AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Downingtown, PA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Downingtown?

The trees in Downingtown face a variety of issues. Normal problems include things like improper maintenance, termite infestations, and car crashes. Beyond that, fungi and disease are apt to be what’s most dangerous for your trees. Over the years, Pennsylvanians have suffered from a variety of major tree diseases. Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is one, the fungus having spread through the state several years ago. While Downingtown has thankfully been largely passed over recently, the potential is always there if problems aren’t reported and proper maintenance isn’t given to the community’s trees.

One of the most dangerous pests that might affect Downington trees is the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar). The larvae eat the leaves from hardwood trees across the world, devouring them at such a speed as to kill off whole areas of forest. Pennsylvania is known to be a suitable habitat for these pests, so it’s vitally important to send a report to local government officials if you spot one of these moths or their caterpillars, as inaction could easily lead to an infestation and potentially their spread to unaffected areas of the country.

Less dangerous, though still hostile, is the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). They feed on the sap created by numerous plants, piercing into them to suck it through the outer bark or stem. While one lanternfly is not likely to do much harm, multiple lanternflies devouring the same plant can easily kill it. Chester County put out an informational guide on the invasive species, urging residents to use caution when moving in and out of regions where these bugs have been known to exist to prevent them from spreading.

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

Downingtown’s local government does not assist residents in tree removal. While they are in charge of maintaining or removing trees on public property, homeowners and the like must take care of tree removal on their own. There may also be a permit required for tree removal depending on the type, size, and age of the tree. Check with the Code Enforcement/Zoning committee first. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Downingtown?

Knowing who’s accountable for removing a fallen tree can be a bit tricky in certain situations. Let’s review a few common situations related to fallen trees and breakdown who would need to have the tree removed from the property. 

If you’re a homeowner?

If you own your home, this typically means you own the land beneath it. If that’s the case, you’d also own any trees in your yard. In most cases, a tree’s owner is the one who’s liable for having it removed once it falls or dies. Unless you can prove that someone else has harmed your tree which necessitated its removal, the time and costs associated with it are all on you.

Don’t get too down, though. Before you call us, check your insurance policy. Lots of homeowners will find that tree removal is covered in some manner, especially if a tree fell due to an “act of God” or a similar circumstance where they weren’t at fault. With insurance, you can substantially reduce or fully eliminate your removal costs.

If you’re a renter?

By definition, a renter is only renting their home and has no claim of ownership to it or the land it’s on. Unless some special arrangement has been worked out, you don’t own any of the trees growing on your rented property. This means that you aren’t liable for them if they were to fall over and need removal. In many cases, your landlord would even be compelled by law to remove the tree.

The obvious exemption to this is if you were in some way responsible for the tree’s current state. If you crash your car into it or cut it down, that could land you in hot water. At the very least, you’d more than likely have to pay for the removal costs. 

If you’re a landlord?

As with a homeowner, a landlord owns the property they rent out even if someone else is living there. By that reasoning, the landlord is responsible for maintaining or removing any trees on that property. Just like with other forms of upkeep, having a fallen tree removed is a duty a landlord must have done. Pennsylvania law specifies that rented properties must be clean and free of dangers, so a rotting tree laying on the front lawn is definitely not in compliance with that. The difference here is that a renter or other party might be on the hook for removal costs if it’s demonstrable that someone else is liable for the tree falling. 

If you’re a neighbor?

The age-old quandary of what to do if a tree falls onto a neighbor’s lawn still seethes today. In these times, it’s important to remember the question of ownership, particularly concerning the tree itself. A tree’s owner is defined as the person on whose grass the tree’s trunk was situated. Regardless of where the tree fell, it’s up to the owner to have it removed. Beyond that, it’s also just common courtesy to do at least that much if your tree wipes out the neighbor’s shed on its way down.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Downingtown?

According to data collected for the Chester County soil survey, Downington’s soil is mostly loam and silt. It also has the advantage of being outside of major cities like Pittsburgh, so the soil is basically uncontaminated by the various chemicals and runoff that you might find in the ground. This makes Downington one of the most fertile places in Pennsylvania overall. It also means that a variety of trees can grow well in the land around this area.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Downingtown?

The borough of Downington lays within the “humid subtropical” climate zone, meaning that residents expect hot and humid summers but milder winters. Rain is the most common type of precipitation in the vicinity and, while feasible, snow is becoming more sporadic as the years go by. This means that any trees planted in Downingtown should be properly adapted to the heat, as that’s what they’ll be exposed to for most of the year. Some cold resistance is also smart, but may not be necessary if the current weather trend of lessening snow continues.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Downingtown?

Dead trees growing near power lines pose a major public safety hazard, as dead wood is much more likely to burn than living wood. As such, tree trimmers from the city of Downington make an effort to remove dead trees wherever they can find them, especially if they’re currently posing risks like this. If you see a dead tree on public property that hasn’t been cut down, you can contact the local government with that information to have them remove it. If your property has a dead tree located underneath power lines, you’ll likely be asked to remove it if you haven’t already done so on your own.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Downingtown?

The cost to remove a tree in Downingtown averages around $675, varying between $200 and $2,100 in most cases. Removal of felled trees is around $100-250 flat. Beyond this, several other factors can influence the cost of your tree removal, such as:

Tree Size

Size is one of the most important factors in tree removal. In general, taller trees are going to cost more to remove. The average prices quoted above are all based around trees under 45 feet tall, for example. Between the extra safety precautions, time, and workers necessary to do the job right, don’t be surprised if you find yourself with a larger bill than anticipated.

Emergency Services

Calling in an emergency job will typically run you more than a standard call. After all, you’re asking us to drop everything and come over, on the weekends, holidays, or after normal working hours. While you can’t control when a tree falls through your house, it’s not unreasonable to expect that you might have to pay extra for the removal.

Accessibility

A tree that’s easier to get into makes our job so much easier. It’s less of a bother, less of a safety hazard when it falls, and it makes things run more efficiently. If you’re hoping to save on costs, make sure the area around the tree that needs removing is as free of clutter as possible with an easy path to get to and from our truck.