AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN El Paso, TX

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in El Paso?

While there are many reasons why you might need a tree removed from your property, here are the three most common: 

• Not suitable for the environment. El Paso is a unique environment for plants. Some well-meaning homeowners may attempt to plant a non-native tree in their yard because they like the look of it. If the tree isn’t suitable for the desert environment or the sandy soil, it’s difficult to get the tree to thrive. Without a lot of additional care, these trees will eventually die and require the help of a removal service. Some homeowners get tired of babying these non-native trees and opt to replace them with more suitable native varieties. 

• Damaged by a storm. El Paso enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, but we still get our fair share of storms. While the region only gets about eight inches of rain per year, those storms can produce extreme winds, flooding, and lightning. These conditions can be detrimental to the area’s trees, causing damage to nearby property and becoming a safety hazard to residents. Even rarer, but even more deadly to trees, are the area’s occasional freezes. Plants in the region aren’t used to these cold snaps, so a drop in temperature can end up killing the trees in your yard. You should inspect your trees after every storm for signs of damage. If you see an issue, you should have your tree inspected by our professionals who can trim damaged limbs and advise you on removal.
  
• Diseased or infested with pests. There are many diseases and insects that can infest and kill trees in the El Paso region. The Sirex Wood Wasp is an especially big threat, as it’s prone to attack pine trees, one of the most prevalent species of trees in the regions. Trees here are also under threat by the Asian Longhorn Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer. Homeowners should check their trees regularly for signs of pests and disease. Look for unexplained changes in leaf and bark color and texture or sawdust around the trunk where insects have bored into the wood. Sometimes, the best cure is to remove and burn the tree before the pests can spread. However, if you catch an issue early enough, our arborists may be able to treat and save your tree.
  

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

If the tree is on private property, then it’s the responsibility of the property owner to care for and manage that tree. That includes paying for its removal. The City will not pay for or help with the removal.

However, if inspectors from the City of El Paso determine that a tree on your property is diseased or dead, they can order you to remove it. They can also send in contractors to do it if they determine the tree is an immediate threat to safety or infrastructure. They’ll send you a bill for the removal. It’s typically cheaper to call us for removal before it gets to that point.

The city’s team of arborists cares for trees on public property. If you see a tree on public property that appears to be dead or diseased, you can report it to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in El Paso?

El Paso city ordinances dictate that residential developments must have a street tree at least every thirty feet. That means even if you don’t have a tree in your backyard, there is probably one out front that falls within your property line. So knowing who is responsible for that tree if it falls is important. There are some quick answers here, but if you still aren’t sure, it’s best to contact a property lawyer for advice. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Any trees that are within your property line are your responsibility to maintain, including their removal if they fall over. 

Whether you are responsible for the tree if it falls into your neighbor’s property, though, will depend on the condition of the tree before it fell. If you took good care of your tree, and it was healthy, then you won’t be responsible for the removal. That will be up to your neighbor. If you neglected the tree or knew it was diseased or dying, though, you may be liable for the removal as well as any damage that occurred. 

If you’re a renter?

Generally, renters aren’t responsible for trees on the property they are renting. If a tree falls, you’ll want to report it to your landlord or the property management company. They can arrange for its removal. You can make a claim on your renter’s insurance for any damages. 

If you’re a landlord?

Unless you specify in your leasing agreement, you are probably responsible for the trees on your rental property. Your renters can notify you of any trees that have fallen, and you can arrange for their removal. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Whether your neighbor is responsible for removing a tree of theirs that falls onto your property depends on the health of the tree before it fell. If the tree was healthy, then you are responsible for the removal. If your neighbor neglected the tree or knew it was unhealthy, then they may be responsible for the removal. You’ll want to document everything, as proving the health of the tree before it fell can be difficult. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in El Paso?

As any gardener can tell you, the soil in El Paso is very sandy. Sandy soils will drain very quickly and aren’t as good at holding onto nutrients. The soil here is also very alkaline, meaning there is low acidity. While some plants, like our native palms, do very well in this type of soil, others do not. Palms enjoy the sandy soil because they like to spread their roots out, so the sand allows them to grow their roots out more easily.

Non-native trees aren’t likely to enjoy this kind of soil. To get them to grow, you may need to water more often, supplement their nutrients with fertilizer, and add acidity to the soil. This is why many homeowners opt to replace these trees with native species. Native plants will require less water and fertilizer, so they are lower maintenance. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in El Paso?

Our El Paso weather has a massive effect on trees here. While the trees might love the sunshine, some species don’t cope well with our lack of rainfall. El Paso only measures about 8 inches of rain per year. If a tree can’t handle that, then they aren’t likely to thrive without additional watering. 

El Paso’s stormy weather will also affect the tree population. Lightning strikes can severely damage a tree, leaving open wounds that make the tree vulnerable to an infestation of pests or disease. Heavy winds and flooding can also damage trees, causing the tree to drop limbs or completely uproot. 

If you want a tree that’s going to do well here, look for trees that are drought and wind-resistant. The Mexican white oak, Texas mountain laurel, and the Italian stone pine are just a few species that do well here. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in El Paso?

If you see a dead tree near a power line, you’ll want to report it to El Paso Electric immediately.

They maintain all vegetation near their power lines and routinely trim trees that might come in contact with the lines, including trees on private property. You should not attempt to trim these trees yourself. Instead, contact the electric company or hire our professional arborists in El Paso to do the job for you safely. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in El Paso?

On average, tree removal in El Paso will cost around $500. Your total can land anywhere between $200 and $2,000, though, depending on a few factors: 

The Height of the Tree

The taller the tree, the more it’s going to cost to remove. That’s because taller trees take more time, more manpower, and more safety equipment to ensure they are removed without damaging the surrounding area. Italian Cypress trees, one of the most common trees in El Paso, can grow up to 100 feet tall. That makes them more difficult (and more expensive) to remove. 

The Location of the Tree

It doesn’t matter if you are in Mission Valley or out in Sunland Park. What matters here is what’s around your tree. Trees in open areas are much easier for our tree removal crew to take down. Trees that are close to houses, power lines, or crowded into other trees take a lot more time and skill to remove. That means it will cost you more. 

Stump Removal

Some people opt to keep the stump of their tree in place to save money on the cost of removal. While this can reduce your overall bill, it could cause more issues with your landscaping in the future. It’s more difficult to mow around, and the stump can become diseased and eventually require removal anyway. We recommend that you remove the stump when you remove the tree, but keeping it is an option if you need to cut costs.