Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in McMinnville?
- 2 Does the City of McMinnville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in McMinnville?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in McMinnville?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in McMinnville?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in McMinnville?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in McMinnville?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in McMinnville?
While McMinnville residents are proud of the abundance of trees in their city, they have to deal with a variety of issues to keep them in top shape.
Natural Disasters
McMinnville is prone to severe weather-related problems like storms, thunderstorms, hailstorms, ice storms, lighting, and the like.
One of the worst enemies trees face in McMinnville is ice. When it starts forming on the branches, many of them can’t handle the weight and break off. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that even we can’t save the tree.
When bad weather strikes, trees are on the frontline. Fallen trees after thunderstorms are hardly a rarity in our city. That’s why it’s imperative to know what to do with them to make sure these trees don’t become a health hazard.
Tree Diseases and Pests
Trees that line the streets and properties in McMinnville include Ponderosa pine, Oregon white oak, Western red Cedar, bitter cherry, birch, maple, and more. Just like anywhere, these trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. The most common problems in the area include:
Anthracnose
This fungal disease attacks many trees and shrubs in Yamhill County. It causes leaves to turn brown and fall off. Without implementing proper pruning techniques, anthracnose can cause the tree to deteriorate and die.
Dutch Elm Disease
This is a vascular wilt disease that affects elm and certain other trees. The fungus causes leaves to wilt and die, followed by the branches. The disease is spread by the bark beetle. Without timely management from our team, it can kill a tree fairly quickly.
Root Rot
This disease attacks the roots of trees that grow in damp soil. Since the problem is invisible at first, it can be hard to save the tree in time. The signs of this issue include wilted leaves, branch dieback, and poor growth. Weakened roots are highly susceptible to fungus.
Bronze Birch Borer
This pest feeds on the food-transporting tissue of a tree which is located beneath the bark. This keeps the tree from getting enough nutrition. If not spotted and removed quickly, the bronze birch borer could cause the tree to wilt and die.
Webworm
These caterpillars create loose webbing around leaves and cause foliage to die. They can cover entire branches, damaging the tree and hindering its aesthetic appeal. Controlling these caterpillars can be difficult due to their quickly rising numbers as well as the protection created by the webbing.
Aphids
These tiny, soft-bodied insects attack plants by feeding on their sap. When large numbers settle on a tree, they can cause severe damage. Signs include misshapen leaves, deformed fruits, and a sticky substance on the leaves. If not treated, aphids will eventually kill the tree.
Property owners must watch out for these common pests and diseases. In case you are sure that the tree is damaged beyond treatment, it needs to be removed. Our team is ready to evaluate the condition of a tree and give recommendations about pruning and removal.
Allergies
Pollen allergies are a common problem in Yamhill County. McMinnville residents suffer from all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, including runny noses, teary eyes, and breathing difficulties. In many cases, the culprits are the trees. Allergy-causing trees in McMinnville include:
- Alder
- Juniper
- Birch
- Oak
- Pecan
- Sycamore
- Cedar
If any of these trees are growing on your property, they could be decreasing your quality of life. Removing an allergy-causing tree can help some property owners breathe easier.
Does the City of McMinnville Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If the tree is growing on your property, you are fully responsible for its removal and maintenance. If you need to remove or prune a tree that is growing on public property, you have to get proper permission from the city, even if branches pose a hazard. In highly hazardous situations, the city can speed up the permit-giving process or waive it altogether.
If the tree is on your property or falls on your property because of an act of God, then you will not get any assistance from the city to remove it. It’s up to the owner to hire a private tree removal company like Tree Triage to deal with tree pruning and removal.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in McMinnville?
If a tree falls, who is responsible for removing it? If a tree falls on public property, like the street or a park, the city of McMinnville has to deal with it.
If you want to remove a tree on a planting strip, you need to get approval from the city. If you have any questions about such removal, contact the Public Works Superintendent at (503) 434-7316.
But what happens if the incident occurs on private property?
If you’re a homeowner?
If you are a homeowner, you are responsible for removing a tree in case it:
- Grows on your property and falls on it.
- Grows on another property but falls on your property due to an act of God.
- Grows on your property but falls on another property because you failed to maintain it well.
You have to be especially careful about the condition of trees growing on your property. It’s your sole responsibility to make sure they are in top shape. You should also know that neighbors have the right to prune branches if your tree is hanging over their property.
If you’re a renter?
If you are renting a property, you aren’t responsible for tree removal unless it’s stated in the rental agreement. Your responsibility is to notify the property owner about any tree issues as soon as possible. In some cases, a landlord may ask the renter to take care of the trees on the property to prevent hazardous situations.
Make sure to read your rental agreement carefully to learn about your responsibility regarding trees and other plants on the property.
If you’re a landlord?
If you are a landlord, you are responsible for tree removal if it:
- Grows on your property and falls on it.
- Grows on another property but falls on your property due to an act of God.
- Grows on your property but falls on another property because you failed to maintain it well.
You can ask the tenant to watch over trees on your property and perform maintenance tasks. However, the legal responsibility lies on the property owner’s shoulders.
If you’re a neighbor?
If you are a neighbor, you have to deal with removing a tree if:
- A neighbor’s tree falls on your property due to an act of God.
- Your tree falls on the neighbor’s property because you didn’t maintain it well.
The damage caused by the tree on your property (whether the tree is yours or your neighbor’s) is usually covered by homeowners insurance.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in McMinnville?
Oregon’s state soil is Jory soil. This soil is deep and well-drained, making it an excellent foundation for tree growth. Jory soil is great for Douglas fir (Oregon state tree), Oregon white oak, and big leaf maple trees. This highly productive forest soil is excellent for timber production.
The entire Yamhill County takes full advantage of the rich Jory soil for agriculture. It’s great for growing a variety of grass seeds, pasture, wheat, hazelnuts, and wine grapes. Jory soil is one of the reasons why McMinnville is famous for its vineyards.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in McMinnville?
Weather in McMinnville has a serious effect on the trees. Storms and thunderstorms contribute to tree damage. Weather-related tree removal is highly common in the city.
Another culprit that harms McMinnville trees is ice. When it starts forming on branches, the weight forces them to break off and become a safety hazard for residents.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in McMinnville?
Dead trees near power lines are a serious safety hazard. A dead tree that touches a power line could fall and take the power lines down with it. This would result in a serious power outage and may endanger the lives of the residents.
If you notice a tree touching or posing a danger to the power line, you need to call McMinnville Water & Light at (503) 472-6158. The utility company will take care of trees that pose a danger.
If the tree is growing on your property, it’s your responsibility to remove it. However, doing it on your own is dangerous. At Tree Triage, we can help you manage dead trees if they are touching power lines. Our experts work with local utility companies to coordinate safe removal.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in McMinnville?
The average price of tree removal in McMinnville is $850, but your total might fall anywhere between $200 and $2,100. The final figure on your bill depends on several factors.
Height and Diameter
Large trees are harder to remove, which is why the cost is likely to go up. When you contact us for tree removal, share the tree height and trunk diameter with us for an approximate quote.
Accessibility
If the tree is located near a fence or touches power lines, it is harder to remove. Accessibility issues increase the price because they usually call for more time and special equipment.
Condition
It usually costs less to remove a fallen tree than it does to get rid of a healthy, live tree. Cutting down a healthy tree requires more time and special equipment.
