Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Gaffney?
- 2 Does the City of Gaffney Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Gaffney?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Gaffney?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Gaffney?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Gaffney?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Gaffney?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Gaffney?
South Carolina is home to a large variety of native tree species from conifers to deciduous trees. You’ll commonly see southern red oaks, flowering dogwood, American beech trees, and both long and short-leaved pines. The one thing all these tree species have in common is that they can be affected by insects and diseases that compromise their health and stability. Common tree issues we see in Gaffney include:
Fusiform Rust
This deadly tree disease is caused by the fungus Cronartium fusiforme. Fusiform rust is considered the most destructive disease of southern pines and is particularly devastating to slash and loblolly pines. The disease can be identified by the cigar-shaped galls on the main stem of the tree.
Annosus Root Disease
Caused by a fungus called Heterobasidion annosum, annosus root disease has had a deadly impact on conifers across the South. It’s known to cause growth loss and death of several pine tree species including loblolly pines, longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, slash, and white pines.
Oak Wilt
Spread by sap-feeding beetles, a fungus called Ceratocystis fagacearum disrupts the tree’s vascular system. Eventually, the tree cannot send water and nutrients to the crown and the tree succumbs. Oak Wilt affects all oak trees. However, red oaks, scarlet oaks, and black oaks die at a higher rate than other oak species.
Southern Pine Beetle
This is considered one of the most destructive insects in Gaffney. They attack pine trees in massive numbers, set on killing the tree or trees so they can reproduce. There’s no way to prevent southern pine beetles, and often, the only way to slow their spread is to remove affected trees and those nearby.
Forest Tent Caterpillars
If you look up into a tree and see one or more tent-like structures in the branches, it’s likely that you’ve got forest tent caterpillars. These nasty caterpillars are known for their huge appetites and an infestation can heavily defoliate and weaken trees like sweetgum, blackgum, and various oak species.
Man-made Issues
While it’s common for trees to be affected by naturally occurring diseases and pests, they’re also susceptible to damage caused by people. Improper pruning is probably one of the worst man-made tree issues we come across in Gaffney. Oftentimes, trees are pruned so poorly that their health and strength are compromised.
Does the City of Gaffney Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Gaffney won’t help you with removing trees from your private property. That’s your responsibility as a homeowner, and you’ll need to take care of the tree removal and debris cleanup. The city does take care of the trees within the eight city parks, those that line the city streets, and any tree that graces other public property. If you notice a tree that’s on city land that needs attention, you’ll want to contact the City of Gaffney Parks and Beautification Department to report the problem.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Gaffney?
There is no specific law in Gaffney or the State of South Carolina that addresses fallen trees specifically. The general law in South Carolina sides with the owner of the tree when it comes to liability if the tree is healthy and is knocked over by an “act of God” like a strong storm. If, however, the owner knew or should have known the tree was dead, diseased, or damaged, the tree owner can be held liable for damages if the tree falls.
If you’re a homeowner?
In the event that one of the trees that’s growing on your property falls over onto your property, you’ll be responsible for cleaning it up. It doesn’t matter if the tree was healthy or if it was dead or damaged, it’s your tree and your liability. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may help cover some cost of tree removal and any damages your home or property sustain.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter, you’re not going to be held responsible for the trees on the property unless you’ve signed a lease agreeing to their care. If a tree falls onto your rental property, contact the landlord or property manager to report the problem. If any of your personal property has been damaged due to the fallen tree, connect with your renter’s insurance agent to find out if you’re covered.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords and homeowners are treated the same when it comes to liability for a fallen tree. Trees that grow on your property and also fall on your property are your responsibility. You’ll have to contact us to arrange for tree removal, debris hauling, and repairs to the home. You may also have to provide your tenants with temporary housing if the structure of the home is damaged.
If you’re a neighbor?
A healthy tree that falls from your neighbor’s property onto yours is your responsibility. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of tree removal and cleanup as well as any repairs. If, however, the neighbor should have known the tree was dead or dying, they’ll be the ones who have to foot the bill for the cleanup efforts.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Gaffney?
In general, Gaffney’s soil is a mix of sand, loam, and clay. These components vary depending on the specific location. In some places, you may find a higher concentration of sand. Other areas present heavy clay soils. When the soil is high in sand content, it can easily dry out, leaving trees and other plants parched and undernourished. If the soil is high in clay content, it can hold onto moisture, leaving the tree’s roots vulnerable to fungus and root rot issues.
While native tree species do well in South Carolina’s soils, it may be necessary to amend particularly sandy soils to provide more nutrition. Likewise, areas with high clay content soils may benefit from the addition of sand and other materials to improve drainage.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Gaffney?
Trees need plenty of sunshine, fertile soil, and adequate amounts of water to thrive. While Gaffney’s climate certainly fits that bill most of the time, the weather here can have a dramatic effect on trees. Although the city’s not in the direct path of most hurricanes, strong tropical storm winds, heavy rains, and frequent lightning strikes result in broken branches and limbs, as well as uprooted trees.
On the other end of the spectrum, droughts can have a major impact on tree growth and survival. Yellow or brown leaves, dead limb tips, shriveled leaves, and out-of-season leaf dropping are common signs of drought distress in trees. If the tree goes without adequate water too long, growth may be stunted and in severe cases, the tree can die.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Gaffney?
There’s nothing scarier than electricity and a dead tree near a power line. It’s a very serious threat. If you see a dead tree that looks like it’s close to falling near or on a power line, move away and contact the Gaffney Board of Public Works. It doesn’t matter if the tree is on public or private property in this situation. The utility company is always responsible for power lines and the trees growing near them. They’ll send a crew out to assess the tree to determine whether it poses a risk or not. If they decide the tree needs to come down, they’ll bring in the appropriate equipment and trained workers to safely remove it without disrupting your power.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Gaffney?
We really can’t tell you how much tree removal usually costs because there are so many variables to consider. Your total can range from just over $150 to well over $2,000. When we’re working up a quote for tree removal, we take several things into consideration including:
Tree Age and Size
We take into account the size of every tree that you need to have removed. Small, immature trees are fairly easy to remove and don’t cost a lot. Large, mature trees cost more because they’re very heavy and often have large crowns full of branches and limbs. That means we need extra crew members, additional rigging, and heavy equipment to bring it down safely.
Tree Condition
One of the biggest factors next to size is the condition of the tree you need to be removed from your Gaffney property. Standing dead and damaged trees can be extremely dangerous and difficult to remove and require special equipment and highly trained crew members, so they cost more. A tree that’s already fallen is much easier and safer to remove, so it’s a lower-cost tree removal.
Tree Location
The more difficult it is to get to the tree that needs to be removed, the more expensive it is. It’s not just restricted spaces, it’s also areas where there’s a steep slope or other formation that make it treacherous. The more people and equipment it takes for us to remove the tree safely, the more expensive it’s going to be.
