AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Lynchburg, VA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lynchburg?

One of the most devastating tree issues in the whole of Lynchburg: the Chestnut Blight. The American chestnut tree — a reliable, late-flowering, productive tree — was a crucial component of the entire eastern Virginia ecosystem until the infestation of the blight in 1914.

The Chestnut Blight, imported to the US on Asian chestnut trees (which are actually resistant to the disease), is a fungus spread via spores in the air, animals, or raindrops. What makes the eradication of this disease extremely difficult is the sheer number of infected trees in Lynchburg, VA, and the fact that blights are sometimes difficult to discern.

Another tree issue that continues to wreak havoc in Lynchburg has to do with the Dogwoods. In 2014, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute first reported cases of the Dogwood Anthracnose in Lynchburg, and the disease has since become a teething issue. Generally, a dogwood tree infected with anthracnose will develop dark spots with a tar-like appearance on the leaves as well as wilted, distorted, and curled foliage. If left unchecked, the disease spreads to other parts, eventually killing the Dogwood. 

Other than these two deadly diseases, the other issue giving Lynchburg tree owners nightmares is the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). First discovered in Virginia in 2002, this wood-boring beetle destroys ash trees regardless of their age, health, or size. Entomology Today reported that the most noticeable loss of ash occurred within five years of EAB’s discovery, making it an equally devastating tree issue in Lynchburg. The Department of Agriculture has a very helpful fact sheet regarding the EAB, so be sure to call in our arborists if you suspect your ash trees have been infested.

While other diseases and issues (including fire, sudden oak death, oak wilt, and thousand cankers) affect Lynchburg trees, the three above are by far the most serious. If you suspect your trees are suffering from diseases and other issues highlighted here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Tree Triage. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to salvage your infested trees — so act while you still can!

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

Yes, to some extent. Generally, the City of Lynchburg’s Tree Ordinances provides the framework for managing and safeguarding the community forests. More specifically though, these ordinances exist to protect public property as well as the general public from trees that pose a safety hazard. Only in such a scenario will the City pay for the expense of tree removal.

However, in instances where a tree is obstructing the view of vehicles and pedestrians, the City places the cost of having the tree removed squarely on the property owner or occupant. All this is described under Sec 34-8 of the Code of Ordinances.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lynchburg?

If a tree has fallen on private property in Lynchburg, VA, the responsibility of removing the tree lies with the owner. The same responsibility extends to the restoration of their or other properties. But this is easier said than done. So to help you wrap your head around this contentious issue, we’ve fleshed it out in four different perspectives: the homeowner, a renter, landlord, and neighbor.

If you’re a homeowner?

It goes without saying that if you’re a homeowner and there is a fallen tree within your property, the tree removal expense is on you. But before that, have a peek at your homeowner’s insurance policy first. Most policies will cover tree removal expenses up to the policy limits.

However, if a tree comes down in your yard during a storm without causing any damage to your house or structures, your homeowner’s policy will not pay for debris removal. You’re solely responsible for the removal of the fallen tree. 

If you’re a renter?

If you’re a tenant in the Lynchburg Virginia area, and a tree has fallen in your yard, who should bear the cost of removing the debris? The short answer is the landlord or the legal owner of the said property. 

However, if the landlord can prove (to the court) that the tree fell due to the tenant’s direct actions, he or she might just get off the hook. The removal expense would consequently shift to the renter.

If you’re a landlord?

The responsibility of removing, pruning, trimming, or otherwise maintaining a tree or shrub on any rented property falls on the shoulders of the person or persons owning the property. If you own rentals and would like further clarity on this issue, feel free to go over the City of Lynchburg Zoning Ordinance.

If you’re a neighbor?

When an oak topples in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, who cares? But when a neighbor’s tree falls on your Lynchburg property, you’ll care. In fact, you’ll be itching to know whose insurance policy will pay for the tree removal. The short answer? Tap into your own homeowner’s insurance policy. After all, it’s your responsibility, your mess. And for the sake of fostering lifelong relationships with your neighbors, don’t add fuel to the fire by suing them — consider handling the matter cordially between yourselves.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lynchburg?

