Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Orem?
- 2 Does the City of Orem Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Orem?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Orem?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Orem?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Orem?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Orem?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Orem?
Despite being the fifth-largest city in Utah, Orem is the perfect city for families to live in. In fact, the slogan for the city is “Family City USA”, and in 2010, it was ranked the fifth-best place to raise a family.
We love that it is a city where there is something for everyone. Orem was once known as “Sharon” which stands for a mostly level strip of land that runs between the mountains and the sea. There are mountains to the east and Utah Lake to the west. This means easy access to plenty of camping, hiking, skiing, and other opportunities. You will find more than 20 parks within the city. They offer everything from splash pads to skating.
With all the nature and city life coming together so perfectly, there are bound to be tree issues. Sadly, there is quite a list for all of Utah. Some of the most common tree issues for Orem are:
Pests
Pests are a common issue for trees all over the United States. Some of these pests can dig into the heart of a tree and end its life in very little time.
- Walnut Twig Beetles
- Moths
- Budworms
- Cankerworms
- Bark Beetles
- Many Other Species of Insect
Diseases
Every disease can affect trees differently. Any issues with the roots can be fatal if you don’t take care of the problem quickly enough. Cankers and other diseases can open the door for other types of diseases or infestations.
- Thousand Cankers
- Pinion Blister Rust
- Sudden Oak Death
- Dwarf Mistletoes
- Aspen Leaf Spot
- The list continues
The key to helping the trees is to catch the infestations and diseases early. Regular checkups by you to look for yellowed or dead sections of your trees will allow you to catch the problems early and in some cases, may make it so you can save the trees in your yard.
Does the City of Orem Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
For homeowners, especially those with a lower income may qualify for help with tree removal through Habitat for Humanity. It is part of their home preservation program and is designed to help people who are:
- Homeowners in Utah County
- U.S. Citizenship
- Lower Income
- Willing to Volunteer 10-Hours
- Current on Taxes
- Willing to Pay Small Fees
The income threshold is listed as a family of one should make less than $45,050. An average family of four may qualify if they make less than $64,300 per year.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Orem?
The Urban Forestry Division is responsible for taking care of the trees that are planted or growing in the City of Orem. Do you know who is responsible for trees that are on private property? It isn’t always simple, but we will try to help you discover what your rights and responsibilities are.
First, you must understand that the city code for Orem states clearly in section 13-3-6. Responsibility for Correcting Nuisance Tree that, “Where a Nuisance Tree exists upon property, the property owner, landlord, tenant, or his or her agent, and all other persons having control of the property on which such nuisance exists, shall be deemed to be the cause thereof, and shall be liable therefor.” This means that you could be responsible for any tree, no matter who you are.
What does it mean for you?
If you’re a homeowner?
A tree that is considered a problem or a nuisance should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may receive a notice from the city. At this time, you will have a certain time frame for removing it. Failure to do so means that they will remove it for you, at a cost to you.
If you have a tree that isn’t sick, but you want it removed, you should make sure that you are the owner of it. The entire trunk of the tree needs to be on your property. Otherwise, you could be held liable for removing someone else’s property.
A tree that falls will be your responsibility. You will need to clean up your property and your damages.
If you’re a renter?
In Orem, you do have some responsibility for tree care. You should let your landlord know if you feel that there is a diseased or dying tree before it can become a nuisance.
If the tree falls, the property owner should be responsible for repairs and cleanup as long as it is an act of nature. You should never attempt to cut down a tree on the property. If it causes damage, you will be responsible for the removal and repair of it.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords have the responsibility of tree care if it is reported by the tenant that there could be issues with it. The exception is if you have it in your lease agreement that they should handle landscaping. Without that in the lease, you will be responsible as well for cleanup, repairs, and removal of a fallen tree on the property.
If you’re a neighbor?
