Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rowlett?
- 2 Does the City of Rowlett Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rowlett?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rowlett?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rowlett?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rowlett?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rowlett?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Rowlett?
Rowlett is a suburb of Dallas, on the border of Dallas and Rockwell County. The city has a wide variety of entertainment options, including water parks, amusement parks, nature trails, and golf courses. Residents can also enjoy stunning views of Lake Ray Hubbard and many beautiful parks amongst the suburban landscape. Rowlett hosts a variety of native and non-native trees, but of course, there are several common tree problems. Here are some of the most common tree issues in Rowlett.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are a major threat to trees in Northern Texas. Part of tornado alley, Rowlett experiences numerous tornadoes from October to December. While most tornadoes are EF0 or EF1, there can be major tornadoes in Rowlett with an EF rating above 3.
EF0 and EF1 tornadoes are minor, but they can snap limbs and branches from trees and may cause major damage to dead or weakened trees. Their wind speeds are between 65 and 110 miles per hour. The more rare EF3 to EF5 tornadoes can achieve wind speeds of 136 to 200+ miles per hour. These high-speed tornadoes can debark, knock down, and uproot trees.
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Bacterial leaf scorch is a common tree issue in Rowlett. It causes leaves to brown with a scorched appearance and commonly accompanies hot and dry weather. Oak trees are typically most susceptible to the disease, and it is typically transmitted by insects like spittlebugs.
The best method of preventing bacterial leaf scorch is managing the nutrition of your oak trees and keeping them well watered during dry weather. Pruning affected branches may also be effective. The disease must be treated early, when the symptoms set in, the tree can die in under 5 years.
Elm Leaf Beetle
The elm leaf beetle is a common cause of tree issues in Rowlett. Ornamental and shade elm trees are at most risk of infestation from the elm leaf beetle. They feed on the leaves and can defoliate and weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to disease and fungus.
The adult form of the beetle has a yellow or green color with black stripes on the edges and a spot on the wing base. The infestation may be resolved with an insecticide, but tree removal may be required if the infestation is identified too late.
Does the City of Rowlett Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If a tree falls into a city street or right-of-way, Rowlett Public Works’ street division can remove the tree. They clear brush from the roads and gutters to maintain road safety.
The city will not assist with tree removal on private property, but they provide weekly brush pickup as part of waste collection. If you trim or remove a tree, you can put the debris or clippings on the curb for weekly trash collection.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Rowlett?
Removing a fallen tree can be difficult when you aren’t sure who is responsible for the removal. We will describe several scenarios to help you determine who is responsible for tree removal in Rowlett.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a homeowner, you are likely responsible for removing fallen trees in Rowlett. Any tree that falls on your property is likely your responsibility to remove. If an otherwise healthy tree falls onto your property from a neighbor’s property during a storm, you are also responsible for its removal. Dead or tipping trees that fall from a neighbor’s property onto your property can be disputed. If the tree fell due to the neighbor’s negligence, the neighbor may be responsible.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter or tenant, you typically are not responsible for tree removal in Rowlett. In the state of Texas, major repairs relating to the safety of a rental property are the landlord’s responsibility. When you notify the landlord of a fallen tree, the landlord should respond promptly. If the tree causes damage to the roof or home the landlord is also responsible for repairs.
If you’re a landlord?
As a landlord, you are likely responsible for tree removal in Rowlett. It is the landlord’s duty to repair issues in their residential property that affect the health and safety of the tenants. A fallen tree on the walkway, driveway, or patio can be a hazard to tenants, and a fallen tree on a roof can cause leaks and other issues. These trees should be removed in a reasonable time (within 7 days) after the tenant notifies you.
There is one situation where you would not be responsible for tree removal. If a tenant or their guests damage a tree on the rental property, the tenant can be held responsible for the damage as well as any removal required for the tree.
If you’re a neighbor?
As a neighbor, there are some situations where you may be responsible for tree removal in Rowlett. If an otherwise healthy tree falls from your property onto a neighbor’s property during a storm, you will not be held responsible for the tree removal and resulting damage. If the tree is dead or tipping and falls onto a neighbor’s property, you may be responsible.
Boundary trees are trees between two properties that are shared by each neighbor. Care of the tree is shared by both you and your neighbor, and there must be a mutual decision between you and your neighbor to remove the standing tree. If the tree falls on your property, it would be your responsibility to remove it, and it would be the neighbor’s responsibility if it falls on their property.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Rowlett?
The soil in Rowlett is made up of the Houston Black-Heiden association. These are clayey soils found in the uplands and provide an optimal environment for growing various trees and plants. Houston Black is a favored soil by farmers throughout Texas. It is named for its dark color and grows a wide range of crops along with elm, hackberry, and mesquite trees.
Heiden soils are well-drained and known for growing prairie grasses. They are also used for planting crops and suitable for oak and hackberry trees. The soils of Rowlett can be ideal for growing various trees as long as they are kept watered.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Rowlett?
Dry weather is prevalent in Texas and a common cause of tree health issues in Rowlett. Abnormally dry weather to moderate drought conditions are present throughout the year while severe to exceptional drought can be a seasonal occurrence. Drought conditions can even last several years.
Dry weather and drought can weaken trees, especially those that are from more humid regions. It can make trees more susceptible to pests that can further harm the tree and expose the tree to fatal diseases like leaf scorch. During dry weather and drought, it is important to care for any trees that are not adapted to the Texas weather. Watering and adding nutrition to the soil can help the tree survive the drought.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Rowlett?
If you notice a dead tree near a power line, call your electricity provider immediately. Removing a tree near a power line can be dangerous, and leaving it is likely to cause an outage. There are several electricity providers in Rowlett, so it is good to know your provider ahead of time. The Texas Public Utility Commission recommends calling your provider when there is a tree problem near the power lines.
The electricity provider should maintain the trees near the line, providing trimming, pruning, and removal as needed. The utility company also responds to requests, so don’t hesitate to call them if you see a tree tipping near a power line. After storms, the utility companies are out removing fallen trees from lines to restore power to residents and can be quite busy. It is best to warn the provider before the tree falls.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Rowlett?
Tree removal in Rowlett typically costs between $150 and $1,870+, including supplies, labor, preparation, and cleanup. Several factors affect the cost of our tree removal service in Rowlett; here are some of the most common factors.
Tree Size
Tree size is a major factor in the cost of tree removal. When removing a larger tree, we require longer hours and more supplies. It can also require greater cleanup and preparation that can increase the cost.
Large trees are more likely to cause damage to nearby property, so we must ensure that the tree is removed with the utmost safety. This can mean removing weak branches that may fall during removal and taking great precautions to make sure the tree falls where it is intended. We may also need several vehicles to haul away the debris which can also increase the cost.
Tree Condition
The tree’s condition can increase or decrease the cost of our tree removal service. A fallen tree is typically less expensive to remove than a standing tree because there is no need to prepare the tree to be cut down. Standing trees require preparation to ensure the tree is removed safely, taking us more time to remove.
If a tree is infested with pests or has a disease, our approach must change to a more cautious one. We may need to treat nearby trees before or after the removal and ensure no infested debris is left behind to avoid spreading the problem to other trees.
Tree Location
The location of the tree can have an impact on the cost of our tree removal service. Trees in locations that pose a risk to electrical cables, homes, vehicles, or pedestrians require greater precautions. We need to ensure the tree removal is done safely, so closing off the area and removing branches and limbs may be required before we can remove the tree.
Our tree removal services can be more expensive in locations where hazards are present. In areas with fewer hazards, such as empty lots our work is more affordable. Safety is our top priority when it comes to tree removal.