Lynchburg is essentially located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River. The proximity to this mighty river perhaps explains why the soil in Lynchburg, otherwise known as Pamunkey Soil, is made up of sediments from all over the state. As you’ll find out in this elaborate research by the Soil Science Society of America, Pamunkey soil is typically very deep, well-drained, fertile, and has a dark brown fine sandy loam surface layer. 

So, how do these soils affect trees in Lynchburg? Well, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, loamy soils — which make up the biggest composition of Pamunkey soils — are the most ideal for tree growth. And not just any trees, hardwoods. Meanwhile, four of the most abundant street tree species in Lynchburg are hardwood. Coincidence? We think not.

In terms of resistance to strong winds and hurricanes, Lynchburg trees fare pretty well. There’s just enough compacted soil in the area to hold the root system in place, making tree displacement a rarity in this side of Virginia. Still, there’s a need to take caution when planting trees, shrubs, or bushes. Do thorough research of the soil in the area in which you intend to do the planting. Be sure to check out Virginia Tech if you need advanced soil testing and sampling in Lynchburg, VA.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lynchburg?

Owing to the fact that Lynchburg is somewhat a mountainside community, it’s no surprise that the weather leaves a lasting impact on the general tree health in this area. The summers, in particular, are extremely warm and muggy, which paves the way for the spread of one of the deadliest tree diseases in the area: the Chestnut blight. In this PMC article, researchers reveal that extreme summer weather does contribute to the spread of blight amongst hardwoods. 

Winters in Lynchburg — which last for three months — leave behind equally devastating effects on the health of trees. Low moisture levels in the air and soil during these 91 days create an arid environment. And evergreens are especially vulnerable to winter burn. With less water available to the tree during the winter period, the tree takes moisture from its own cells. This inevitably leads to damage as well as red or brown foliage. So yes, the weather does affect tree health in Lynchburg, VA.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lynchburg?

Downed trees on or near power lines have become a common sight in Lynchburg, and it’s the one thing homeowners dread the most. Not to mention the complications of the dead tree itself. If you notice a dead tree on a power line or one that poses a threat to power lines or overall safety, it’s prudent to report the matter to the necessary authorities immediately.

The Virginia Department of Transportation’s website provides the ideal avenue to report downed trees in the road or fallen power lines. If you can’t access the site and need to report an urgent road problem related to a downed tree/power line, feel free to get in touch with them through their emergency number.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lynchburg?

Let’s not pretend like we don’t know this fact: tree removal is anything but cheap. If you live in Lynchburg, be prepared to part with between $263 and $2,132 for a single project. The average cost is around $640. Whichever way you look at it, you’re bound to spend a pretty penny on tree removal services on this side of Virginia.

Now, let’s look at some of the factors that can inflate your tree removal expenses in Lynchburg even further.

Accessibility

Removals where it’s difficult to access the tree or where there is a home or building underneath will make the costs go up. More so, if there is heavy machinery involved in the process. For example, it’d cost you upwards of $1,000 to have a tree removed using a crane or any other machine of that build.

Size

Another factor that impacts the removal price is the actual size of the tree. The rationale here is simple: the bigger the tree, the higher the removal costs.

Below are some tree removal prices based on size:

• Small tree (up to 30 feet): $150-$400
• Medium tree (30 to 60 feet): $450-$700
• Large tree (60 to 100 feet) $900-$1,200
• Very large tree (100 feet +): $1,300-$2,000+

Things That Can Cost More or Less

Your tree removal costs in Lynchburg can get more expensive if: 

• You have a rather large tree (especially in terms of diameter)
• The tree is healthy and strong
• There are many risks for damages to occur when removing the tree
• There’s complex and heavy machinery involved
• The tree needs to be removed on holiday or non-business hours

Also, there are some instances where you might have to pay less than the quoted amount for your tree removal. This happens if:

• You have a smaller tree
• There is no heavy equipment involved during the removal
• The tree is easy to access
• The tree is removed in the offseason
• The tree is weak and in a deteriorated condition