Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lititz?
- 2 Does the City of Lititz Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lititz?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lititz?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lititz?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lititz?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost In Lititz?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lititz?
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) credits insects and diseases with causing the most damage to trees in the Lititz region.
The Emerald Ash Borer feeds off Ash trees in the region and can kill an otherwise healthy tree in just a few short years. Signs of infestation of this non-native species include s-shaped tracks under the bark, D-shaped holes, defoliation, and increased woodpecker activity. Check your trees for signs of tiny emerald green beetles, and if present, contact an arborist immediately to help eradicate the destructive pest.
The Asian Gypsy Moth commonly attacks oak, willow, elm, alder, and apple trees. If you see caterpillars that are 2 to 3 inches in length and have red and blue spots, these are indicative of infestation. Also, look for yellowish egg masses and about the size of a dime. Adult moths have gray or white wings and are attracted to outdoor lights.
The Spotted Lanternfly is a fairly new threat to the Lititz region, known to have devastating effects on the trees throughout Pennsylvania and its surrounding states. The invasive insect rapidly destroys trees by boring into the trunks. Trees such as maples, birch, willow, and black walnut are most susceptible to infestation of this destructive pest.
Common root diseases that affect the trees of Lititz include Beech Bark Disease, Oak Wilt, Fire Blight, and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.
Does the City of Lititz Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Lititz does not offer assistance for removing trees located on private residential property. The cost to remove the tree is the sole responsibility of the homeowner.
The Shade Tree Commission, following §2721 of the Pennsylvania Borough Code, regulates and maintains all shade trees in Lititz. It includes all trees planted on the right-of-way, streets, sidewalks, and other public areas.
Residents may not “cut, break, injure, or remove any shade tree without first obtaining a permit.” Contact the Borough Manager’s office for an application.
If the Shade Tree Commission deems a tree hazardous, they will notify the property owner to take corrective action. If the tree removal does not occur within ten days, they will place a lien against the property.
In a storm or natural disaster, the Shade Tree Commission will remove trees from the right-of-way at no charge to homeowners. Debris left on the sidewalk is the responsibility of the homeowner. The commission will determine who will pay for the cost of tree replacement.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lititz?
When a tree falls unexpectedly, it can be scary for all parties involved. Based on who retains ownership of the tree will determine who is responsible for the cleanup and removal of the fallen tree.
If You’re a Homeowner?
In Pennsylvania, as in most other states, if a tree that belongs to you falls and causes damage to your property, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost to repair or replace said items.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for inspecting and maintaining the trees on your property. If a tree shows signs of previous damage or disease, and you did nothing to correct the issue, your insurance provider could deny the claim.
If You’re a Renter?
Tenants are not responsible for costs associated with tree removal on a rental property. It is advisable to carry renter’s insurance to protect your personal belongings.
The landlord is responsible for handling all issues relating to the tree removal in a timely fashion. You cannot withhold rent until the problem is corrected.
If You’re a Landlord?
As a landlord in Lititz, you must provide tenants with a residence that meets all health and safety standards. If a tree falls on the rental property, it is your responsibility to remove the tree. The tenant is not liable for the cost of this service.
It is essential to inspect and maintain the trees on your rental property to eliminate unnecessary damage caused by broken limbs or diseased trees.
If You’re a Neighbor?
If a tree belonging to your neighbor falls on your property and causes damage, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Likewise, if your tree falls onto a neighbor’s property, their insurance company will provide coverage.
As a neighbor, you cannot prune, trim, or otherwise remove trees that do not belong to you. If a tree encroaches your property line, you may only trim the branches on your side. However, you cannot cause unnecessary harm or remove a tree that does not belong to you. It could result in your neighbor taking legal action against you.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lititz?
The natural boundary in Pennsylvania is the Delaware River, with notable differences in climate, topography, and soil composition. Most of the soil found in Lititz is classified as Hazleton, which is the official state soil.
Its consistency is a sandy loam that is well-drained and provides a suitable composition for healthy tree growth. The organic matter is deep and comes from bedrock deposited by glaciers many years ago.
Understanding what type of soil you have in the yard will help you better identify ways to care for the trees on your property. Moisture levels and root depth all play a vital role in the tree’s life cycle.
The Soil Survey of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, will give you a detailed overview of the type of soil found in Lititz and, most likely, your backyard.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lititz?
Heavy rain and flooding frequently occur in Pennsylvania during March and April. The spring weather brings warming temperatures and accumulating water from seasonal snowmelt. Ice jams during the spring thaw are also common. Severe thunderstorms are frequent, especially in summer, causing damage to tree branches and foliage. Extreme storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes are uncommon to the area.
The climate is considered humid continental but is not affected by the Atlantic Ocean because of the various topography found in the region. Temperatures vary between zero and 100ºF throughout the year, averaging a mean temperature of 47ºF. Summer temperatures average 68ºF, while winter lows can linger around the freezing point. Annual precipitation averages between 36 and 48 inches.
Flooding can erode soil causing roots to become exposed and weakened by constantly wet conditions. Constant exposure may cause the tree to uproot and fall on its own.
Ice storms in the winter months can also cause damage to an otherwise healthy tree. Heavy ice accumulation on branches will cause breakage to limbs and can strip protective bark coverings from the trunk.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lititz?
PPL Electric Utilities provides power to customers in Lititz. They adhere to an annual maintenance schedule to prune and trim trees surrounding power lines. If a tree is deemed hazardous, PPL will have it removed immediately to prevent service disruption.
If a tree located on private property needs to be removed, PPL will ask the homeowner for permission to remove the hazardous tree. If the customer does not authorize their request and the tree causes damage to the power lines, the homeowner could be held liable for damages.
Designated as a “Tree Line USA” town by the Arbor Day Foundation, PPL follows industry best practices and safe tree maintenance and removal techniques.
PPL advises homeowners to refrain from pruning or removing trees that are located near power lines to prevent the risk of severe injury or death. If you plan to remove a tree less than 10 feet from a service line, contact PPL at 800-342-5775. They will de-energize and lower the line, at no cost to you, to ensure the safety of all involved.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost In Lititz?
The average cost to remove a tree in Lititz is $578, which can vary greatly depending on several factors.
Size of the Tree
Prices typically range between $475 and $1,000 for tree removal in Lititz. The bigger the tree, the more it will cost to remove. The size is determined by measuring both the height and diameter of the trunk.
The following costs, while not exact, will give you an idea of what to expect when hiring a tree professional to remove a tree from your property in Lititz.
- Small tree (up to 30 feet): $475 to $575
- Medium tree (30′ – 40′): $575 to $700
- Large tree (40′ – 50′): $700 – $1,000
- Extreme tree (50 feet and up): $1,000+
Services such as stump grinding, cutting the tree to firewood size, and debris removal are available for an additional surcharge.
Urgency
You will get the best price for tree removal by scheduling an appointment during regular business hours. If, however, a tree falls in the middle of the night, you may require immediate assistance. Tree Triage offers 24/7 around-the-clock service, but it comes at a premium. At times this is necessary to remove the danger caused by the downed tree. While not an ideal situation, sometimes it is unavoidable.
Condition of Tree
If a damaged tree has broken limbs and hollowed-out sections of the trunk, it is symptomatic signs of severe distress. It will cost more to remove since we need to take extra precautions for safe removal.
When a tree has already fallen, the price for removal is significantly lower since it is already down. Most of the cost will come from taking the tree off your property.