AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Tulsa, OK

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Tulsa?

Trees provide us with so much, from beautiful views to look at, source of building materials, and even the very air that we breathe. They are an essential part of our environment, which should always be respected. At the same time, trees can cause potential issues or disruptions to human life and processes from time to time. Downed trees, invading roots, and other tree-related problems are serious issues that are worth addressing. That is why it is good to know about some common problems killing trees in Tulsa right now. 

The Forestry Department of the State of Oklahoma has put out vital information about some diseases and pests taking a toll on Oklahoma trees right now. These diseases and pest issues range from Japanese beetles to sudden oak death. Each problem requires monitoring to avoid potential tree damages due to disease or invaders. Should a tree become a danger to yourself or others, it is important to know some basic facts about tree removal and its processes to overcome these issues without additional problems. 

Japanese Beetles

This pest has been steadily creeping westward through Oklahoma as it continues to move from the eastern U.S. Japanese beetle is becoming one of our most significant horticultural pests because it often comes in large numbers to feed on the plants’ leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Bagworm and Fall Webworms

These two caterpillar species defoliates many of our favorite landscape trees and shrubs. Bagworms often attack eastern red cedar, other junipers, and arborvitae. They sometimes damage pines, spruce, bald cypress, maple, boxelder, sycamore, willow, black locust, oaks, and roses. Fall webworms commonly infest persimmon, pecan, black walnut, and hickory. It also attacks sycamore, birch, and redbud. Recently, there have been reports on infestations on cottonwood, American elm, and bald cypress. If proper attention is not given, this may result in more tree mortality requiring tree removal.

Sudden Oak Death

The fungus-like organism Phytophthora ramorum causes sudden oak death (SOD). Phytophthora ramorum produces two distinct types of diseases: bark cankers that can kill the host plant and foliar blights that can serve as a reservoir for the pathogen. Depending on the attacked host species, tree death, branch, shoot dieback, and leaf spots may easily result from infection. Often, it causes crown symptoms and tree mortality which will require our services.

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

Residents of Tulsa should not come to expect or rely on the city to help them out with their tree removal issues. The city attempts to stay out of these issues unless they become a danger to the public. If the city should have to step in to perform tree removal for a public safety reason, then the property owner should expect a hefty bill from the city for having performed this service. In other words, no one should want the city to be involved with tree removal services as they are likely to be extremely expensive and burdensome. 

Improper tree removal/maintenance is one of the top violations of city codes listed by the government in Tulsa. It is a major frustration for local leaders to deal with these problems. Thus, it is best for anyone with a tree removal issue to find a private-sector solution to their problem before they lean in too heavily on the city. The city of Tulsa is likely to push back extremely hard against anyone who tries to leave their tree removal problems on their doorstep. 

Private sector solutions are available and are much more affordable. Not only that, but the neighbors will probably appreciate it if the city doesn’t have to get involved in the area and cause disruptions to their daily life in the neighborhood. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Tulsa?

If you’re a homeowner?

Rules are set for who takes care of tree removal under various scenarios that may come up. If you are the homeowner and need to remove a tree rooted in your property, you are responsible for taking care of it. It doesn’t matter if you actively live in the home or not, you are the person who owns the property, and that puts the burden squarely on your shoulders. Thus, you need to understand that being a property owner in this scenario is a very big and serious responsibility. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters tend to avoid responsibility for tree removal on a property that they are living in. In some circumstances, the renter might work out a deal with the landlord to remove the tree to reduce rent for that month. That would be a private deal between the two parties, and such a deal does not carry any legal weight in a court of law unless extensive contracts are drawn up beforehand (an unlikely scenario). 

If you’re a landlord?

The landlord is ultimately responsible for the trees that exist on their property. They will bear the brunt of taking care of the tree removal, but some landlords work out a private deal with their tenant to have that person take care of the tree removal in exchange for a reduction in rent. A private deal is allowed, but it will not have any legal standing and should only be made with a tenant that the landlord has absolute trust in. 

If you’re a neighbor?

