Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Common Tree Issues in Bellevue?
- 2 Does the City of Bellevue Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Bellevue?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Bellevue?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Bellevue?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Bellevue?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Bellevue?
What Are the Common Tree Issues in Bellevue?
Observing your tree’s wellness proactively helps to minimize damage from common tree pests and diseases in Bellevue. Top on the list of common tree diseases is the annosus root disease. This fungal infection is common in conifers, where it causes roots and tree butts to decay. Dying roots cause a steady decline in tree health, predisposing trees to multiple secondary infections that eventually kill the trees. Pines, redwoods, incense cedars, hemlocks, and sequoia trees are most susceptible to this disease.
Property owners in Bellevue also have to deal with the menace of the Swiss needle cast. The fungal disease has affected thousands of trees since the 90s. Swiss needle cast is also responsible for one of North America’s largest foliage disease epidemics. Severe infections often result in reduced growth and discolored crowns. Such symptoms usually become worse during wet conditions and mild temperatures.
Pest damage is an equally challenging tree problem for property owners. The Japanese beetle ranks high among emerging pests in Bellevue. The noisy flying insect is known to skeletonize leaves of different trees during the summer months. The Ash whitefly also affects trees in the area. Excessive whitefly feeding often causes tree defoliation and premature fruit drops. However, only severe infestations will result in the death of the host plant.
Besides the common pests and diseases in the area, Bellevue trees are also susceptible to molds, insects, fire, and harsh weather conditions. Tree Triage’s specialists can help you resolve your tree issues and ensure that you maintain healthy trees on your property. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you notice any complex tree issues.
Does the City of Bellevue Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The city of Bellevue has put in place codes that guide tree removal projects. Before cutting or removing trees, you may need to consult the city’s tree removal guidelines to ensure that you remain compliant with the city’s codes. Overall, these tree guidelines guide the city’s forestry programs while defining the responsibility of public and private trees. You could also consult these regulations if you need guidance concerning the management of trees in the area.
Bellevue city officials are responsible for removing trees on public property. It is advisable to refer to your property title report if you’re unsure whether a tree is on public property. Specific tree removal projects may also require a permit. Situations that require a tree removal permit include:
- Trees that are on the city’s right of way
- Trees on the commercial or multi-family zoned property
- Removal of more than five significant trees (at least eight inches in diameter)
- Removing trees in a retained vegetation area
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Bellevue?
Liability for fallen tree removal varies by state and municipality. Urban areas usually have higher standards than rural areas, especially with regards to inspecting trees on property lines. Tree removal responsibility often falls on the property owner according to Bellevue laws.
Besides handling the tree removal project, private property owners in Bellevue will also need to restore any damage to the property involved. Here’s what you need to do about this issue in line with homeowners, renters, landlords, and neighbors.
If you’re a homeowner?
Property owners are usually responsible for removing trees that fall on their property. However, if you know that your tree was dead or diseased before it fell, the law may hold you responsible for damage caused to another’s property. Work with an arborist to examine trees regularly and identify potential hazards. Always consult our tree removal professionals to help you with your tree removal project.
If you’re a renter?
If you rent property in Bellevue, WA, the city’s laws do not hold you responsible for removing trees that fall on the property. The landlord or property owner will need to take care of tree removal. This situation may change if the renter does something that resulted in the fallen tree. In such instances, the landlord will need to prove that the renter was responsible.
If you’re a landlord?
Bellevue property owners are responsible for pruning, trimming, and maintaining trees and shrubs on their property. Before you begin removing trees from your property, ensure that you contact your insurance company to clarify and support the matter. The lease agreement should also guide you, especially when it comes to tree trimming. Overall, landlords should cut down overhanging branches and diseased trees before they cause much damage to their property.
If you’re a neighbor?
