Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Waynesboro?
- 2 Does the City of Waynesboro Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Waynesboro?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Waynesboro?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Waynesboro?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Waynesboro?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Waynesboro?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Waynesboro?
Waynesboro is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The town is surrounded by Augusta County and is named for General Anthony Wayne. Although Waynesboro attracts tourists from all around the country with its vast attractions, many people may not realize that Waynesboro is known for its natural beauty, gorgeous plants, and enticing outdoor adventures. Since the City is located at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and the Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the town is divinely placed among adventure and scenic drives that will fulfill anyone’s must-haves.
For these reasons, it is not a surprise that Waynesboro residents will do anything they can to protect their foliage and ensure it stays safe all year round. However, before they can take the actions needed to keep their trees and plants safe, they first need to learn more about some of the common tree diseases the area often has to deal with.
Powdery Mildew
This condition infects the dogwood trees, creating gray and bright white patches covering the tree’s leaves. Powdery mildew is often related to the weather and is not that serious. However, as powdery mildew spores spread across the top of the leaves, they can slow down the plant’s growth, and ultimately if the infection is severe enough, it can reduce the fruit yield and the quality of the fruit.
Dogwood Anthracnose
Dogwood anthracnose is a disease that is most common in moist conditions and can typically be found in the area. Signs of the disease include tan and purple rimmed leaf spots, brown blotches, and dead leaves. Although simple leaf spotting is often less severe, it is essential to note that this condition can kill the tree.
Beech Bark Disease
The beech bark disease is a condition that causes death and defects in beech trees in the eastern United States, Europe, and Canada. However, in North America, this disease generally occurs after extensive bark invasion by the beech scale insect. Beech bark disease often leads to early decline and can make trees more susceptible to other organisms.
Does the City of Waynesboro Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Waynesboro takes great pride in making sure that trees planted on city property are well taken care of. This includes ensuring that the trees stay in the best possible health.
As a general rule, if a tree is between a sidewalk and a city-maintained curb, street, or between a water meter and the street, the City owns it. This means that the City will be responsible for determining if the tree needs to be removed or not.
If you want to report a problem with a city-owned tree, it is vital that you contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 540-942-6735, and leave your name, address, phone number, and exact location of the tree.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Waynesboro?
In Waynesboro, property owners are responsible for maintaining their plants, flowers, and trees. Yet, if a tree falls, determining whether or not the property owner is accountable for the costs associated with removing the fallen tree may not be as clear-cut as many people expect it to be. Take, for example, the following scenarios:
If You’re a Homeowner?
If a tree falls because of natural causes such as a severe storm, the property owner of the place where the tree has fallen is often responsible for removing the tree. However, since property owners are also accountable for taking reasonable care of their trees, they may be held liable for any damage to another person’s property if they did not take care of their tree. For instance, if a property owner notices that their trees show signs of weakness or instability, they must take action within a reasonable period to correct these issues.
If You’re a Renter?
In general, a renter and a landlord will enter into a property agreement contract before the renter moves into the rental property. This agreement will often discuss the party’s different responsibilities and how each will take care of the property. However, suppose problems arise that are not mentioned in the contract. In that case, the landlord will usually be responsible for making necessary repairs, while the renter will maintain and clean the property. Consequently, if a tree falls on the property, it will likely go beyond the renter’s responsibility and become an issue for the landlord.
If You’re a Landlord?
As discussed above, the landlord is often held responsible for fallen tree costs unless the property agreement indicates otherwise. Yet, before these landlords take care of the issue themselves, they need first to contact their own insurance company. Quite often, if a tree falls because of a natural cause, the policy may cover the damage unless it does not cover “acts of God.”
If You’re a Neighbor?
Since Virginia follows the legal theory of negligence when it comes to fallen trees, the property owner from where the fallen tree originated will only be liable for a fallen tree if they knew or should have known that the tree was sick, unsteady, or dangerous. As a result, if the tree falls because of a strong storm or heavy winds, the property owner will not be liable for the costs associated with the fallen tree, such as the removal expenses.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Waynesboro?
The state soil of Virginia is known as Pamunkey soil, which is found primarily in the coastal plans and Piedmont. These soils are often very well-drained, very deep, and were first used to sustain the Pamunkey Indians and many other tribes. In fact, because of their high natural fertility and high crop yields, these soils were one of the main reasons why Jamestown settlements survived.
Pamunkey soils are prime agriculture soils in Virginia. However, they are not the only ones. In truth, most of the soils in Virginia are legendary, and agronomists and farmers travel from all over to come to Virginia to enjoy the quality, variety, and quantity of Virginian soil.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Waynesboro?
Virginia’s climate tends to be humid, subtropical, meaning that residents in Waynesboro often enjoy hot summers and relatively mild but crisp winters. Best of all, since rainfall remains moderate throughout the year, it makes the location an ideal tree-growing oasis. Yet, before gardeners start planting just any type of tree in Waynesboro, it is still essential to plant tree varieties that can handle this changing climate, such as:
- Eastern Redbud
- Honey Locust
- Longleaf Pine
- Loblolly Pine
- Virginia Pine
- Bald Cypress
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Waynesboro?
In Waynesboro, utility companies such as Dominion Energy are responsible for managing trees and plants near power lines. This means the company needs to cut trees and brush adjacent to the areas around the power lines to maintain safe, reliable, and economical electric service and provide quick access to crews during maintenance work and service restoration.
Dominion Energy follows the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations for tree trimming practices, which arborists like ours and other tree care experts support. These methods ensure future tree growth happens away from power lines and makes sure that the remaining limbs are left intact. Although the trimming may appear drastic at first, it results in healthier trees long-term since fewer cuts are used.
That is why if you have any issues with trees coming into contact with your power lines, it is essential to reach out to a Dominion Energy representative at 866-366-4357 to find out more about how they can help you.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Waynesboro?
In Waynesboro, there are a variety of factors that can affect tree removal costs. However, in general, some of the more critical factors you need to stay aware of include the size of the tree, the tree’s overall health, and the area surrounding the tree.
The Tree’s Height and Size
The overall tree size will be the most substantial factor in figuring out tree removal costs in Waynesboro. For example, the average cost to remove a tree will range anywhere from $150 to $1,900. However, small trees that are no more than 30 feet tall are usually thinner in diameter and easier and safer for our arborists to manage. Consequently, removal of a small tree can cost anywhere from under $150 to $450. On the other hand, trees between 60 and 80 feet tall can start at $900 to cut down, but prices may go upwards of $2,000 in some cases as the height and diameter increase the costs.
The Area Surrounding the Tree and Its Accessibility
Another factor you need to consider is the tree’s accessibility and the terrain surrounding the tree. For instance, if a tree is located on a challenging slope, behind a garden or a fence, or near power lines, these elements can increase the removal project’s final costs. These factors can create various issues that will impact how our tree removal experts will need to cut down the tree.
The Tree’s Overall Health
If a tree is dead, diseased, or at risk of falling over, then our experts may need to use special equipment and specific precautions to ensure that injury is prevented as the tree is being removed. However, if this special care is required, then the job’s overall costs will often increase as a result.
