AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Utah County, UT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Utah County?

Utah County is home to hundreds of tree species, which give the landscape an attractive greenery backdrop amid the breathtaking attractions. Ashes, oaks, junipers, maples, apples, pines, elms, and spruces exist in their variant species. Despite the beauty they add to the landscape, they are prone to challenges. Some ruin their aesthetic appeal, while others hit them too hard, leading to their demise. The common tree issues we experience in Utah County include:

Pests

Pests are at the center of tree canopy destruction in Utah County. Common invaders include lace bugs, bark beetles, ipis beetles, and scale insects. Mainly, lace bugs infest sycamore trees, while beetles and scale insects wreak havoc on various tree species, such as ash, oak, pine, elm, maple, beech, etc. 

Insect infestation increases following a prolonged dry season, as the trees are usually too weak to defend themselves. For instance, scale insects perch on the barks of the stressed trees and sap as many nutrients as they can. Then they excrete honeydew, which attracts other pests and also encourages the growth of mold. The insects are pretty aggressive, with a female being able to reproduce hundreds of offspring at a go.

Diseases

Another common threat to tree life in Utah County is diseases. From the less severe problems, such as anthracnose, to the damaging fire blight bacteria and tree scale, the conditions take a toll on the trees. Tree scale causes stunted growth or even death. Though it’s possible to control small scale infestations, managing the insects gets overwhelming once the infestation increases, as scale insects multiply relatively fast.

Fire blight is prevalent among fruit trees such as apples and pears. Characteristic of blight diseases, this condition causes the twigs to appear scorched. Fire blight affects both the inner and outer bark and is spread from one tree to another by insects.

Invasive Trees

The Utah region has over 596 invasive tree species, which pose a threat mainly to endangered tree species. According to reports, there are 1,200 species protected under the Endangered Species Act. Four hundred of these trees face extinction from predation or nutrient competition with the invasive trees.

Harsh Weather

Utah County’s climate is moderate and ideal for tree growth. However, whenever there’s prolonged dry weather, the trees’ ability to withstand pest infestation declines. Though some trees are drought-resistant, like maples and spruce, dry weather leaves the trees stressed and increasingly vulnerable to pest and disease attacks.

Wildfire

Wildfires are pretty common in Utah County and are responsible for the steep decline in the tree canopy. According to government reports, Utah is among the top wildfire high-risk states in the U.S. Common incidents involve surface, ground, and canopy fires.

Does Utah County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

Utah County is subject to the state law that seeks to protect tree canopy in the region. Generally, removing ordinary trees does not require a permit. However, heritage trees (those that have shown excellent adaptation to the region’s climate) require a permit before removal. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands designates heritage trees and oversees their protection. 

Again, even if you want to remove a non-restricted tree, you cannot do so if you live in a planned community. Such a move would require approval by the community HOA officials.

That said, the only situation under which the county would offer assistance in tree removal is when your tree threatens public safety. In this case, the county can move into your property and take care of the offensive tree, then bill you the cost.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Utah County?

In Utah County, the removal of a fallen tree is the responsibility of the property owner. However, there are instances where the burden can shift from the tree owner to other individuals. The responsibility accrues as follows:

If You’re a Homeowner?

Homeowners are responsible for the removal of their trees on their property. However, if the fallen tree sits on the boundary between two properties, both property owners will be responsible for its removal. Another exemption is when the tree destroys insured property. In such a case, the compensation should cater to the removal costs.

If You’re a Renter?

Renters are not responsible for the removal of trees on the rented premises. It’s the landlord’s responsibility. If the tree destroys insured property, the insurance companies should pay the removal costs as part of the compensation. Note that if you had taken renter’s insurance policy for your personal belongings, the company would compensate you for what you have lost. But the property insurance will still cater for the damaged property, including tree removal costs.

If You’re a Landlord?

Landlords are responsible for the removal of fallen trees on their rental properties. In case of insured property damage, the compensation can foot tree removal costs.

If You’re a Neighbor?

If your neighbor’s tree falls on your property, removing it would be their responsibility unless the tree sat on the boundary between your properties. In the latter case, both of you are responsible for its removal. A different scenario will arise if the tree destroys insured property, in which case the compensation should include tree removal expenses.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Utah County?

Soil composition and properties affect tree growth and stability. Trees perform best in well-drained soils that allow nutrients and water to flow into roots. Soil is also essential for tree support. Hence, an ideal soil must offer adequate support. The composition and properties are determined by the constituents forming the soil. In Utah County, the soil is composed of clay, sand, and loam.

Sand is overly drained, which causes the washing away of nutrients and low soil moisture. Trees planted in the sand may have stunted growth and are more susceptible to being blown off by winds. Clay soil is poorly drained and often binds up nutrients, hindering their absorption by the plant. However, it offers solid support due to its compactness. 

Loam soil balances the properties of sand and clay. It’s well-drained and has the proper structure for better root support. In areas where the soils have high clay content, it’s usually amended to increase its drainage. The same applies to predominantly sandy soil. An amendment involves the introduction of organic matter to enhance its moisture and nutrient retention. 

The naturally occurring Utah County soils have relatively high pH. Most tree species perform best at neutral pH. While a few may still do well on either extreme side of the pH values, too low or too high pH can damage most trees. 

Soil testing is always recommended to determine the soil type and pH levels. Afterward, the ideal tree species that can perform best in that particular soil are identified and planted.

Soil depth is also crucial in a tree’s health, with deeper soils providing better conditions (nutrients and water) than shallow soils. Planting ground covers around trees helps prevent soil erosion and retain the proper depth.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Utah County?

Weather contributes significantly to tree health in Utah County. The region has hundreds of heritage trees, which have been found to perform well under ordinary weather conditions. 

However, issues often arise when there’s excessive precipitation or prolonged dryness. Too much rain causes root and leaf diseases, while lack of enough water destroys root systems. 

Utah County also experiences strong winds from time to time which damage the trees. When the trees become diseased, dehydrated, or wounded, pests take advantage of their weak immune system and attack.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Utah County?

Utah County code requires power utility companies to manage vegetation near their power lines, including trimming, pruning, and removing trees that pose a safety hazard. If there are dead trees near a power line of, say, Provo City Power, you should call them to report the issue.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Utah County?

Tree removal cost in Utah County varies depending on the tree size, location, and the tree’s condition. Removing small trees less than 30 feet can cost you around $200, while the extra-large ones would go for $2,000. But the removal cost for most trees, medium to large size, averages between $400 and $1,200, with most people spending around $700. Stump removal is often a separate cost and averages between $200 and $300.

Size

If you have a tall tree, you should expect to pay higher than a much shorter tree. In the same way, a tree with a broader trunk will cost more than one with a smaller trunk.

Location

Removing a tree near a building or power line is more complicated and likely to cost much more. If the tree is located in a difficult-to-access terrain, you should expect to pay more. In addition to the increased risks, such locations would require us using special machinery and equipment to remove the tree safely.

Condition

Essentially, removing a fallen tree costs less than a standing tree. The only exception is if the fallen tree is on top of a building, in which additional safety equipment would be necessary to prevent further damage. If the tree is dead or dying and is located near a building, the cost will be higher, again, for the same reasons, and more safety equipment will be needed.