Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westchester County?
- 2 Does Westchester County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westchester County?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westchester County?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westchester County?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westchester County?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westchester County?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westchester County?
One of the many reasons for tree removal in Westchester County is due to pests and disease. If you think your tree may have any of these common problems, you should have them checked. The sooner the issue is addressed, the better your tree’s outcome.
One of the worst tree pests in Westchester County is gypsy moths. Although they prefer oak, they will feed on hundreds of other plants and tree species. Once infested with gypsy moth caterpillars, defoliation and tree death can take only a year or two. One way you can prevent this pest is to remove egg masses that moths lay around June or July. They like to hide their eggs under rocks, branches, or other debris in the yard. If the eggs are removed, you will still need to keep an eye out for signs of disease. If the egg masses are not removed, you can try insecticides. However, the types needed to kill gypsy moth caterpillars are not usually available for public use, so you should call our specialists.
Cedar apple rust is another tree disease prevalent in Westchester County that can rapidly kill pine trees. If you notice that the wood on the tree is dry when cut with no pitch flow, it may not be due to drought. Instead, it could be cedar apple rust. The main sign you want to look out for is the galls that appear in the trees during springtime. The galls will have long, orange, gel-like tendrils coming from them. Having the galls pruned and removed can control the disease as long as it is done before the tendrils appear.
Another common reason for tree removal in Westchester County is hemlock woolly adelgid. This pest attacks hemlock trees, causing a lot of damage to the foliage. Some signs that your tree is infested are needle dropping, branches dying or falling, and eventually death. You can also look closely at the base of the needle. If you see any white masses, you have it. These guys are bad for the tree because they like to feed on the sap, stealing nutrients and causing deficiencies in the tree. If you suspect this pest is killing your hemlock tree, get it checked out by our arborists. Some insecticide sprays can be used to mitigate the spread.
Does Westchester County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Westchester County will only maintain and remove public trees. However, if you need a tree removed and that tree requires a permit, they will schedule a date to inspect the tree. They also reserve the right to go onto your property and remove any trees that they deem to be a hazard, even if you disagree. In some cases, they may be worried about trees near power lines. In other cases, it may be due to the many infectious tree diseases in the area.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westchester County?
In Westchester County, it can be hard to know who is responsible for fallen tree removal. Who needs to remove the tree? It will usually depend on where the tree has landed and whose property it is on. Here are the more common situations that may require tree removal in Westchester County.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you need tree removal in Westchester County and you are the owner of the property, you are responsible. This is because any trees on your land belong to you. You will need to take care of it even if it fell from someone else’s yard. If you’re dealing with this situation, you should call your homeowner’s insurance company. They can let you know if the tree is covered. Make sure to compare the cost of your deductible with any out-of-pocket tree removal prices. Sometimes the deductible will be higher.
If you’re a renter?
If a tree falls on the property you are renting, you are not responsible for it. Only property owners need to deal with fallen tree removal in Westchester County. You will, however, need to contact your landlord so they can get started making the necessary arrangements.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords in Westchester County are responsible for any fallen tree removals on their property. If your tenant informs you that a tree has fallen on your property, you will need to assess the damage and call your homeowner’s insurance company. They will most likely take responsibility, especially if there is any other structural damage.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your tree should fall in your neighbor’s yard, who is responsible for removing it? In most situations, it is your neighbor that will need to remove the tree. This has less to do with whose tree it belonged to but instead whose property it fell on. This might not seem very fair, but if your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, the same rules will apply.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westchester County?
Most of the soil in Westchester County is a mix of sandy or silty loam. All this means is that the soil is loam, but there is either more sand or silt in some areas. All loam soils have three basic components: sand, clay, and silt. If your property has more silt, then you may need to water a little more, but your soil has a lot of nutrients. If you live in a part of Westchester County with more sandy loam, you will have fewer nutrients but will need to water a little less. If you believe your soil is causing stress on your trees, you could have the soil tested.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westchester County?
Weather can affect the health of your trees. Tree removal in Westchester County increases after every severe thunderstorm. These are especially dangerous to trees during summer when tropical storms and hurricanes hit the east coast. The risk of lightning striking your tree is high during these storms, which can cause a lot of damage or even death. Summer thunderstorms can also cause tornados in Westchester County, although the area is only at moderate risk.
Winter storms can be just as damaging to your trees. Westchester County can get very cold, and at times blizzard conditions are reported. Most healthy trees that are well maintained will be able to handle the added weight of snow and ice. Trees that are dealing with pests, diseases, or injuries are at higher risk of falling.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westchester County?
Dead trees pose a particular threat to power lines. When a tree dies, it becomes dry and brittle. At some point, the tree will not be able to hold its own weight. It will eventually fall, and if it hits the power line, it could take out the entire power grid for the area. This could be very bad during winter when residents rely on power to stay warm. If a tree falls on a power line, it can also start a fire which may spread to nearby property. If you have any trees, dead or alive, near a power line, you need to call your utility company. They will come out and remove or trim it.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westchester County?
The cost of tree removal in Westchester County usually depends on several different cost factors. The three main things that will influence the price are the size of the tree, the tree’s location, and any required tree removal permits. Based on past work, the estimated price range for the average tree removal is between $115 and $1,850, with an average of $700. Below you will find the most common issues that will affect the cost.
Tree Size
The biggest cost factor for tree removal in Westchester County, New York, is the tree’s size and height. The bigger a tree is, the harder it will be for us to cut it down safely. In addition, tall trees come with more hazards, especially for our crew doing the work. Here are some general estimates of price for tree removal based on the tree’s height alone:
- 20-foot tree: $105 to $235
- 40-foot tree: $223 to $685
- 60-foot tree: $625 to $1,090
- 80-foot tree: $940 to $2,510
If you are thinking about having the stump removed, that will likely be an additional cost. Dealing with the stump is a different process than cutting down the tree. For tree stumps, you have two options: grinding and removing.
Tree Location
Another cost factor of tree removal in Westchester County is how accessible the tree is. Where is the tree located? Is it near power lines, other property, or a busy road? If you answer yes to any of those locations, your price will be higher. Most people don’t think about how difficult it will be to remove a tree when they are planting it. The least expensive tree removal is easy to get to and has no other structures around it.
Tree Removal Permits
Westchester County is home to a lot of diverse tree life. Some of those trees are protected due to special circumstances. Heritage trees, for example, can only be cut down if they are a hazard. These trees have significance to the town, so they have the right of way. Trees that are on any endangered species list will also need a permit application to get approval. Because of the many towns, cities, and villages in Westchester County, it can be difficult to know which tree can and cannot be removed without a permit. It is better to hire experts like Tree Triage because we have experience with permit offices. Here is some of the information you will need before filling out a permit application for tree removal in Westchester County:
- Tree’s location
- Tree species
- Private or public
- Reason for removal
- DBH of tree
The added cost for a tree removal permit is between $25 and $1,100. After applying, you will need to mark the tree with tape or cloth to make it easier to find. You will also have to wait for a free inspection before you remove it.