damage.
Does the City of Rockland County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Rockland County is made up of five towns and nineteen villages. Each of the towns has certain requirements surrounding tree removal. However, there is no assistance provided in Rockland County for the removal of trees on personal property.
The Maintenance and Construction Division maintains approximately 340 lane miles of county roads in a travel safe condition. These maintenance responsibilities include removing trees from the county’s rights-of-way that are dead, dying, weakened, or impeding sight distances on a county road. Additional tree responsibilities taken care of by the county includes the maintenance of landscaping or vegetated areas within the county’s right-of-way. Tree removal in public areas generally falls under Rockland County Maintenance responsibilities.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rockland County?
Responsibility for the removal of a fallen tree in Rockland County depends on the location of the tree. For instance, when a tree falls across the street, the state, county, or the town is responsible for clearing the road. However, when a tree falls on private property, it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to clear it away. This means if a public tree or your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, you still need to have it removed.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner in Rockland, it’s your responsibility to remove fallen trees or debris from your yard, no matter whose tree it was before it fell. Many homeowners’ insurance policies will cover a portion of the removal costs and cover any damages that the tree caused.
If you’re a renter?
While many rental and lease contracts include clauses about yard maintenance, renters are typically not responsible for the cleanup of fallen trees. Storm damage is one of the most common reasons for toppled trees in Rockland County, and storm damage cleanup is the responsibility of your landlord. The only exception to this is when your rental contract clearly outlines tree removal as part of your responsibilities as a renter.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your tenants. Landlords are also the owner of the property, as well. This means it’s your responsibility as a landlord to remove both hazardous and fallen trees in Rockland County.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, you’re responsible for removing the related debris. If your property or home is damaged by the tree, your homeowners’ insurance may pay the damage, or your neighbor’s insurance may cover the damage.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rockland County?
The soil in Rockland County is acidic. Many trees including evergreens and many deciduous trees including beech, willow, oak, dogwood, mountain ash, and magnolias prefer acidic soil. On the other hand, trees that prefer alkaline soils might fail to thrive in the area.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rockland County?
Yes, weather in Rockland County provides several threats that can affect trees. Severe storms, heavy precipitation, and frigid temperatures can create rough conditions for healthy tree growth. For example, winter weather brings frozen ground that limits hydration, ice and snow that damages branches, and salt damage. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes topple trees and heavy precipitation can cause erosion that exposes roots and washes away nutrient-rich soil.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rockland County?
Orange & Rockland Utility Company trims trees along distribution lines every four years. However, storm damage and other circumstances can lead to dead trees near or on power lines. Never attempt to trim or move a tree that is close to or touching live electrical wires. If you notice a hazardous, ailing tree on your property that could fall on power lines, you may be eligible to have the tree removed for free. Contact Orange & Rockland to report hazardous trees on your property or trees that may affect electric wires.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rockland County?
The costs of tree removal can vary depending on the scope of the job. However, tree removal in Rockland County usually costs around $775. Prices usually range between $270 and $1,900, but costs can be lower or higher, depending on the circumstances of your project. These are the most common cost factors that affect the price of tree removal in Rockland County.
Permits
Rockland County is made up of five towns that have different ordinances regarding tree removal. The town of Clarkston has specific requirements regarding permits for the removal of a variety of tree types and conditions. Building permits in Haverstraw require tree plans that follow town requirements. All tree removal and trimming must be approved and requires a permit from the Shade Tree Commission in Orangetown. Stony Point requires tree removal plans for building permits to be granted.
While the requirements for each town may differ slightly, it’s a good idea to contact the town board to inquire about permits for tree removal. Requirements for permits often go hand-in-hand with an arborist inspection to determine whether trees need to be removed. Any of the costs surrounding the permit process aren’t included in a typical tree removal quote and may increase your costs.
Stump Grinding and Removal
Leaving a stump behind when a tree is removed can create a tripping hazard and make it difficult to plant a replacement tree. For this reason, our customers usually prefer to have the stump removed. Stump removal will require the use of a grinding tool and extend the length of your tree removal project. Stump grinding and removal costs will add an extra charge to the cost of your tree removal.
Hazardous Tree Removal
Trees affected by storm damage or broken down by snow and ice can create hazardous conditions for people in the area. These trees often have structural damage, hanging limbs, or trunk damage. Removal of trees that are damaged but still standing can create dangerous conditions for our tree removal specialists and require additional tools. It’s our priority to keep our customers safe. That’s why we take care of hazardous tree problems. However, those conditions can make the job more difficult and raise the cost of removal.