Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in York?
- 2 Does the City of York Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in York?le
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in York?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in York?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in York?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in York?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in York?
Many of the tree issues that the city of York faces are also present throughout the entire state. Pennsylvania’s apple and crabapple trees have been hit hard by a disease called Apple Scab (Ventura inaequalis). Apple scab is a fungal disease that affects both wild and cultivated trees. The fruit of affected trees will have circular lesions, is often misshapen, and will prematurely drop. PennState Extension has some helpful tips on how to control Apple Scab. If you plant new apple trees, several apple scab-resistant cultivars will do well in York.
Another problem facing York’s trees is Emerald Ash Borers (EAB). These beetles are native to China and are believed to have come to the U.S. via packing material. The first EABs in the U.S. were detected in 2002 and quickly spread throughout the eastern half of the country. The first beetle detected in Pennsylvania was found in 2007. York County had its first EAB sighting in 2014. As their name suggests, EABs almost exclusively infest ash trees, but they have been found on fringe trees. The larvae of these insects burrow “S” shaped tunnels beneath the bark. In addition, adults will leave “D” shaped exit holes in the trunk. Heavily infested trees may have canopy dieback and sprouts that shoot from the trunk. If you find an Emerald Ash Borer beetle, you should contact the Pennsylvania EAB hotline at 1-866-253-7189.
Another invasive pest that threatens York’s trees is the Spotted Lanternfly. Unlike Emerald Ash Borers, Spotted Lanternflies attack several different tree varieties, including grapevines, maple trees, black walnuts, birches, and willows. These insects harm trees in two ways. First, they drain the tree of its sap. Then the Lanternflies secrete a sticky substance called “honeydew”. Honeydew attracts other insects and promotes sooty mold growth. York County is under a Spotted Lanternfly quarantine. If you see one of these insects, you should call 1-888-4BAD-FLY to report it.
Does the City of York Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If a tree must be removed from your yard as part of a necessary home repair, you may be able to get assistance from the city’s Bureau of Housing Services. For example, if a tree’s roots damaged your sewer lines, the York City Owner-Occupied Rehab Program may help with the cost of tree removal. For more information and to learn if you qualify for the Rehab Program, call (717) 771-9870.
If you have concerns about a tree that is on someone else’s property, you may have some recourse through the city. If your neighbor’s dying tree looks like it’s about to fall in your yard, you can notify the York City Council, (717) 849-2221. The council may deem the tree a “nuisance” or “public hazard” and require your neighbor to remove the tree within a certain timeframe.
In addition, there are several active neighborhood associations in the city of York. These are volunteer-run organizations that focus on crime prevention and neighborhood beautification. If you have a concern about a tree that needs to be removed in your neighborhood, you could reach out to your local association.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in York?le
Around 38% of homes in York are owner-occupied. This is an important statistic because homeowners are ultimately responsible for fallen tree removal. According to local attorneys, it’s the placement of the trunk (and not the branches) that determines tree ownership. If a tree straddles a property line, it is the property and responsibility of both homeowners. A fallen tree is an inconvenience and a safety hazard. If the tree is your responsibility, you’ll want to call us to take care of it right away.
While it’s impossible to cover every scenario that could come up, here are some guidelines for fallen tree removal in York.
If you’re a homeowner?
Homeowners are responsible for fallen tree removal even if the tree landed off your property, like in the road or on top of your neighbor’s flower garden. There’s a good chance that your homeowner’s insurance covers fall tree removal, especially if the tree fell during a storm. If the tree is on the smaller side and you have a large deductible, you’ll want to consider if it’s worth making an insurance claim.
If you’re a renter?
Renters are typically not responsible for fallen tree removal. The property owner must take care of it. However, if you did something reckless or careless to cause the tree to fall, you may be held liable.
If you and your landlord have a dispute over a fallen tree, you can contact the City of York Fair Housing, (717) 846-2926, or the York County Lawyer Referral Service, (717) 854-8755.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords who also own the property are responsible for removing any fallen trees. If the renter caused the tree to fall, you may be able to hold them liable.
Property managers who manage but do not own the property should turn to the owner for fallen tree removal costs.
If you’re a neighbor?
We know how stressful it is to have your neighbor’s tree land in your yard. Your neighbor is responsible for removing the tree. If the tree fell during a storm and is not on a structure, power line, or blocking a roadway, please try to be patient. We get a lot of service calls after a thunderstorm and prioritize those that are a safety hazard.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in York?
In 1988, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducted a Soil Survey of York County. This survey found that there is enough year-round precipitation for adequate soil moisture and that drought conditions are not a usual concern. Trees play an important part in erosion control along Codorus Creek, just north of the York city limits.
The soil throughout the entire state is well-suited for tree growth. The timber industry is an important part of the state’s economy. According to the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, the wood products manufacturing industry employs tens of thousands of residents.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in York?
The USDA has categorized the country into Plant Hardiness Zones. These zones are based on an area’s minimum winter temperature. York is in Zone 6b, which has a minimum temperature range of 0 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these temperatures are not the norm. Most winter days are in the 40s. Nighttime temperatures start to dip below freezing in late November. Daytime summer temperatures are usually in the mid to high 80s. Any trees planted in York must be able to thrive in these extreme temperature ranges.
Thunderstorms are common in the summer and do pose a threat to the area’s trees. In June 2020, a severe storm ripped through the entire York County and downed several trees. Many residents experienced power outages due to this storm.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in York?
Dead trees pose a serious safety hazard, as all it can take is the right gust of wind to topple them over. If a dead tree near a power line is on your property, you should arrange to have it removed right away. This is not a DIY task, so please call us. We work with the local power company to ensure the power is disconnected and the area is secure.
Most York residents receive their power from Met-Ed — FirstEnergy. The company has Homeowner Rights & Responsibilities that they expect their customers to abide by. In an emergency, Met-Ed reserves the right to enter onto private property to prune or remove a tree, without prior notice.
If a tree in someone else’s yard looks like it’s about to fall onto the power line, you can contact Met-Ed. If the threat seems imminent, call the York City Police Department, 717-846-1234. They can send an officer out to block off the area.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in York?
Customers often call and ask us how much tree removal in York costs. There are a lot of variables, and each job is a little different. As a ballpark estimate, the average cost is around $639.00. Many jobs will be between $242.00 and $1,736.00. These prices do not include any permit fees or taxes. There are a few factors that affect what the final price tag will be.
If the tree is difficult to access
York is a densely populated city. If the tree is sandwiched between your and your neighbor’s garage, it will be a tight fit for our crew and machinery. When we remove a tree, we also have to take into account any nearby structures, sidewalks, and roads.
If you want the stumps removed
Tree removal costs do not include stump removal. Some customers choose to leave the stumps, but this isn’t always a good idea. Tree stumps are difficult to mow around and attract pests. If you want us to grind the stumps, you can expect to pay between $74.00 and $134.00. For most stumps, the circumference determines the cost.
If it’s an emergency situation
We generally work Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as the weather permits. However, we know that a fallen tree on top of your car can’t wait! If it’s an emergency and we have to come out in the evening, on weekends, or on a holiday, the cost will be higher.