The question has to come up about what level of responsibility someone has if they are just the neighbor of a property where a tree has fallen or is about to fall. Neighbors might be genuinely concerned about what might happen if the tree does take a tumble, but that doesn’t mean that they have any legal responsibility at all to deal with the removal themselves. They can report the issue to the city if they feel it is a legitimate danger to themselves or others. Still, they don’t have any responsibility to get it removed, including the scenario where the tree has fallen onto their property. The responsibility still resides with the individual who owns the property where the tree is rooted. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Tulsa?

You cannot get away from the fact that soil quality plays a role in the ability of trees to grow and thrive. It is also a factor in many other home maintenance concerns, which is why the city regularly puts out official reports on the quality of the soil. They want people to have the opportunity to see how the quality of the soil in Tulsa stacks up against the soil of other areas. People need to get the chance to see this and understand what kind of trees may grow best in Tulsa versus not appropriate for the area. 

The soil in Tulsa tends to be sandy loam composed of sand with varying amounts of silt and clay. Most people, especially those who enjoy plants, like to have sandy loam on their property. This soil typically allows for good drainage, making it perfect for plants and trees to thrive. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Tulsa?

Weather remains one of the most significant factors between standing trees and those that get knocked over. High winds are of particular concern when it comes to trees that get knocked down. Unfortunately, for those who live in Tulsa, this is an ever-present threat. Tulsa is a big spot for tornadoes and other high-wind activities. Being smack in the middle of a plains state like Oklahoma certainly leaves many trees exposed to tornado activity.

The problem with a tree knocked over by a tornado is that it can also potentially be carried some distance amid the tornado. This makes the tree potentially dangerous or even deadly. It can also make it very hard to determine where the tree originally came from and whose responsibility it is now. When a large-scale tornado strikes in Tulsa, it is time for the city to step in and do what it needs to do to restore order. A private tree removal company may be contacted by the city itself rather than by an individual. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Tulsa?

One of the most dangerous situations with a downed tree is when that tree is near power lines. Power lines can be snapped by a tree very easily, making them a live safety risk. On top of this, you have the real possibility that there will be large water puddles from a storm built upon the roads and ground below. When power lines get snapped by a downed tree and land in a buildup of water, they can pose an electrocution risk or even spark a fire. 

Dead trees should be dealt with before they have the chance to cause the problems described above. In certain situations, the city may demand that homeowners take care of a tree they view as a legitimate threat to take out some power lines. It is a calculation based on the potential for public safety risk. These types of trees are among the most serious and most costly to get removed. Be mindful of them at all times. If dead trees fall near power lines in Tulsa, you shouldfirst contact the utility company, who has special knowledge and equipment for dealing with power lines. 

To mitigate the hazard dead trees may impose, trees need proper trimming at all times. That way, if any branch falls, it won’t cause any trouble to the power lines. If the inevitable happens and the dead tree requires removal, contact us for assistance. We are specially equipped with the tools and necessary skills to remove it safely.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Tulsa?

The total cost of tree removal in Tulsa depends on several factors, such as obtaining permits, labor rates, and tools to be used. A homeowner in Tulsa spends an average of $539 for professionals to take care of their removal. You must expect to pay a minimum of $456 to as expensive as $622.

Permits

Obtaining permits to remove a dead tree is all part of the process. The more permits required and the more work that goes into getting those permits, the more one can expect to pay. The private service can put in the legwork to obtain the permits, but they will have to charge the customer back for the efforts they have put in. 

Labor Rate

Labor rates vary wildly from one company to another. It is always a good idea to know what a company plans to charge per hour of work that they put in and how many hours they anticipate putting into the project. An estimate drawn up beforehand can be useful to determine roughly what the service cost will be, but always double-check everything with the service provider when possible. You need to know what you are getting into before they begin. 

Tools Used

Different tools may be necessary to take care of certain trees. When expensive tools need to be used to solve the problem, the service provider will charge more for the service rendered. This is simply a factor of doing business, and the service will have to recoup what they have put into the project. Taking out any given tree typically requires no special tools, but the cost includes it when this isn’t the case.