Your neighbors have the right to own a tree. If their tree drops leaves and limbs on your property, you will have to clean it up. If the tree falls and damages your property, you will be responsible for the repairs to your property. You also have the option to trim back their trees. However, in doing so, you should avoid doing anything that may kill the tree.
On the other hand, if their tree is a danger or noticeably in bad shape, you can have it looked at by our professionals. This will ensure you can put it into writing that the tree is not well. Inform your neighbor about it. Then if the tree falls, you may be able to get them to pay for damages and repairs.
If the tree in question is a shared tree between you and your neighbor then you both must agree on what to do with it. If they want to remove it, you have to agree to it and vice versa.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Orem?
One downside to Utah is that it is filled with a lot of desert soil. This type of soil is known for having higher alkalinity and low organic matter. There is also very little loamy soil, which is required for healthy plants and trees. All combined, it means that the rain that comes to Utah does not stick around very long. It runs off or soaks in much faster than trees or other plant life can get it.
In Orem, you still have a lot of “desert”, but there are some other types of soil. You may have some:
- Parleys Loam
- Bingham Loam
- Bramwell Silty Clay
- Cobbly Alluvial Land
- Dry Creek Cobbly Loam
- Hillfield-Layton Complex
- Kidman Very Fine Sandy Loam
- Lakewin Gravelly Fine Sandy Loam
- Layton Fine Sandy Loam
It is possible to improve your soil so that you can have healthy and happy trees. It just may take a little creativity and planning. You will need to add water, increase organic matter, and take advantage of the mulch that will protect your soil. You may also want to plant trees and plants that are native to the area. They will be more forgiving of the soil quality as you work to improve it.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Orem?
Whether you like it hot or cold, Orem has a little something for everyone. In the summer months, temperatures will soar to well above 90 on average, with nighttime lows around the lower 60s. During the winter, you can expect lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s. Snowfall averages can reach up to 10 inches, which is a little surprising to some since the rainfall averages are generally less than 2 inches.
In Utah, the major concern for most residents and tree lovers is the lack of rain. Most of the state is dealing with an exceptional drought that hasn’t been seen in more than 100 years. This can make it hard for trees and residents especially when we have to find a balance between preserving water and taking care of our plants.
When there isn’t a drought, there are other risks that residents must always be aware of. This may include severe lightning and high winds, as well as other storms. Again, these issues may also bring down healthy trees without notice.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Orem?
Dead trees pose a huge risk to power lines. Therefore, if you have a tree in your yard, or see one elsewhere, that is near a power line and unhealthy, you should seek help. Most of the time, your first call should be to your power company. They can come and remove the parts of the tree that are most threatening to the power lines. Please note, it will be your responsibility to clean up the limbs or tree that is removed, if it is on your property.
If you are unable to get help through your local provider, you can contact any city works offices or 911 if you feel that you or others are in immediate danger.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Orem?
Quoting a price for tree removals in Orem is never easy because there are so many factors that must go into coming up with a price. However, if you have a tree that you would like removed, you should expect to pay between $200 and $1,990. Most homeowners spend $595, but your cost could be higher or lower based on these three primary factors.
Risk
Is the tree dead or diseased? Is it located near a power pole or power line? Are their buildings nearby? These are all things that may increase the riskiness of removing your tree. They can all increase your out-of-pocket cost because we may need to bring in more equipment to bring it down safely.
Size
A tree that is just a couple inches in diameter and seven feet tall, will cost you less to remove than one that is 20-feet tall. Again, these are more difficult to remove because of the fact they require more effort. We have to work against gravity to make sure that larger trees fall the way we want them to. This may require cranes and other large equipment. They will also have a larger root ball, which will need to be removed. You wouldn’t want insects and diseases to settle into the stump.
Labor
Perhaps the hardest cost factor to predict is the cost of labor. Emergency removals after storms, weekend limb breakages, and rushed holiday removals will all increase your cost. We would much rather be able to schedule ahead of time. You also have to consider how long it will take us to bring the tree down and how many people will have to be there for safe removal.
