AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Culpeper County, VA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Culpeper County?

From fungal infections to aphid infestations, let’s cover the usual misfits of tree problems in this region of Virginia.

Boxwood Blight

Per Virginia Tech, Boxwood Blight is caused by the Calonectria pseudonaviculata fungus. This relatively new disease results in defoliation and decline of boxwood trees and has only been found in Virginia since 2011.

The “blight” spreads via contact with contaminated plant material, like planters, and by the use of contaminated gardening equipment. Pruning tools or gloves contaminated by the fungal spores can quickly spread this disease from one tree to an entire greenhouse or nursery. Furthermore, one infected boxwood can decimate an established population. 

Since boxwood greenery is sometimes used as holiday decor, the infection can also spread through retail locations and homes. 

The fungus can infect all aboveground portions of the boxwood tree. Symptoms are not always apparent until dark leaves’ spots merge to form unsightly brown blotches. The undersides of infected leaves show white sporulation after periods of high humidity. Ultimately, Culpeper County homeowners should avoid introducing new boxwoods to their established boxwood landscaping because it only takes one infected tool or leaf to destroy your beloved boxwoods.

Verticillium Wilt / “Maple Wilt”

Verticillium Wilt is another common and problematic fungus that kills maple trees and ornamentals in Culpeper County. The infection usually starts in the roots and works its way up, causing cankers and dieback. Common signs of maple wilt are scorched-looking leaves and diseased branches. Occasionally, olive-colored streaks are found in the sapwood.

• Maple wilt is hard to control because it persists in the soil indefinitely.
• Occasionally, an infected tree can “outgrow” the infected soil.

If your tree is struggling with Maple wilt, be sure to call us to prune back dead branches to improve its vigor. Just remember this fungal infection can be transmitted on pruning tools. If you prune your trees yourself, sterilize your tools with diluted bleach between cuts and between trees.

Does the City of Culpeper County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

We’ve scoured the Culpeper County official website and cannot find any assistance for homeowners regarding tree removal problems, nor any helpful funding.

Furthermore, the Culpeper County code of ordinance suggests that fallen trees could be considered dangerous solid debris, depending on their location and local complaints. Fallen trees that cause a disturbance — among children walking to school, for instance — should be attended to promptly. Otherwise, homeowners might face a fine.  

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Culpeper County?

Culpeper County has a reputation for friendly neighbors. The area is home to educated, upper-middle-income families, who might have cash on hand to pay for tree removal. 

Still, neighborhood fights do pop up when trees fall, especially when they cross multiple property lines. Let’s take a look at the duty of responsibility among Culpeper County residents when a tree does fall. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are always responsible for removing a tree that falls onto their property. It doesn’t matter where the roots are, or where the tree originated, or who paid to install an expensive mature tree. If it falls on your yard, tree removal is your responsibility. 

Your homeowner’s policy might pay for tree removal, especially if it causes damage to your home. You’ll still be responsible for a deductible and sometimes it makes more sense to pay for the removal out of pocket. Otherwise, you’ll create a claims history, and too many claims can cause your insurance premiums to increase. Call your insurer and think carefully about your decision. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters aren’t usually involved in tree removal in Culpeper County. If a tree falls at your rented property, call the landlord or property management company. They have insurance that should cover the tree removal. 

• One exception might be for larger agricultural lease agreements. If you lease land to farm it in Culpeper County, you might be responsible for tree removal on the leased property. Take a close look at your lease to find out. 

If the falling tree damages your personal belongings — say it falls onto your car parked in the driveway — your landlord’s insurance will cover it. This is called “liability,” and your landlord pays a premium for this coverage. 

If your landlord doesn’t have insurance, they still owe you a repaired car! Contact an attorney if you need help getting that done. 

If you’re a landlord?

As a landlord or property management company in Culpeper County, you are 100% responsible for tree removal at your commercial real estate. Again, it doesn’t matter where the tree originated, who paid for its installation, or where the roots lie. A fallen tree becomes your responsibility when it lands on your property. 

Your commercial insurance policy or landlord protector policy might cover the removal. However, if the tree is small and removal is affordable, it might make sense to pay for tree removal out of pocket rather than create a history of claims with your insurer. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Trees often fall across one, two, or three property lines! Hopefully, you have a good relationship with your neighbors and can agree to split removal costs accordingly. If the tree was in your neighbor’s yard but fell onto your home, contact your insurance company. Leave it to them to decipher “fault” or “liability” so you can maintain a positive relationship with your neighbor and get the tree removed. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Culpeper County?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published this 138-page soil survey of Culpeper County. Landscapers, real estate developers, and aspiring farmers can use it to discover the soil conditions at any address. 

• For now, know that Culpeper County lies on two physiographic provinces.
• The southeastern part of the county (Triassic) is mostly level, while the rest of the county has rolling hills and a few low mountains. 

Those rolling hills exist as the origin for tributaries (streams and creeks) that eventually join the rivers. The soil in valleys between hills might be too moist or marshy to grow certain species, and the soil on top of hills will tend to dry out quicker and drain well. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Culpeper County?

Yes, local weather always affects tree health, no matter what the location. Here in Culpeper County, the winters are brisk and cold (but not overly long). The area usually goes 188 days between the final winter freeze (usually around April 16) before the next hard frost kicks in (usually October 22 or so). That means plenty of time for vigorous growth during Virginia’s hot, relatively humid summers. 

This climate makes an ideal home for flowering fruit trees. Apple trees, peach trees, pear, and cherry trees all do well in Culpeper County. Apples are the most common among the farmed fruit trees, and apple-picking is a fall tradition here. 

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

Dead trees and power lines are a dangerous combination! Never approach them. Contact the local utility provider in Culpeper County and let the professionals handle it. 

Power companies in Culpeper County include:

• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
• Culpeper Light and Power Department. They’re located at 500 Electric Ave in Culpeper, and you can call them at (540) 825-8165
• The Town of Culpeper. You should call the Town if dead trees are near the power lines.

If you’re not sure which power company is responsible for the power line, reach out to law enforcement. 

Again, we cannot stress this enough, dead trees near power lines are extremely hazardous. They can catch fire, explode, cause power outages, and electrocutions. Stay far away from them and call the professionals. 

And finally, plan your future landscaping and trees with power lines in mind. Do not plant tall-growers near power lines and never attempt to cut a branch or trim your trees if they are growing close to the power lines. That’s a risky job best left to professionals. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Culpeper County?

Many factors affect the cost of tree removal in Culpeper County. The size and location of a tree matter and proximity to power lines, homes, and humans. Tree condition is essential too. Healthy trees cost less to remove. Let’s take a closer look. 

The Size of a Tree Matters Most

A tiny sapling might only cost a few hundred dollars to remove and usually aren’t worth a call to your homeowner’s insurance company. Most Culpeper residents choose to pay this out of pocket. 

Truly enormous trees, the 125-foot tall monsters will cost much more, even a few thousand dollars. 

Most trees are somewhere in the middle and can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to remove. 

Location and Surroundings

Some trees are easy to reach and that makes them easy for us to remove. But if a tree is on a steep slope, in a soggy marsh, or hanging dangerously over a home, it will cost more to remove. Consider the equipment involved in tree removal. If we can send one or two crewmembers out in a pickup truck, that will cost less than a job that needs eight laborers, two trucks, and a crane.

Tree Health

Healthy trees are easier to remove. If a tree is dead, dying, diseased, or infested, more equipment, labor, and time are involved. Dead and diseased trees are sometimes a safety hazard, so you may need to pay more to remove an unwell tree.