Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in State College?
- 2 Does the City of State College Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in State College?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in State College?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in State College?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in State College?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in State College?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in State College?
The municipality of State College revolves around Penn State University, home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team that is named for the mountain that overlooks Penn State.
Penn State is the state’s only land-grant university and has been since 1863. What does this mean? In 1855, The Farmers High School university received a “land grant” known as the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. This means the school is located on federally controlled land and receives benefits that may not be available to other universities.
Perhaps it’s why State College focuses so much on researching the land, protecting landmarks, etc. It makes sense considering there is so much state land around the university. Who could blame them? Trees are awesome to have around, and we all know that caring for them can be a challenge, especially with the ever-present risk of tree diseases and insects affecting trees in Pennsylvania. Some of the most common include:
- Dutch Elm Disease
- Needle Cast Disease
- Anthracnose Disease
- Root Rot
- Seiridium Canker
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Oak Wilt
- Gypsy Moths
Most common for State College is the Dutch Elm, Oak Wilt, and Gypsy Moth.
Does the City of State College Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
State College does not provide any real assistance programs for tree removal. However, there are a couple of programs available to help you replant trees that have been lost. For instance:
The Tree Assistance Program (TAP), is a bill that helps nursery tree growers and orchardists to replant and rehabilitate trees, bush, and vines that have been lost due to natural disasters. It is also beneficial for Christmas Tree growers.
TreeVitalize is a program designed to help communities plan, plant, and care for trees in their area.
These programs are aimed more toward businesses and keeping the community tree-covered, but they are there. Other TreeVitalize Partners may help in other ways.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in State College?
It isn’t always easy to know who is responsible for a tree. However, in State College, things are relatively simple. The owner of the tree is responsible for it. To take it further though, here are some of the biggest things to consider regarding any tree and your personal responsibility for it.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner and property owner, you are responsible for your own trees. What this means is that if you have a sick or dying tree on your property, you must take care of it by removing or treating it.
If you do not take care of it, State College may tell you that you have to. You will then have 10 days to comply. Failure to do so can result in a penalty that includes a fine of up to $100.00 per day.
You can also be responsible for any damages due to:
- A Tree Falling If You Are Removing It without Professional Help
- If It Is Diseased or Dead and Falls
In either of these cases, your insurance may have to pay for the cleanup and repairs that may be caused due to it falling.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter, you may not be responsible for a fallen tree. However, there are certain things that may be considered. If you know that the tree is dying or diseased and fail to report it to your landlord, then you may have to pay for some of the damages it caused. You are better off telling your landlord in writing and then if they fail to fix it, you can show that they knew there was a problem. It may absolve you of responsibility. However, you should check your lease. If it says that you are responsible for handling landscaping, then it is your responsibility in most cases.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords are also property owners. This means that you have a responsibility for the trees that are on your rental properties. If your tenant tells you that there is a problem with one of their trees, you are then liable for damages it may cause if you fail to take care of it through treatment or removal.
The exception for you will come if you have it in a written agreement with your tenant that they are responsible for landscaping and tree care for the property.
If you’re a neighbor?
A neighbor to someone with a tree is a cause for many conflicts. To lessen some of the conflicts, State College has laws that protect you, your neighbor, and your trees even if it is complex. For instance, if your neighbor has a tree that hangs over your property, you are legally able to remove tree limbs from it up to the property line. However, you should not damage any tree that is on the property line or property boundary without your neighbor’s consent. Even if it is mostly on your property, you both own the tree. Removal of a tree’s limbs can also result in you being charged restitution for theft of timber.
With all of that, if your property is damaged by a falling tree or limbs, your neighbor may be responsible for some damages if they knew the tree was sick or diseased. It will mean that their insurance must pay for cleanup and repair. If the tree was healthy and fell by natural causes or weather, then your insurance will be responsible.
When in doubt, or in a troublesome situation, you are urged to ask for legal advice.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in State College?
Pennsylvania has a large variety of soil types. You will find a variety of different ones around State College. They include:
- Limestone
- Sandstone
- Shale
- Siltstone
- Sand
- Silt
- Gravel
- Marine Clay
As proven by years and years of agricultural use, there is good soil in College State for anything you want to plant. When it comes to trees, it depends on how you plant them more than the surrounding soil. If you want to plant knowing in advance that it will flourish, then you may also consider planting trees that are native to the area. Some of the most popular trees include:
- Swamp White Oak
- Ohio Buckeye
- Tupelo Trees
- Tulip Poplars
- Black Birch
The biggest issue that people may notice when planting trees or trying to care for them is compacting soil and water loss. Limestone and clay are both known for compacting around roots which can limit growth. Sand, silt, gravel, and other soil types may allow the soil to lose water quickly. Test your soil if you are unsure of its “growth potential”. You will want to make sure that the soil you are planting a tree in has enough depth, structure, and pH to support it. As a final thought, you should keep in mind that irrigation will be a huge help for most residents.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in State College?
College State is a place where winters are icy and summers are pleasant. There are sometimes severe storms that may bring down trees, even those that are healthy.
According to research and studies, there are changes coming that may mean even warmer summers. Climate change is coming and it can stress plants that are not used to the newer temperature range.
Trees that will thrive in areas that have colder temperatures will not enjoy the warm summer months. Contrarily, a tree that enjoys the warmth may not be able to handle the sudden coldness that comes to Pennsylvania each winter. For this reason, some people suggest that you may want to plant trees that may not be native to College State but may still thrive here.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in State College?
As a homeowner, you are encouraged to never grow trees near a power line if you expect them to become large and tall. If it happens naturally, WestPennPower State College Service Center will do its best to catch it if it is on public property.
A tree growing on private property is the responsibility of the property owner unless it is an emergency situation. You will also be responsible for any tree limbs and debris cleanup.
If you are dealing with a true emergency, you are urged to call us for help, avoid the tree, and try to let neighbors know to avoid it as well. If you are dealing with a tree that isn’t an emergency but raising concern, there is an easy-to-fill-out contact form where you can ask for help.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in State College?
In State College, there is a broad possible price range for the tree removal service. This price average can range from $250.00 to over $2,000.00 per tree removed. Your price may be somewhere closer to the average of $600.00 as is most homeowners. However, there are a lot of factors that may make your cost more or less. These factors include:
Tree Size
In general, unless you are removing a tree from public property, you will not need a permit. However, you may need one if your tree is taller than 10-feet. This is because larger tree removal brings more risk to lines that may be underground. Your price from our arborist will also be reflected in the size of the tree you want to be removed. Smaller trees will be less expensive than big ones.
Risk
Cutting down a tree is not easy. If there is a tree near a structure that may cause damage to your property or your neighbors home, then our arborist must work harder to lessen that risk. The same is true if it is near power lines. These trees will cost more to remove than one that is in the middle of your property and no risk to anyone or anything.
Emergency Tree Removals
When it comes to trees, anything is possible. Mother Nature tends to bring her worst sometimes. When an emergency tree removal is necessary on weekends, holidays, or nighttime hours, your cost will go up. A tree emergency that happens during business hours will be cheaper.
This may seem unfair, but a lot of tree emergencies can be eliminated by proper trimming and care. If you aren’t sure how to keep your trees healthy to lessen the risk of emergency care, you should contact our professionals to get their advice. With any luck at all, your trees are already healthy enough to withstand any storm.
