Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Wimberley?
- 2 Does the City of Wimberley Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Wimberley?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Wimberley?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Wimberley?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Wimberley?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Wimberley?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Wimberley?
Wimberley, Texas is a quiet village with a population of just over 3,000 residents, and it sits about halfway between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The town is home to plenty of outdoor recreation, and it boasts quality distilleries, breweries, and wineries. Wimberley residents take the natural beauty of their town seriously. All of us need to know about common tree problems in the area so that we can work together to keep Wimberley green and gorgeous. Three of the most common tree problems we see include root rot, oak wilt, and fire blight
Root Rot
Root rot is sadly so common in Texas that one strain of the disease, Phymatotrichum root rot, is also called Texas root rot. This fungal disease attacks almost every plant and tree imaginable, but it most commonly takes hold of fruit, nut, and shade trees in our area. It especially enjoys areas with hot summers, and in soil that has a pH of 7.0 to 8.5. Wimberley provides the perfect environment for this fungus to grow, spread, and thrive.
After the fungus gets into a tree, it can cause yellowing of the leaves within 24 hours and the wilting of lower leaves within 72 hours. Trees may last a bit longer than smaller plants that succumb to root rot, but the disease is often deadly, and it spreads very easily through soil and roots. Once root rot takes over a tree, the best course of action is often removing it and applying fungicide to surrounding trees to prevent it from spreading and killing other trees in your yard.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is another fungal disease seen in many parts of the country, and Wimberley is no exception. All oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt, though red oaks get hit the hardest and can die within a month of infection. Oak trees within the white oak family can survive a few years with the disease, and some may successfully fight it off. Either way, oak wilt is a nasty disease that has caused the demise of thousands of trees all across America. The fungus that causes oak wilt can be spread through insects and infected roots, and preventing it from reaching other trees is key in preserving the health of your property’s trees.
There are a few strategies we can use to fight oak wilt, especially in stronger and more established oak trees, but preventing the trees in your yard from getting stressed in the first place is a key way to ensure that oak wilt won’t take over.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora, and it is particularly hard on pear and apple trees in our area. Fire blight appears on trees with the visible water soaking of petals and ovaries, and infected branches and trees will often turn black and wilt. Some shoots also turn black and curl, giving the trees the signature “Shepherd’s Crook” appearance. Some bark will even ooze an amber liquid filled with bacteria that can give off a nasty smell.
Once fire blight infects a tree, there is no cure. Branches that are infected must be removed carefully with specialized sanitation techniques to avoid spreading it.
Does the City of Wimberley Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Yes, the City of Wimberley does provide some help with tree removal problems when they are related to trees situated on public property. If you notice a dead, fallen, or ill tree in a public park or on public property, you can report it by filling out the City’s online form.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Wimberley?
When trees fall in Wimberley, it can be difficult to figure out who is responsible for having them removed when more than one party is involved. Tension can rise quickly when debating about who must pay for tree removal services among neighbors, landlords, and/or tenants, so it’s helpful to be aware of how these matters are typically handled before the situation occurs.
If you’re a homeowner?
When you own your home and the property it sits on, you become responsible for taking care of the trees on your lot. This includes getting trees removed when they fall, which is why it’s always a good idea to regularly keep an eye on the health of your trees to ensure that they remain strong and healthy. Paying our arborists for preventative tree services, like pruning, can save you money in the long run by reducing your odds of having to pay for fallen tree cleanup.
If you’re a renter?
When renting your home, you are probably not responsible for having a fallen tree removed, unless your rental contract specifically states that you are. Some landlords outline other basic maintenance that tenants must perform regularly, such as raking leaves and mowing the lawn, but larger maintenance issues are usually handled by the property owner.
If you’re a landlord?
Renting out your properties comes with the responsibility of keeping your properties well-maintained and free of hazards. Trees that are ill or dying can threaten the health and safety of your tenants, and they should be taken care of as soon as possible. When a tree does fall on a landlord’s property, they are most likely responsible for having it removed.
If you’re a neighbor?
In these situations, it doesn’t matter too much where a tree was rooted before it fell; where it ends up is much more important. When a tree falls from your neighbor’s property onto your own, it often becomes your responsibility to have it removed. This can rub some people the wrong way, leading to lengthy disputes among neighbors. As such, we recommend talking about these matters with your neighbors to agree about who pays for what before these situations occur.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Wimberley?
Our soil tends to be light, coarse, and grainy in Wimberley, which means it lacks many major nutrients and clay particles that help absorb water when it rains. As a result, many trees are left without getting adequate water, as it drains too quickly in this type of soil. Our super hot summers make water absorption incredibly important for trees, but our soil is typically not very helpful on that front.
Plus, our soil also tends to have a higher pH than most trees prefer at 8.0. Many trees and plants do better in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, though they can still grow and stay healthy with alkaline soils when cared for properly. We can take a look at your soil situation and help you improve the consistency, nutrient content, and pH of your soil, which will make the trees in your yard happier and healthier.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Wimberley?
Texas is hot for much of the year, though we are lucky in Wimberley that we tend to get a decent amount of rain per year. Despite that, extreme heat can dehydrate and put trees under a great deal of stress, which leaves them more susceptible to pests or infections. We often recommend that property owners water their trees during periods without much rainfall to keep them hydrated and strong.
Many tree owners don’t realize that they should water the ground below tree branches and leaves and not just focus on the base of the tree. This allows the various root systems below the ground a chance to get a drink and rehydrate. We usually recommend providing one to two inches of water to trees per week, but this can vary greatly depending upon the type and size of the tree.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Wimberley?
PEC handles tree trimming around our neighborhoods regularly, though it’s helpful to alert the company if you see branches or trees that are growing too close to main power lines or other equipment. You can call 888-554-4732, and PEC will send out a crew to take a look at the situation and determine whether further action is needed. If you see a tree that has knocked over a power line, you can call their emergency number at 888-883-3379.
If dead trees or overgrown from your yard are growing too close to lines from poles to your home, you may have to hire our specialists to trim tree branches back for you. Many utility companies request that you let them know ahead of time so that they can disconnect your service to keep the workers safe.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Wimberley?
The average cost of removing a tree in Wimberley is about $575, though you may pay less or up to about $1,900 depending upon numerous factors. When we calculate tree removal costs, we mostly focus on the size of the tree, whether we have to use special equipment or techniques, and where the job will be completed.
Size of the Tree
Huge and well-established trees often have trunks that are several feet in diameter and stand dozens of feet tall. Larger trees take much more of our time and staff members to remove safely, and we factor in those labor hours when we determine your final bill. Generally, the larger the tree you need to be removed, the more it will cost you.
The Use of Special Equipment
Trees that are out in the middle of an open field are relatively easy and simple to remove, as they don’t pose a risk of major property damage when they fall. Trees that are close to buildings or are located in hard-to-reach areas likely require different techniques and specialized equipment to remove safely. This can increase our costs and labor hours, which will increase your final bill.
Location
If your tree is located on a slope, near electrical lines, or close to your house, shed, fence, or other personal property, we’ll have to take greater care — and more time — to remove the tree safely. This will increase your costs as well.
