AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Burlington, VT

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Burlington?

Emerald Ash Borers are one of the largest concerns for tree owners in Burlington. The city itself sits just outside two Stop the Spread zones where Emerald Ash Borers have been found, but they are already in Crittenden County and trees as close as South Burlington are at risk. Although Crittenden County and the state of Vermont are working hard to prevent these invasive pests from spreading, everyone is concerned about the emergence of these insects in new areas of Vermont each year. Emerald Ash Borers are extremely difficult to detect until there is an infestation and at that point, all trees within 10 miles of the infestation are considered at risk.

These insects are a significant concern because their destruction of ash trees is so swift. A street of ash trees can be completely decimated in just a few years. Fortunately, the city of Burlington has already started taking preventative measures in case these insects make it into the city. The city has planted hundreds of trees that are not susceptible to these pests on streets and in parks, so the new trees will have time to mature before the Emerald Ash Borers kill the trees. By planting other varieties of trees and planning, the city is already working to mitigate any damage that could be caused by these invasive insects soon.

In addition, the urban forest in Burlington is under stress from several years of unusual weather. Wet winters and springs followed by warmer, longer summers have made this area of Vermont more susceptible to pressure from insects and fungi, which thrive in warm, wet weather. As climate change continues to progress, it remains to be seen how this added stress will affect trees in this area. In the meantime, it’s wise for homeowners to check their trees carefully for signs of infestations, stress, and diseases. This will help keep Burlington’s urban forest healthy so it can withstand the pressure of a warming climate in the future.

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

While homeowners are responsible for trees on their private land, the city of Burlington takes full responsibility for trees planted on streets and city parks. In total, it amounts to over 11,000 trees for citizens to enjoy, without the cost of paying for maintenance and removal. The city uses a four-year rotation to ensure trees are pruned and maintained throughout the city, and they inspect all trees in these areas twice a year, removing them if needed. If you have a tree in your right of way or in a city park adjacent to your property that needs attention, simply contact the Department of Parks and Recreation or the Trees and Greenways Team. If you aren’t sure if the tree is yours or the city’s, all trees maintained by the city can be found on this database so you’ll know if you or the city are responsible for a specific tree.

The city also has a volunteer organization, Branch Out Burlington, which helps residents of Burlington obtain affordable trees, plant new trees along Burlington streets, and provide trees for schools and non-profits. Volunteers of this organization also help keep a close watch for trees throughout the city that may cause hazards to residents.

All cities in Vermont have a Tree Warden, who helps prevent expensive tree removals by monitoring trees in public areas throughout the city. You can contact the Tree Warden or City Arborist if you have questions about a tree on your property or for advice when you plant a tree.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Burlington?

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are responsible for fallen tree removal on their property. However, waiting until a tree has fallen is usually the most expensive way to remove a tree, resulting in property damage, challenging tree removal, and possible injury. If a tree on your land looks unhealthy, talk to our arborists right away. Our experts can help you identify whether your tree is in bad condition or just needs a few branches removed for safety. They can also help diagnose potential disease and insect problems. In some cases, proper treatment may save the tree, allowing you to enjoy its shade for years to come. If you are worried about a tree on your property, fill out the form above and we’ll send an expert to assess the situation.

If you’re a renter?

The landlord is responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy environment for the renter. If you are renting a home and are worried about the condition of a tree on the property you are renting, contact your landlord right away. You must give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to fix the tree, but Vermont state law gives you several options for getting help with the problem if they do not fix the problem within a reasonable timeframe. Since tree removal is typically a major issue, you should not attempt to fix the problem yourself. Even for smaller issues, like pruning branches, it’s a good idea to contact the landlord to ensure everything is done properly and you aren’t held accountable if a tree is damaged by excessive pruning.

If you’re a landlord?

The state of Vermont holds landlords responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their tenants and this includes maintaining any trees on the property. It’s smart to inspect trees yourself or have our professionals check them at least once a year and after any major storms that may have caused tree damage. Vermont state law and several Burlington ordinances place responsibility on the landlord for maintaining the property, but they also provide technical and financial assistance to help you keep the property in excellent condition. 

If you’re a neighbor?

If you’re a neighbor, it’s best to work out a solution to any tree encroachment problems with your neighbor whenever possible. However, if you can’t work out an easy solution, you do have the right to trim any branches that overhang your property. Neighbors are allowed to trim trees up to the boundary line. It’s important to take care that you don’t destroy the tree in the process since it’s considered civil trespass to destroy a tree on someone else’s property in Vermont. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Burlington?

Burlington is primarily composed of sandy loam soils which are perfect for tree health. These soils drain fairly well and have plenty of nutrients. They make a wide variety of trees in this area easy to grow. However, these soils can become too dry during drought conditions so trees may need additional watering during dry spells.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Burlington?

Weather can affect tree health in Burlington, especially in the winter. Snow squalls from the city’s proximity to Lake Champlain are rare, but when they occur, they can bring up to 13 inches of snow in just 12 hours. These heavy snows can cause significant damage to branches in the Burlington area. Trees that are old, diseased, or in poor health are at high risk from these squalls. We also occasionally see tree damage from severe thunderstorms in Burlington, which can cause weak or dead branches to fall.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Burlington?

If you see a dead or dying tree near a powerline in Burlington, call the power company right away and let them know. They are responsible for assessing, inspecting, and removing trees that endanger their power lines. Do not try to prune or trim any branches that are close to a powerline yourself, as these lines are live and could cause serious injury or death if you come in contact with them. If you have power lines on your land, it’s best to avoid planting trees near them.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Burlington?

Tree removal in Burlington is a bit higher than the national average, with typical costs ranging from $340 – $1,910. On average, residents of Burlington pay about $925 to remove a tree. There are several reasons the cost is a bit higher in Burlington. Trees here generally are taller than those in most US cities and they are protected by the city, often requiring permits before removal can begin. 

Tree Height

With tall maple and oak trees growing in rich soil, trees in Vermont can grow very tall. To avoid damaging property, we carefully cut down trees in sections, starting at the top. Taller trees not only take more time to remove, they also require more safety equipment and crew members to remove them properly. Certain types of trees grow taller than others and those that grow tall very quickly can be more costly to remove. 

Getting a Permit

Shade trees are protected by the city of Burlington, even if they’re on private land, so you’ll usually need a permit to remove one. Most of the time, if a tree is in your backyard or it’s under 10 feet tall, you won’t need a permit, but beyond these two exceptions, they are typically required. Since trees in this area can grow large, deep roots, they may affect plumbing and utility lines. The city requires permits to ensure that plumbing and utility lines are kept safe if the tree is removed. Our expert arborists can help you determine whether you need a permit and help you obtain one if you need to remove a tree.

Access

Trees that are closer to a road or driveway are easier for our crews to access without damaging property, so easily accessible trees typically cost less to remove than those far from a drivable surface. In addition, the tree’s proximity to other structures, especially if it overhangs another building or fence, can increase the cost. In these cases, we must take additional precautions to avoid damaging the structures under the tree. Sometimes, special equipment may be needed to access the tree safely. This can drive up the cost for the homeowner. 

Overall, you’ll save the most money by getting your trees professionally pruned, maintained, and inspected by our experts at least once a year. This can save you money by catching problems early, so you can preserve your tree instead of removing it. For more help with tree services, contact us using the form above. Our experts can help you find the best solution for your trees in Burlington.