Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Florence?
- 2 Does the City of Florence Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Florence?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Florence?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Florence?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Florence?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Florence?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Florence?
Who would have thought that construction would be an ongoing issue? New housing starts and commercial construction often stresses or wounds trees, making them susceptible to insects and disease. So if you are building a new home or business in our area, you will want to make sure that there is a tree protection clause in your builder’s contract. Tree roots within 10 feet of an excavated driveway, for instance, can be damaged, necessitating removal later. So talk about any trees on your construction site with your contractor. You will not need to worry about disposal for any tree that you want to be trimmed or removed. It is the commercial contractor’s responsibility to remove trees from the job site to an approved disposal site.
Some of the most common trees in our area are oaks, conifers like loblolly pines, spruce, cedar, balsam, Douglas firs, red and sugar maples, and walnut trees. Oaks are known for their rootedness (hence the mighty oak moniker). But oaks often suffer from debilitating diseases like oak leaf blister, bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew, canker, or root rot.
Pests like gall and leaf eaters like oakworm can decimate an oak, necessitating removal down the road. Oaks may be mighty, but grand trees cannot be removed without special permission, according to the city’s county zoning ordinance. Grand trees are trees 24 inches or more in diameter, measured at 4.5-ft. above the grade.
Although pines are not included in the grand tree definition, they are subject to the native southern pine beetle, the most destructive forest pest in South Carolina. Southern pine beetles quickly block the pine tree’s water flow, which then kills the tree. Historically, Florence hasn’t had to deal with these things in the epidemic proportions that other South Carolinians have, but events like drought and flooding can quickly manifest these tiny, 6-legged buggers into an infestation of grand proportions.
Does the City of Florence Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Florence doesn’t usually find itself in the crosshairs of hurricanes. However, occasionally, the city takes a hit. Take 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, for instance. The tree damage it caused prompted the city of Florence to pound out this statement: The City has been advised by its insurance carrier that trees felled onto private property during the hurricane are not the responsibility of the City of Florence since the City has no control over forces of nature.
The Public Works Department’s Urban Forestry Program handles tree beautification, trimming and pruning, tree planting and removal as well as stump grinding. Contact the Public Works Department for more information at 843-655-3236.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Florence?
You will need a permit to remove a tree on public property. If you want to remove a tree less than five inches in diameter on private property, you will not need a permit; you will need a permit for diameters greater than five inches, protected trees, and border trees. Applications are available online. Alternatively, you may visit the city of Florence office at 324 West Evans Street, Suite 200. Some permits will have a fee. Call 843-665-3113 for more information.
If you’re a homeowner?
You are responsible for coordinating removal. You will likely need a permit. There are also special considerations should the tree fall on your neighbor’s property. If a storm takes out your tree, talk to your insurance company first to see if they will cover the cost and specify a particular company for the tree removal.
If you’re a renter?
If a fallen tree has damaged your personal property and you have renters insurance, give them a call. The fallen tree will be the responsibility of your landlord to remove, but you’ll need to be proactive with personal claims.
If you’re a landlord?
The bottom line is that you are responsible for your property’s maintenance and that includes the landscaping. Visit your property or hire us to check your trees if you are out of state. Fallen trees can uproot more than the tree itself. Root systems can infiltrate sewers, foundations, and neighboring fence lines, which can cost you unexpected repairs and headaches.
If you’re a neighbor?
This area of liability can be a tricky one, as every situation is unique. South Carolina doesn’t have specific laws defining fallen boundary trees. However, if there’s a neighbor dispute regarding a tree and the tree is intentionally cut down, you can sue for damages according to S.C. Code 16-11-520.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Florence?
Historically, about 70% of Florence’s soil is loamy. Loam soil is made up of sand, silt, and clay. The particles of soil tend to be spaced far enough apart so that it drains well while retaining nutrients. Oak, ash, cedar, and maple trees grow well in loamy soil. Tree growth is affected by how fertile soil is and what kind of nutrients the roots readily absorb. Poor soil health promotes poor tree health.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Florence?
Florence lies in east-central South Carolina in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, in the heart of the tobacco belt, so expect a temperate climate with plenty of rainfall. When the weather gets scorchingly hot or mind-tingling cold, trees can take the brunt of the extremes. Leaf scorch happens when there’s a water deficiency in recently planted trees, as the root systems are not mature yet. Frost (over time) or ice can harm new growth on existing trees.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Florence?
Never remove a dead tree near a power line. Although wood is not a good conductor of electricity, wet or damp wood is. Even climbing a wooden ladder to prune off dead branches can electrocute you. Call your local utility company and let them know that there is a dead tree near the power lines. Florence is served by Duke Energy, the Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, and Santee Electric Cooperative.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Florence?
Scheduling tree removal in the winter off-season helps reduce costs. Of course, this isn’t always possible. If the tree has fallen or if it is unhealthy, weak, and unstable, it will be less expensive to remove than a standing tree, since there’s a higher risk to the crew and property. A tree that has fallen on your home or car necessitates an emergency tree removal, which is more expensive than a scheduled removal. Your insurance company may cover part or all of the cost.
Location
Urban density and proximity to structures like homes and power lines factor into the cost of tree removal. The less accessible the tree is, the more the cost, since getting larger machinery into more densely urban areas takes more time and manpower. The general rule is that the more open and accessible a space is, the less work is required, and therefore, the less the tree removal will cost.
Type and Size
Size is more of a cost factor than the type of tree. You will pay more to remove a tall tree. How is height determined with regard to cost? It depends on the company doing the removal. Some companies may call a small tree any tree below 20 feet tall.
Most times, however, small trees will be up to 30 feet at maturity, medium trees are 30 to 60 feet, large trees are 60 to 80 feet. Small trees, unless they have huge trunks, will be less expensive to remove than a large tree with a proportional trunk. Expect low-end pricing to be around $150 and high-end pricing to set you back a couple of thousand dollars. Typically, you find ranges from $385 to $1,070. If it’s easier for you to measure the cost in feet, think around $10 to $14 per foot. As a guide, oaks may cost you $700 to $800 to remove, pine trees will cost around $900, while maples can cost up to $1,100.
Clean Up
Once the tree’s removed from your property, there will be wood chips and other woody debris pretty much everywhere. Before you get the tree removed, go over what services are included regarding clean up, as it will add to your bill. Hauling your tree off your property can add up to $100. If you need mulch, ask if the company has a wood chipper. Often, wood chip mulch will cost less than buying bags of it from your local garden center. Expect to pay around $65 but usually no more than $125 for the service. If you need firewood, see if they will chop some up for you. Depending on the effort and time, you will likely shell out less than $100 and save your swing for your golf game.