AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Smyrna, TN

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Smyrna?

Smyrna has high-quality soil and a long track record of successful growth. That means that there’s no shortage of tree species growing throughout the town, no matter where you live. 

Well-drained land in central Smyrna is often host to Tennessee favorites like: 

• Ash
• Black Oak
• Beech
• Sugarberry
• Sourwood
• Red Maple
• Flowering Dogwood
• Persimmon

Properties located near the historic Percy Priest Lake might be home to trees that favor damp, swampier areas. These include: 

• Boxelder
• Hemlock
• Overcup Oak
• Swamp Chestnut Oak
• Bald Cypress 
• Sycamore
• Yellow-Poplar

This tremendous diversity among trees in Smyrna adds a lot of excitement to the city. Unfortunately, it can also bring unique problems to your backyard populations, some of which necessitate removal. 

Armillaria Root Rot

Smyrna has a large population of oak trees of all different kinds. These trees can all fall victim to root rot, an aggressive fungus that quickly destroys the root systems of trees and can spread to other woody wildlife. 

Standard root rot is common in trees that grow in swampy or over-watered soil. Still, even those Smyrna citizens that live further from Percy Priest Lake or other water sources may face this issue. Soil that does not have proper drainage can develop root rot, especially during rainy seasons. Other types of the disease, like the Armillaria variety, spread like any illness. It moves from root to root—and fast. 

Characterized by honey-colored mushrooms and withering branches, root rot strikes at the base of a tree, necessitating removal to halt the problem at its source. This problem is especially common among those classic oak trees but should be watched for in all of your backyard buds. 

Invasive Insect Species

Though it seems like trees and bugs should go hand-in-hand with no problem, certain species can wreak havoc on your personal wildlife. 

Emerald Ash Borer: This pesky bug—known for its emerald wings and red underside—can turn your towering ash trees into literal ash. The invasive species originated in Asia, and ash trees, after infection, have a lifespan of only one to three years. The problem has become so pervasive in areas like Smyrna that Rutherford County is a part of Tennessee’s firewood quarantine to prevent the spread. 

Southern Pine Beetle: The Southern Pine Beetle really likes to kick a tree while it’s down. Attracted to trees that are already in distress, the beetle can introduce blue stain fungus. Though they are only about the size of a grain of rice, uncontrolled populations can cause an individual or widespread death among pine trees. Properly spacing and maintaining your pines, as well as calling our arborists to remove infected populations, is essential for mitigating the damage. 

Gypsy Moth: The Department of Agriculture installs 12 to 14 thousand traps each year, dedicating to catching and eradicating gypsy moth eggs. It’s easy to tell why; the species is capable of destroying acres of oak trees when the eggs hatch each April. Its start in the U.S. was in Massachusetts, but it has been gradually moving south. A major front of the species is approaching the state at a rate of seven miles per year and has already been spotted in counties across Tennessee. Removing some oaks to swap out with less favorable species, like the yellow-poplar or bald cypress, is helping to limit their spread. 

Storm Damage

Central Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather. If your trees have fallen victim to a Smyrna storm, removing them is a great way to start fresh with new wildlife. Cracked trunks or limbs left in precarious positions spell trouble for the tree’s future and your own safety. Cleanly clearing the plant from the roots will prevent fruitless attempts at regrowth and protect your property from future damage. 

We can’t blame you for wanting to save a tree that seems to have simply been knocked off balance. Unfortunately, aboveground leaning is often caused by belowground root damage, which seals the fate of your tree. Removal will clear the way for new, healthy plants and ease fears of further toppling.

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

Nearby Murfreesboro offers a Tree Removal Program which provides a one-year forgivable loan of up to $2,500 per household per year if you remove trees that have become hazards. If you are located more centrally in Smyrna or are not classified as low-income, you may not qualify for this benefit. However, the City of Smyrna does offer brush pick-up services for all residential properties. 

Limbs must be no larger than six inches and cannot exceed a 10 by 10-foot area per pick-up. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Smyrna?

When one of the above factors (or a different force of nature entirely) requires that a tree be removed, whose responsibility is it? Staying in good standing with the state and your neighbors depends on your understanding of tree ownership and obligatory responsibility in Smyrna and Tennessee at large. 

In Tennessee, a tree is considered your property and, thus, your responsibility if you or a previous landowner planted it, with the main trunk rooted primarily within your property. Naturally occurring trees are also generally considered to be under the care of whoever owns the land they grow on. So, what does this mean for you?

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners take on complete responsibility for the trees that grow on their lawns. This gives you some freedom with when and how you choose to address problem plants on your property. However, it can also make projects feel more intimidating if you don’t have a source for tree removal in Smyrna. If your tree becomes incredibly overgrown or is at risk of infecting neighboring trees, you could face complaints or fines from other property owners, in accordance with Tennessee nuisance laws. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters of properties are not responsible for the care of trees occurring nearby on the property. In fact, uprooting trees that do not belong to you could land you in trouble with your landlord. However, if you feel that dangerous trees are not being addressed properly, there are laws regulating your landlord that could ease your battle in removing them. 

If you’re a landlord?

Tennessean landlords have a duty of care to their tenants and are in violation of these legal requirements if they do not remove dangerous trees. For example, a tree that has become infected or rotten is at a higher risk of falling. If it is located near tenants’ living quarters, the landlord is willfully putting their renters at risk.

Neglecting to properly remove hazardous trees from your property could enable renters to withdraw from their contracts and recoup any legal or pre-paid fees.

If you’re a neighbor?

Neighbors are not responsible for maintaining or removing trees that are not on their property. However, if a nearby tree is encroaching on your property line, whether with its root system or branches, Tennessee law permits neighbors to trim back parts of the tree within their own property. 

If your neighbor’s tree falls into your yard, you are not responsible for removing it. Trees are considered to be the property of the owners of the land on which they grew. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Smyrna?

Smyrna’s soil is famous for its ability to grow things. This historically agricultural town is constantly blooming with new plants and trees. However, the rainy seasons and proximity to Percy Priest Lake can cause some of the soil to become over-watered and damp. 

While rain is crucial for healthy growth, too much of it and improper soil drainage can lead to problems like root rot. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Smyrna?

Central Tennessee is home to Smyrna… and plenty of storms. High winds, tornadoes, lightning storms, and the occasional icing over can cause branches to snap and trees to topple. 

There is little to be done about these forces of nature. Still, there are precautionary measures you can take. Towering trees that are located close to buildings or power lines can be uprooted and relocated. Future planting should be done far away from structures, especially housing or utilities. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Smyrna?

Dead trees near power lines spell trouble in more ways than one. A large storm or fierce wind could send it knocking into the lines, causing widespread outages. However, attempting to uproot these trees as a DIY project is incredibly dangerous. 

Rutherford Works and Middle Tennessee Electric are two of the primary power suppliers in Smyrna. If you notice dead or infected trees near major power lines, it’s best practice to contact the associated company and allow them to work with removal specialists. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Smyrna?

The cost of removing trees depends on a wide variety of factors. In Smyrna, however, the average cost for homeowners is around $605. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you budget for the removal of your tree. 

Size

As you would expect, larger trees come with a larger price tag for removal. Smaller trees could set you back a few hundred dollars, while the largest could reach up to $1,750. 

Reason for Removal

If you’ve lost one of your trees to infection or root rot, evacuating the entire stump becomes much more crucial. Wood that has been infected by invasive species also comes with more requirements and regulations for disposal. 

Additional Services Needed

We’re dedicated to providing a complete and quality removal. If you are interested in additional services like chipping or relocation, we’re proud to aid with your project from start to finish.