Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Wenatchee?
- 2 Does the City of Wenatchee Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Wenatchee?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Wenatchee?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Wenatchee?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Wenatchee?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Wenatchee?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Wenatchee?
With so many incredible trees throughout Wenatchee, it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues they may face. The prevalence of conifers in this region means that trees are particularly at risk from pests and diseases that target pines or firs. Here are a few pests and diseases that often impact plant life in this area.
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth
In 2019, Chelan County saw its second consecutive year of Douglas-fir tussock moth damage, with approximately 5,000 acres of forest impacted. Tussock moths can cause significant defoliation on infested conifers. When concentrated in large numbers due to an outbreak, this pest can also cause allergic reactions in humans and pets.
Western Pine Beetle
The western pine beetle will attack Coulter and ponderosa pines. It carries a fungus which it brings into the tree as it chews through the bark. This fungus will block the tree’s vascular system, causing the foliage to wilt and eventually die.
Laminated Root Rot
This disease severely impacts Douglas-firs in this area, although it can also attack white fir, Pacific silver fir, and mountain hemlock. It will typically affect large patches of trees at once and can be spotted when the crown of infected trees begins to thin and become yellow. However, internal decay can be so severe that the tree will fall before the appearance of external symptoms.
Does the City of Wenatchee Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If there is a tree on public property posing a nuisance, it is the responsibility of Wenatchee officials to trim or remove it as needed. In this city, a tree is defined as a nuisance if it meets any of the following criteria:
- Branches are less than 10 feet above the sidewalk
- Branches are less than 13 feet above the curb line
- Branches are less than 16 feet above a roadway
- Roots interfere with the surface of a street or sidewalk
Trees on public property can also become hazardous if they have fallen, appear diseased, or are obscuring signage. If you spot a city tree causing infrastructure problems, you can contact the Wenatchee Downtown Association at (509) 662-0059. If you see a tree in a park or along the street that you think needs to be pruned or removed, you can contact the Parks Department at (509) 888-3284.
However, if you are trying to remove a tree on your property, the City of Wenatchee does not typically assist. Because this is considered standard property maintenance, you will remain responsible for the care and removal of trees in your yard.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Wenatchee?
A tree falling is always a stressful event, and the last thing you want to do is have to worry about who is responsible for handling the removal. Whose responsibility it is will typically depend on who owns the land and why the tree fell. Here’s what you need to know about fallen tree removal in each of these common scenarios:
If You’re a Homeowner?
In most of the country, including Washington, the person who owns the property will be responsible for maintaining and removing trees as needed. This means that if you are a homeowner and a tree falls on your property, you must arrange for its removal. Typically, insurance companies will help you cover these costs if the tree fell due to an act of God such as a storm or fire. However, if the tree was diseased or dead before it fell, you may be held liable for any damages.
If You’re a Renter?
Fortunately, renters will not typically have to pay for fallen tree removal in Wenatchee. Because you are not the property owner, your landlord will be responsible in this scenario. The only exception is if your lease has a clause stating that you are responsible for the care and maintenance of the landscape, but this is relatively uncommon.
If You’re a Landlord?
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to maintain each of your properties properly. This responsibility includes promptly removing fallen trees. Provided that the tree was adequately cared for before it fell, it is unlikely that you will be held liable for any damages.
If You’re a Neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, it seems logical that your neighbor would be the one responsible for its removal. Unfortunately, however, this is not the case. Once the tree is on your property, you are responsible for removing it. The only potential exception is if your neighbor was aware that the tree was diseased or decaying before it fell, as this may prove negligence and thus require your neighbor to arrange for the tree’s removal.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Wenatchee?
The soil in this area is mainly silty and sandy and contains low amounts of organic matter. In Wenatchee, the ground also struggles to hold water. It is essential to provide trees with regular irrigation throughout the summer months to ensure they do not dry out. It is also vital to regularly fertilize the soil to compensate for the lack of natural nutrients in this area.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Wenatchee?
Although much of Washington provides a wet, mild climate, Chelan County is slightly less welcoming for plant life. Temperatures here can rise above 100° F in the summer and can drop as low as -15° F in the winter. Depending on where in the City you are located, you may be in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, 6b, or 7a. Additionally, Wenatchee will generally get only 8 to 11 inches of precipitation every year.
This combination of harsh temperatures and low precipitation may hurt tree health if the gardener is unprepared to care for trees in this climate. It is essential to provide high amounts of irrigation in the summer, allowing the water enough time to penetrate deeply into the soil. Keeping the grass at approximately 3 inches during the summer can also help shade the roots of trees, keeping them cooler.
Provided that these conditions are met, trees can perform very well in this climate. Trees that thrive in Wenatchee include:
- Amur maple
- Dwarf Japanese red pine
- Ginkgo
- White fir
- Eastern red cedar
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Wenatchee?
If you spot a dead tree near a power line, it is essential to stay away from it. Trees located near power lines often pose a significant safety risk. If any part of the tree is touching the line, the tree may become energized, meaning that it may catch fire or become an electrocution risk to anyone who touches it. Dead trees near power lines are hazardous, as they are more likely to fall. If a tree falls and brings the power lines down, this can result in widespread power outages and dangerous exposed wires.
Because this is such a severe problem requiring a specific type of training to resolve, your local electric utility company is responsible for monitoring any trees near power lines in their area of coverage. In Wenatchee, Chelan PUD performs regular maintenance and tree trimming to reduce the risk of safety hazards. Technicians will handle the removal of dead trees on public property, although you will still be responsible for pruning trees near any secondary power lines on your property. In this case, we can contact Chelan PUD to have them temporarily disconnect these power lines so that we can safely prune or remove trees on your property. If you would like to have your power line temporarily disconnected, or you need to report a hazardous tree on public property, contact the PUD forestry program manager at (509) 661-4508.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Wenatchee?
Tree removal is highly individual, making it challenging to predict costs accurately. Typically, homeowners in Wenatchee can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to over $2,000. However, these costs can shift significantly depending on several factors.
Small Trees vs. Large Trees
Small trees will almost always be much more affordable to remove than large trees. Towering trees with expansive canopies are beautiful, but they take a significantly longer time to remove safely. Our crew members will often have to remove these trees in sections and require more equipment and a careful, detailed plan to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Urgency of the Job
Some tree removals are pretty standard, making it easy to plan. However, emergencies can happen — and when they do, it is vital to respond right away regardless of the time of day. If a tree has fallen on a building or car or is blocking a major road, our crew members must arrive quickly to resolve the problem. As this type of situation often requires our specialists to work off-hours in unique and unpredictable conditions, emergency tree removals will typically be more expensive.
Health of the Tree
Diseased trees often require our crew members to follow specific safety protocols. This type of tree tends to be pretty weak, making it essential to proceed with an abundance of caution when removing it. Additionally, depending on the type of disease, our crew members must follow specific safety measures during tree removal and during disposal of the wood to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to nearby plant life.