In Bellevue, tree ownership usually depends on whose property a tree trunk stands entirely on. Property owners, therefore, can trim branches that encroach on their property as long as they remain within specific set guidelines. However, it is essential to keep an open communication line with your neighbor. If a neighboring tree falls on your property, you may need to inspect the fallen tree to determine if the owner was negligent about visible decays. If the tree owner were not negligent, you would be responsible for clearing the tree on your property.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Bellevue?
Bellevue mainly comprises deep and well-drained soils that line up the city’s flood plains. Different areas in the city also have the silt loam across pasture elevations. This soil retains more moisture and supports the growth of most tree species in the region. With such soil, roots in the area spread out quickly and support healthy tree development.
Compacted soil in the area holds the trees firmly in the ground, especially in the wake of strong winds and hurricanes. Before you set out to plant trees in Bellevue, ensure that you or one of our experts analyzes your soil’s composition to find out which tree species have a chance of doing well. Planting your trees on the unhealthy ground can impede their growth.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Bellevue?
Changing weather and climate patterns in Bellevue affect the tree’s health in different ways. The overall effect will depend on water availability, soils, species diversity, and stand vigor. Strong winds in Western Washington often cause havoc to trees in the area. The intense weather is usually responsible for falling trees, resulting in massive damage and service disruption across the city.
Planting winter trees with attractive foliage and form ensures that your tree’s gardens brave the winter cold. Property owners could also opt for sturdy shrubs which stand the test of time with ease. Sequoia trees, on the other hand, are ideal for homeowners looking for drought-tolerant trees. Many native trees like western hemlock and red cedar have succumbed to drought stress which makes them susceptible to fungal diseases. Sequoia trees offer an alternative to increasing Bellevue’s tree canopy.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Bellevue?
Bellevue utility power companies have certified contractors who can clear branches and fallen trees near power lines to maintain safe and reliable electric service. The city adopted the National Electrical Safety Code, which requires electric utilities to trim trees near power lines. Trees that are near power line structures often cause a significant electrocution hazard to people in the proximity.
Applicable safety codes require utility companies to implement inspection schedules to assess their power lines’ conditions. During these inspections, power companies should trim trees near power lines to reduce the risk of branches breaking off and falling on power lines during snowstorms. Once the utility company cuts the loosely hanging trees, property owners may have to pay for the clean-up services on their property. We can help you with that!
If you notice a tree that dangerously hovers over power lines in Bellevue, you may need to call our specialists to assess the situation.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Bellevue?
On average, you may need to pay $500 to complete a successful tree removal project in Bellevue. Given that each tree removal job is different, pricing often depends on various factors like the job’s difficulty level and the time needed to complete it, and your total may fall below that average or closer to $1,800 for larger jobs. Residents may have to pay more for larger trees, areas that are not easily accessible, and projects that require special tools and equipment. Here are other factors that affect tree removal costs in Bellevue.
Tree Height
Removing small trees like Dogwood or Russian Olive often costs less than removing larger trees like Pine or Red Oak. Typically, we charge you between $100 and $500 for smaller trees. Larger trees, on the other hand, will cost you anything from $400 to $1,800 or more. In most cases, removing tall trees requires more care and consideration. Our tree specialists will spend more time removing such trees and will charge you depending on the time taken for each project. These costs often take into account the machinery and instruments required to remove the main truck.
Location
Removing trees located close to buildings or power lines is always a delicate endeavor. You will need the help of our experienced professionals to ensure that the tree does not damage or fall on the adjacent structures. Our tree removal specialist may need to rent other equipment, which will increase the procedure’s overall cost. We may also charge you more if your property is located out of the way or in a remote area. Our professionals often visit your site to evaluate your tree’s state and guarantee access to the tree.
Additional Services
Besides the tree removal process, you may need to consider other additional services. Our standard tree removal service doesn’t include stump removal. You may have to pay a little extra for our tree specialists to remove the tree’s stump.
Request a quote from our tree removal experts to find an estimate for your tree removal project in Bellevue.