AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Easton, PA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Easton?

Behind Easton City’s flourishing canopies are tales of trees under stress. Some of the most common tree issues include: 

Harsh Weather

Storms, flooding, high winds, prolonged dry weather, and other extreme weather conditions cause adverse effects on the trees. From snapping branches and trunks to blowing away leaves mid-season and damaging roots, harsh weather usually leaves the trees too weak to withstand pest and disease attacks.

Pest Infestation

Once pests lodge in an area, they attack both the healthy and unhealthy trees. However, weather-stressed trees are more susceptible to infestation as they are too weak to fight back. Some insects, like the emerald ash borer, attack specific trees, while others attack various tree species. 

For instance, scale insects attack several kinds of trees – pines, hemlock, magnolia, etc. The insects are usually very tiny and rarely move; hence it’s hard to spot them. Once they perch on their choice tree part – branch, stem, foliage, etc. – they dig into the tree and start feeding on the sap.

Lanternflies are other sap-feeding insects that prey on different tree species. However, an invasive plant called the tree of heaven is their preferred host, from where they spread to the surrounding trees. On top of depriving the trees of their nutrients by feeding on sap, they excrete honeydew, encouraging mold growth. Where the infestation is on the leaves, the honeydew covers the leaf, thereby hindering sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis.

Invasive Species

There are several invasive species around Easton City. Normally, invasive species are highly weather-tolerant. They grow and spread pretty fast, conditions notwithstanding. Some even grow on rocks. As a result, they deprive the surrounding trees of nutrients, which weakens their health. Some common invasive species in Easton include autumn olive, Japanese hops, and the tree of heaven.

Diseases

Diseases plaguing Easton trees come in many forms. Some are bacteria-caused, while others are fungal infections. For instance, bacterial leaf scorch (a bacterial infection) affects sycamores, elms, and oaks. On the other hand, there are fungal infections that attack specific species such as hawthorn rust, apple crab, cedar-apple rust, and general diseases like anthracnose that attack ashes, sycamores, dogwoods, maples, among other trees. 

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

Generally, the City of Easton does not assist with tree removal problems. A landowner is responsible for removing hazardous trees on the right-of-way adjoining their property. These include dead, dying, diseased, or pest-infested trees beyond salvaging and those obstructing traffic. However, they must apply for a permit from the City Forester before performing the removal. The property owner should also remove any pest-invaded or diseased trees on their property that are likely to spread the infestation to the public trees on the right-of-way. 

In both cases, the landowner meets the removal costs. However, if they fail to remove the nuisance trees, the city sends them a written notification, which they must act on within 30 days. If they still fail to remove the trees, the City Forester can cause the trees to be removed then charge the removal costs to the property owner.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Easton?

Generally, property owners are responsible for their trees, including removing those that fall. If the tree sits on a boundary line, it belongs to the adjoining owners. Both of them should share the responsibility of caring for it and removing it if it falls. However, there are situations where the removal responsibility shifts to others. For instance, if a tree destroys insured property, the insurance company may take up the bill.

All the same, different property owners and occupants shoulder the responsibility as follows:

If you’re a homeowner?

Essentially, a homeowner owns the trees on their property and retains the right of use and duty of care for the trees. The only exception is when the home is within a managed community, and the HOA bylaws restrict removal. But if the tree falls and destroys insured property, the compensation usually covers the removal costs. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters are usually not responsible for property maintenance, such as caring for the trees. This means if any of the trees fall, they aren’t obligated to remove them. Generally, clearing the tree is the landlord’s duty unless it destroys insured property. In the latter case, the compensation should cater to the removal costs. 

Where your personal belongings get damaged, you can file compensation separately if you have your renters’ insurance. Assuming the tree doesn’t damage property but falls on your car instead, you can file compensation to your auto insurer. However, the landlord will still have to foot the removal costs.

If you’re a landlord?

Landlords in Easton City are responsible for removing fallen trees on their property. But an exception exists where the rentals are within a managed community that restricts tree removal. Nonetheless, if the tree destroys insured property, the insurer meets the removal costs alongside damage compensation.

