AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Beaufort, SC

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Beaufort?

Beaufort is an undeniably beautiful city with thriving communities. Founded in 1711, the historic city has maintained its antebellum architecture and warm, welcoming, small-town atmosphere. The live oak tree is its symbol of strength and one that mirrors the city’s strong sense of community.

Along its roads and streets, the live oaks meet and blend well with grey silver moss growing on branches, providing shade with massive main branches spreading in either direction. Other trees that thrive in Beaufort include blackjack oak, pin oak, sassafras, Southern red oak, sycamore, southern pine, sweetgum, and more. 

Unfortunately, Beaufort trees die from combined misfortunes of exposure to harsh weather, disease, insects, pollution, soil erosion, soil compaction, and people. Specifically, some of the pests and disease that destroy thousands of trees in the city include:

• Oak leaf blister: Oak leaf blister is caused by a fungus called Taphrina caerulescens. The disease affects most oak species, but the black and red oak groups are the most susceptible. Where infection is severe, midsummer defoliation will occur. The disease symptoms include blister-like patches on leaves that result from an overgrowth of infected dead tissues caused by fungus secretions. In severe infestations, oak leaf blister can lead to the death of a tree, thus necessitating removal.
• Bacterial leaf scorch: As the name suggests, bacterial leaf scorch is caused by bacteria that disrupt water movement in trees, leading to a massive decline of vigor in plants and the marginal yellowing of leaves. The leaves will eventually turn brownish and die if no treatment is given. Trees infected with the disease decline gradually and may take 5 to 10 years before removal is needed.
• Fusiform rust: Fusiform rust is a fungal condition. It is considered one of the most destructive diseases of southern pines that has caused massive damage in slash and loblolly pine plantations. The disease needs two living host trees (pine and oak) to complete its life cycle. Although the disease does little damage to the oak leaves, it causes stunted growth, deformities, and death to pine trees. Symptoms of fusiform rust include galls and witches’ brooms or swelling found on nearly every part of a tree.
• Emerald Ash Borer: Emerald ash borers are spreading quickly throughout the entire state of South Carolina, causing massive tree destruction in its wake. The EAB is a foreign beetle introduced to the USA in 2002 from Asia. The adult beetles can feed on ash foliage but do not cause major damage. However, its larvae devastate the inner barks of trees, lowering the tree’s capacity to transport nutrients and water, thereby leading to stunted growth and eventual death. As of October 2018, the insect had spread to 35 states, including most parts of South Carolina.
• Ambrosia beetles: Interestingly, Ambrosia beetles are attracted to trees in Beaufort that are stressed. The insects carry the dangerous ambrosia fungus that can upset the tree’s vascular system and lead to death.

Apart from these significant pests and diseases, other issues that affect trees in Beaufort include wildfires, harsh weather elements, and mold infestations. If no urgent action is taken, these issues can quickly turn into a significant problem that affects your safety, the value of your property, and the safety of the community. 

If you are concerned and your tree poses threats to you and the community due to a devastating pest infestation or a disease, feel free to contact us for a quick and thorough inspection. Our expert arborists are equipped with the latest tools and boast years of experience needed to diagnose a whole bunch of tree problems and remove any tree before it becomes a costly problem. 

For us, no tree removal is too big or too complicated. 

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

The city of Beaufort has a well-established Tree Ordinance that guides the planting, pruning, removal, preservation, and protection of city-owned or maintained trees and those planted in private properties. According to Beaufort County Community Development Code: Division 5.11.100.F.1.a, any tree considered a grand tree needs a Beaufort County removal permit. Ideally, grand trees include:

• Live oak, black walnut, or longleaf pine equal to or greater than a diameter of 24 inches diameter at breast height (DBH), and loblolly pine, slash pine, or shortleaf pines equal to or greater than a diameter of 36 inches DBH.
• It may also include tree species not outlined above, greater or equal to a diameter of 30 inches DBH excluding those classified as invasive species. 

Additionally, you will also need a review and approval by the Beaufort County staff review team to remove a tree located within the 50-ft river buffer. Finally, before you get the BC permit, you need to submit a letter from certified arborists in the city, like Tree Triage, stating the type of tree, the size, and the reason for removal.

According to the city’s Department Of Planning And Development Services, the property owners and their contractors are responsible for removing and properly disposing of all problematic trees and tree debris from their property. However, the ordinance is silent on whether the city provides any help to property owners planning to remove a dead, diseased, or downed tree. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Beaufort?

Avoiding and resolving tree disputes with your neighbor will be quicker and cheaper when you understand your responsibilities as a tree keeper and those of your neighbors. 

Let us look at how a fallen tree can affect you, given the different scenarios:

If you’re a homeowner?

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to remove a fallen tree on your property. Your homeowners insurance can help you cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage caused to your property.

If you’re a renter?

In the city of Beaufort, it is the landlord’s responsibility or the entity owning the property to remove a downed tree from a rented property. Ideally, a tenant can’t fell trees on a rental property without the property owner’s permission.

If you’re a landlord?

The city of Beaufort tree ordinance stipulates that the landlords are responsible for pruning and maintaining trees, shrubs, and hedges and removing fallen trees in their property. It is also the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all trees are safe.

If you’re a neighbor?

If a storm causes your tree to fall on your neighbor’s yard, their homeowners insurance policy could help cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage caused on their property. Similarly, if a tree on your neighbor’s property falls on your property, you need to contact your homeowners insurance company to determine the type of coverage available for damage and cleanup in your yard.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Beaufort?

The Lynchburg soil is the official state soil of South Carolina. Lynchburg soil covers approximately 432,000 acres of land in 19 counties of South Carolina, including Beaufort. Notably, Lynchburg soils support forests of oak, black gum, and slash pine, among many other trees and crops thriving in Beaufort. 

However, these soils have a higher seasonal high water table that can be found from 6 inches to 18 inches below the surface during wet seasons. Although a tree needs water to survive and grow, too much water can harm and kill it. High saturation of water around a tree leads to permanent damage or the death of the tree. This continues to be one of the significant issues affecting trees in the city of Beaufort.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Beaufort?

Beaufort is arguably one of the best places to live in South Carolina due to favorable weather underscored by a humid subtropical climate, hot summers, and relatively cold winters. However, like any other part of the state, the city occasionally experiences damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a few strong tornadoes that lead to massive damage to trees. Some notable tornadoes have strike South Carolina cities around 14 times in a year. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Beaufort?

Trees near power lines are a safety hazard to the community and must be removed or pruned. As per the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) adopted by South Carolina, the city of Beaufort’s utilities company is responsible for trimming and removing trees near power lines. The property owners may also have some responsibility for trimming trees, with which we can help.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Beaufort?

The average cost to remove a tree in Beaufort is around $200 to $750 for a typical project. However, the actual price of a specific project can jump up to around $1,900 and will be determined by several factors including time, safety issues, and size.

Safety 

Undoubtedly, a tree that poses a hazard will cost more. Dangerous trees slow down the operation, as they require more time to prune. The danger level is heightened in trees near power lines and other structures. Dead trees can also pose a high risk because they are far less stable and unpredictable.

Time

The time required to complete a tree project is another critical factor that is considered while computing the price of your tree trimming and/or tree removal. The longer it takes to complete a project, the more costly it becomes. Trees that take a longer time to remove include those that are difficult to access and ones that are located near structures.

Size

Undoubtedly, the larger the tree, the higher the cost of removal. Large trees mean more wood to cut and, thus, more work for our arborists. Specifically, the tree diameter may also affect the cost of tree removal. You may be required to pay more for a small yet thick in diameter tree than a tall, thin one.