Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in New Richmond?
- 2 Does the City of New Richmond Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in New Richmond?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in New Richmond?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in New Richmond?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in New Richmond?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in New Richmond?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in New Richmond?
Trees in New Richmond are prone to several diseases and pests. Here are the most common problems we encounter:
Gypsy Moths
Before transforming into moths, the tiny caterpillars hungrily eat the leaves from over 300 different species of trees. If a tree is infested, the caterpillars can quickly defoliate an entire tree, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and other infestation. If you notice tiny caterpillars on your tree’s leaves, it’s important to call our arborists right away. We’ve found great success in using insecticides to rid trees of these pests so your trees can continue to thrive.
Oak Wilt
This fungal disease causes the leaves of oak trees to turn yellow and curl. The leaves will eventually fall from the tree and the crown will begin to die back. If left untreated, an oak tree can die in just a few months and the disease can quickly spread to surrounding oak trees through the tree’s roots. Fungicides can be very effective at preventing the spread of this disease, but once a tree has been infected, it will likely die and we’ll need to decide whether your tree is at risk of falling.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer is a significant threat to New Richmond’s ash trees. These beetles lay their eggs under the tree’s bark, and once they hatch, the larvae begin to eat at the tissue underneath, making them hard to spot. This disrupts the flow of nutrients and causes a tree to begin to die. If you notice branches that are beginning to die or you see beetles near your tree, have us check it out immediately. These pests can kill a tree in just a few years and they’ll quickly spread to other trees.
Does the City of New Richmond Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
New Richmond’s Public Works Department provides trimming services to all the trees located along city alleyways and rights-of-way. The crews work to eliminate branches that pose a hazard to pedestrians, cars, street lights, and signs. This service is provided at no charge to you. All the pruned branches will be mulched and dropped off at the city compost site with free pickup.
If a tree on your property needs to be removed, you can call us to arrange it. The city does not assist in the removal of trees on your private property. You do not need to obtain a permit to have a tree removed on your property.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in New Richmond?
When a tree falls, it’s important to know where your responsibility lies. Here are a few common scenarios so you can be prepared if a storm blows through and uproots a tree in your yard.
If you’re a homeowner?
Since you own your home and your property, you also own all the trees within your property lines. You are responsible for regularly pruning your trees and assessing them for signs of disease or infestation. If a tree falls during an unforeseen event, your homeowners insurance will pay to have it removed. You will only be responsible for paying the deductible.
If you’re a renter?
Renters get to enjoy freedom from responsibility when it comes to their homes and surrounding landscapes. If a tree falls, your landlord will be responsible for taking care of the cleanup. If your personal property was in the tree’s path, your landlord’s insurance will also pay to have it replaced. If the insurance company is being stubborn about payment, you may need to consult a lawyer for help.
If you’re a landlord?
Landlords own all the structures and surrounding landscapes on all their rental properties. That means you’re responsible for pruning and checking your trees for signs of a problem. If a tree should fall, your insurance will step in and pay for the damages that ensued and you will only be responsible for paying your deductible. If your insurance company can prove that you had knowingly neglected a hazardous tree, your premium will increase.
If you’re a neighbor?
When a tree falls across property lines, neighbors are left with a mess to clean up. But who is responsible for paying for the damages? In most cases, your homeowners insurance will pay to have a tree that falls onto your property removed, even if the tree belonged to your neighbor. In the same way, your neighbor’s insurance will pay to have a tree removed that falls onto their property. Now, if your insurance company can prove that your neighbor had neglected the tree that fell, they’ll probably go after your neighbor’s insurance company for payment.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in New Richmond?
The soil in New Richmond is called Antigo silt loam. This particular soil is so predominant in Wisconsin, it’s been named the official state soil. With an even mixture of clay, silt, and sand, this soil is well-drained and rich in nutrients. As you dig deeper, more sand will be present, causing water to drain more freely. Many plants and trees can grow very well in the Antigo soil and homeowners don’t need to do a whole lot to amend it.
This particular soil is prone to erosion since so much sand is present. If your soil is displaced during a heavy downpour, your tree’s roots can become exposed and the tree can become unbalanced and at risk of falling. To avoid this issue, you can add a thick layer of mulch around your tree’s base. This will help to keep soil in place when it rains or when snow begins to melt in the spring.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in New Richmond?
New Richmond winters are cold, frigid, and very snowy. The average American city receives about 28 inches of snow each winter, but New Richmond sees over 50 inches. Heavy snowfall and ice can weigh down branches, causing them to snap under the pressure. Most often, we’re called to remove dead trees and branches that have fallen during a snowstorm. It’s very uncommon for a healthy tree to succumb to the snow and ice. The best way to prep your trees for winter is by pruning away dead branches while the weather is still warm. Check your trees for signs of disease or infestation and have us treat them before winter hits. If your trees are healthy and strong, they’ll be able to withstand each Wisconsin winter with ease.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in New Richmond?
New Richmond Utilities is a locally owned company that provides electric service to homeowners in the city. The company sends crews out to maintain trees that are near the main power lines throughout New Richmond. If you notice tree branches that are encroaching on your main power line, contact NRU by calling (715) 246-4167 or email them at customerservice@newrichmondwi.gov.
If tree branches are beginning to interfere with your service line, you may need to call us to prune them, at your expense. NRU does not prune branches near service lines, but they’re happy to shut off your power supply while you’re taking care of the problem. Just give them a call ahead of time.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in New Richmond?
Tree removal in New Richmond costs around $600 on average, but it can vary between $200 and $1,980. If you need to have a tree removed, we’ll consider a few factors to determine your specific price. Let’s discuss three of the biggest factors that will determine your final cost.
Tree Size
It may seem obvious, but the bigger your tree and the more foliage it has, the more it’s going to cost to have it removed. When calculating a quote, our arborists will measure your tree’s height as well as the diameter of its trunk. We’ll use these numbers to determine your final cost.
This will probably be the biggest determining factor in the cost since small trees can be removed for as little as $200 and large trees can cost over $2,000.
Tree Location
If your tree is in an open space, it’s going to be easy to access and remove. If, on the other hand, your tree is near your home or power lines, we’ll have to take additional measures to bring it down safely. These added obstacles will directly affect the price of tree removal.
We’ll also consider your tree’s accessibility. If it’s located in a spot that’s difficult to reach, we’ll need to take additional steps to get our equipment to the worksite, and that’s going to cost a little more.
Stump Grinding
Our arborists typically don’t include stump grinding in the cost of tree removal, but we’re happy to do it for you at an additional charge. Generally, it’ll cost you more to rent a stump grinder and attempt to take care of it yourself than it would cost to have us take care of while we’re on site.