If you’re a neighbor?

If your neighbor’s tree falls on your property, they are not liable for any damage the tree may cause unless the tree has fallen out of neglect and you can prove it. 

Where the tree damages your property, you should file a compensation claim with your insurer. The homeowners’ insurance compensation also caters to the tree’s removal costs. But again, if the insurer has a reason to believe and can prove the tree fell out of neglect, they can recover their loss from the neighbor through a lawsuit.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Easton?

Soils play a crucial role in the growth of plants. For example, trees require deep soil to get support and withstand strong winds and storms. The soil also acts as a medium for storing nutrients and water that trees need to grow. As such, the quality of the soil a tree grows in is essential for its short-term and long-term health.

There are several soil types, and each has distinct properties that determine its suitability to tree growth. Essentially, clay, loam, and sand are the main soil properties. These combine in different percentages to constitute the soils of a given area. 

Clay soils are usually poorly drained due to their fine grains. As they absorb and retain water due to their compactness, they are often acidic. Generally, clay binds up nutrients, thereby hindering their absorption. On the other hand, sandy soils are overly drained due to their large particles. For this reason, water drains fast, and nutrients are easily lost. 

Sandy and clay soils are usually poor tree-growing mediums. Trees growing in the soils may have stunted growth and are more susceptible to weather damage. Loamy soils are the most preferred for plant growing. They are well-drained and have balanced properties. 

It’s worth noting that different tree species prefer specific soil types. Hence, we recommend performing soil testing and researching the most suitable trees for planting in particular soils. Easton has both native and non-native species that do well in the region. Common examples include; black maple, green ash, smooth leaf elm, black gum, flowering pear, hedge maple, chestnut oak, and sweetgum.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Easton?

Weather plays a central role in trees’ health. In most cases, Eaton’s climate offers favorable conditions to trees, especially the native ones. For instance, winters are usually extremely cold, which helps control pest populations. 

However, whenever extreme weather conditions hit the region, such as storms, strong winds, drought, flooding, etc., trees suffer immensely. Though unhealthy trees are most affected by bad weather, even the healthy ones get disrupted, exposing them to disease and pest infestation. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Easton?

Dead trees near power lines are a safety hazard. Reports indicate that most power outages result from falling trees. Though the incidences are more prevalent during stormy and windy conditions, dead trees fall regardless of the weather. 

For this reason, power companies are usually proactive in clearing vegetation along their lines. That’s because besides causing power interruptions, the accidents can lead to property destruction, injuries, or even death. Therefore, if there are dead trees near power lines, you should call the respective utility company for immediate removal.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Easton?

The cost of tree removal in Easton depends on its condition, location, and size. This can range between $200 and $2,100, depending on several factors. But on average, most people spend around $600, which caters to cutting and clearing expenses. Stump removal usually costs a further $100 to $250, depending on the root depth and stump diameter.

Essentially, the factors affect the costs as follows:

Size

A tree’s size is a significant cost determinant. Small trees such as hawthorns and hedge maples cost much lower than the likes of hackberry, red oak, sugar maple, etc. The crown size also determines the amount of work involved; hence you should expect to pay more for large-crowned trees and vice versa.

Location

Location affects the removal cost in several ways. For instance, we charge more for trees located near structures or difficult-to-access areas such as a slope. This is because we may not be able to remove the trees safely without using extra equipment like bucket trucks or cranes. 

Otherwise, if the trees are located on open grounds, our crew can climb up, cut, and rope down the pieces. This usually reduces the overheads; thus, you get a lower quote.

Condition

We also factor in a tree’s condition when preparing the quote. Generally, removing a healthy tree costs less than a dead or diseased one. While our team can cut a healthy tree manually, a hazardous tree requires using equipment. 

In case you need help removing a fallen tree, the cost varies depending on where the tree is. If it has fallen in the open field, you pay much less than if it had fallen on a building. Again, with the latter, equipment is needed to remove the tree safely, which adds up the project costs.