AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Copperas Cove, TX

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Copperas Cove?

There are a few significant issues affecting trees in Copperas Cove. Our city and the entire Central Texas region have been hit very hard by oak wilt. The term oak wilt describes an aggressive fungus, ceratocystis fagacearum, that affects several oak species. This pathogen has been sweeping across the region killing thousands of oak trees each year. 

When a tree becomes infected with this fungus, the sap is prevented from traveling to the branches and leaves, causing the tree to die. The symptoms of oak wilt vary according to which species of tree is affected, however, leaf drop is a key signifier among all species. Other symptoms to look for include leaf discoloration and cracks in the bark. Once a tree has become infected, there is no cure. However, the life of the tree can be extended in some cases with a chemical treatment. If you suspect some of your trees have become infected with oak wilt, be sure to call in our experts to assess the situation quickly. 

One of the benefits of the weather we have here in Copperas Cove is that citrus trees grow well here. If you’re growing any citrus trees in your backyard, you should be aware of the Asian Citrus Psyllid. The psyllid carries the bacterium that causes Huanglongbing disease (HLB disease), otherwise known as citrus greening disease. This affliction is the most serious concern facing citrus trees, causing fruit to remain green even when it’s ripe, as well as burned and twisted leaves, and twigs dying. 

Many species are at risk, including lemon, lime, curry-leaf, as well as several species of orange tree. In order to prevent this problem, you should only buy citrus trees from local USDA-certified vendors and contact our arborists right away if you notice symptoms of this disease on your citrus trees. 

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

According to the City Code of Ordinances in chapter 11 article 4, section 11-69, brush collection, including tree limbs, is performed by the city on a monthly basis. Tree limbs or trunks must be cut no longer than ten feet in length and placed within three feet of the curb before 7:00 am on the scheduled collection day. 

The city encourages its residents to trim their trees if they are encroaching on public spaces, such as sidewalks or blocking the view of intersections and streets. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Copperas Cove?

Depending on the area where a tree falls, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for its removal. Additionally, the problem of oak wilt is spreading throughout this area, requiring the removal of many trees, so it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Trees that are suffering from an infectious disease must be removed, and the costs of doing so can be expensive. So let’s take a closer look at who is responsible for cleaning up fallen trees. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are responsible for trees on their property that fall, and in the city of Copperas Cove, they also need to trim any trees that are overhanging a sidewalk or roadway. If a tree falls as a result of a storm, you should check your homeowner’s policy as it might be covered. It also might be covered if the tree has become infected with a disease, such as oak wilt, and is a threat to those surrounding it. However, removing a healthy tree is likely not covered by insurance. 

If you’re a renter?

Since renters do not own the property they are residing on, they are not responsible for the cost of removing fallen trees. It is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner to make sure trees near fences and roads are trimmed and that damaged or fallen trees get cleaned up. The only exception to this would be if you were to cause damage to a tree yourself, which is a violation of city ordinances. In this case, you would be responsible for cleaning up the debris you caused as well as legally liable for the damage. 

If you’re a landlord?

As the property owner, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay for the removal of trees located on the property, as well as any costs related to caring for issues like oak wilt or pest treatment. Again, as with homeowners, if tree damage was caused by a storm be sure to check your insurance policy as it may be covered. 

If you’re a neighbor?

The Copperas Cove Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 article 1, section 8-8 discusses regulations surrounding trees that have become an obstruction. It is a violation of city code to have trees that impair the visibility of a street or intersection or extend more than 12 inches onto a sidewalk. It is the responsibility of the property owner to trim or remove trees in these cases. If you notice one of your neighbor’s trees has become an obstruction, you can report it to the city. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Copperas Cove?

Soil surveys of Copperas Cove have revealed a mixture of clayey and loamy soil types. Central Texas in general, is famous for its densely packed clay soil type. The clay soils in this area range from red to black in color and are very densely packed, which makes it difficult for water to be absorbed as there are few air-filled spaces within the soil.

Trees planted in dense soil like this might need extra watering, especially during the hotter months of the year, as short rainfalls are unlikely to thoroughly soak the soil. However, it should be noted that once these clayey soils are wet, they retain moisture well and can experience drainage difficulties. This excess of water around the roots can also harm trees, so water carefully.

The dense soils in this area can make it difficult for the delicate root systems of young plants to take hold. When you’re planting a new tree in Copperas Cove, you might want to consider mixing compost in with the soil. Compost helps make densely packed soil airier, which gives roots areas to easily expand to. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Copperas Cove?

Copperas cove experiences hot and humid summer months. Combined with the dense soil type in this area that makes water difficult to absorb, trees in this area can need a little extra care during the summer months. Saplings and younger trees, in particular, will benefit from extra watering during the hottest part of the year, as the younger a tree is, the more water it requires. 

Winters in Copperas Cove are cold and windy but short and unlikely to severely impact tree health, barring an unusually severe winter storm. In previous years there have been severe seasonal storms that affected this area, including tornados which caused significant damage to property and trees. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Copperas Cove?

If a tree is located within 6 feet of a power line, Texas state law – Health and Safety Code Chapter 572 – states that it is illegal for a private citizen to prune or remove the tree themselves. Instead, you should call your local utility company, and they will send a trained professional to remove the tree or branch. In the Copperas Cove area, residents can contact Oncor if they notice trees too near to power lines. 

Oncor trims trees near power lines regularly for Copperas Cove citizens, including after storms. Oncor removes the debris from trees that they trim, however, if a tree falls because of a storm, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to remove it. Oncor will repair the power lines, but will not remove the fallen tree branches in these instances. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Copperas Cove?

Tree removal in any city varies according to the size and location of the tree. In Copperas Cove, the average cost of tree removal is $836, however, it is possible for removal to cost much more than this, sometimes close to $2,000. How much removal costs depends on several factors. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine tree removal cost in Copperas Cove. 

The Health of the Tree

If you need a tree removed because it has been infected with oak wilt or a harmful pest, this can increase the cost of removal. For example, since oak wilt is caused by a highly infectious fungus that spreads quickly and easily, all of our tools used during the removal process must be thoroughly sanitized after use. The stump of the tree and as much of the root plate as possible must be dug up and carefully disposed of, which can cost extra. 

The Size of the Tree

Obviously, the bigger the tree the more expensive it is to remove, but there are actually some more complicated aspects to consider. Trees are removed carefully, in small segments, and certain trees are shaped in ways that are easier to remove than others. If your tree is not only large but also complex in shape, it can cost more to remove it. This is especially true if certain branches are hanging over structures like houses, streets, or garages. 

the Time of Year

While it’s true that Copperas Cove doesn’t experience the frigid winter months that other parts of the year do, we do still experience a cooler winter season. This portion of the year is also when tree removal companies like Tree Triage are less busy, so we frequently give customers better rates. Spring and summer are the busiest times of the year for us, while during winter many people overlook this area of property care, which can affect the price.