Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in St. Croix County?
- 2 Does the City of St. Croix County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in St. Croix County?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in St. Croix County?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in St. Croix County?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in St. Croix County?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in St. Croix County?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in St. Croix County?
Before the settlement of St. Croix County, the region was heavily forested except for prairie lands that extended through the middle of the county. Tree species included sugar maple, oak, ash, basswood, red oak, and white pine.
Insects are the most common threat to trees in St. Croix County. The Asian gypsy moth causes serious damage by laying hundreds of eggs that turn into voracious caterpillars. Trees with weak limbs, signs of deterioration, and unseasonal loss of foliage are most likely a victim of this invasive pest. Yellowish fuzzy egg masses on the leaves, branches, and trunk are a sure sign of infestation.
The Asian longhorned beetle is another insect that can cause catastrophic damage to the trees of this region. Early detection is the best form of defense against this pest. Look for chewed round holes in the tree bark, sawdust around the tree base, yellowing leaves, and round pencil-sized holes. Let us know if you suspect an infestation, so we can eradicate the insect before tree removal becomes necessary.
The Emerald Ash Borer Beetle is commonly found in St. Croix County and is causing widespread devastation to ash trees around the country. Signs of infestation include wilted foliage, D-shaped exit holes in the bark, shoots at the tree base, and the unusual presence of woodpeckers. If you suspect an infestation, contact the USDA to report ash tree damage and help prevent the spread of this invasive species.
Does the City of St. Croix County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
According to the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances Lands Use and Development, “removing trees that pose an imminent safety hazard to persons or structures” is permitted in the Riverway District without a permit.
A Tree Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible nursery tree growers and orchardists affected by a natural disaster. Resources are available for the rehabilitation or replanting of affected trees.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in St. Croix County?
If a storm or unexpected natural disaster causes a tree to fall on your property, we recommend contacting your insurance company to discuss coverage for any damages incurred. The following information will help you determine who is responsible for the costs associated with residential tree removal.
If you’re a homeowner?
According to Wisconsin state zoning laws, a homeowner is responsible for all damages associated with a fallen tree only if they were negligent in proper tree maintenance. Property owners must maintain all trees at their residences to avoid unforeseen problems with insurance claims.
If a tree with no prior issues falls due to natural causes, the homeowner is not liable for damages. Most insurance companies will cover all losses incurred from a fallen tree that results from an “Act of God.”
If you’re a renter?
As a tenant of a rental property, you are not responsible for tree removal costs. Your only obligation is to notify the landlord of any potential issues so they can correct the problem. If a tree falls due to a natural occurrence, the landlord’s insurance company will cover any damage incurred to your personal property. Renter’s insurance is highly recommended in case the landlord does not have adequate coverage.
If you’re a landlord?
According to local landlord laws, you do not have to pay for tree removal to improve the overall appearance of the rental property. However, if the tree is a threat to the property and has the potential to cause damage, you must rectify the problem immediately.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to incur all costs associated with tree removal and the tenant cannot be held responsible unless they intentionally caused the damage.
If you’re a neighbor?
If a tree belonging to your neighbor falls and causes damage to your property, contact your insurance company to file a claim. If one of your trees falls on their property, the neighbor will file a claim with their provider.
If the fallen tree was damaged before it fell, the insurance claim could be denied, and an attorney may have to become involved. That is why it is important to maintain all trees on your property and make sure any diseased or dead trees are removed before they unexpectedly fall and cause substantial damage.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in St. Croix County?
It is helpful to understand the type of soil found on your property, as it is indicative of how your landscaping will respond in varying conditions.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) completed a soil survey for St. Croix County. By determining the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil in the region, we are able to identify the best use of soil on your property to promote healthy tree growth.
The survey suggests the soil in St. Croix County is difficult to manage as it varies from “heavy, poorly drained to light and droughty.” The western part of the region has soil that is “excessively drained,” while poorly drained soils are found predominantly in the eastern half of the county.
Keeping soil tilled and fertilized with proper water content will help to control decay and disease in your trees. Having adequate levels of nitrates and organic matter will alleviate poor growing conditions. By understanding the limitations of the soil on your property, you will be able to manage your landscaping, promoting continued healthy growth for years to come.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in St. Croix County?
Weather plays a factor in healthy tree growth, especially during the cold winter months when below-freezing temperatures are not uncommon. Ice will weigh heavily on tree branches, sometimes causing them to break.
According to the National Weather Service, blizzards, heavy snow, ice storms, and sleet pose the biggest risk to the trees of this region. As the climate continues to change, an increase in lightning storms, high winds, and hail is causing catastrophic damage to the trees of St. Croix County.
An increase in flooding conditions due to heavy snowmelt is leading to soil erosion and rapid subsidence.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in St. Croix County?
To prevent interference and interruption of electrical service, We Energies trims trees that grow too close to overhead power lines. They proactively maintain a six to eight-year trimming cycle to eliminate threats. In compliance with the National Electric Safety Code, We Energies will remove a tree that threatens electrical service.
If you suspect a tree is touching a power line, contact 800-242-9137 to schedule an appointment with a forester. After the free inspection, if the tree is closer than 10 feet to the power line, the energy company “will assist you to make the conditions safe for you to complete the work.”
If tree branches are encroaching on service lines, We Energies will temporarily turn off electrical power, so the homeowner can safely trim the tree. If a primary line is affected, the energy company’s tree trimming contractor will perform the work at no charge. Once the area is deemed safe, work will stop, and a private contractor is hired to finish the job. The use of professional services, such as Tree Triage, is highly recommended.
St. Croix Electric Co-op has a dedicated service crew that inspects and maintains all overhead power lines in their service area. Required by federal law to keep all lines “free of interference from trees and vegetation”, the Co-op will “trim or remove existing trees and vegetation growing within 10 feet of overhead lines.”
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in St. Croix County?
There are several cost factors involved in removing a tree. On average, residents of St. Croix County pay approximately $650 for a medium-sized tree. Prices typically range between $250 and $2,500 based on the following:
Size of the Tree
The biggest contributing factor when determining the cost of tree removal is the size of the tree. The height and diameter of the trunk are measured when providing an estimate. Obviously, the bigger the tree, the more it will cost to remove.
The following prices, while not exact, will give you an idea of the costs involved, based solely on size:
- Small Tree – Under 30′ – $250 to $450
- Medium Tree – 30′ to 60′ – $450 to $1,200
- Large Tree – 60′ to 80′ – $800 to $1,500
- Extreme Tree – Over 80′ – $1,500 and up
Services Required
As tree removal experts, we offer a wide range of services. After determining the size of the tree, we assess the amount of work required to complete the job.
Root removal is recommended to prevent further growth and ranges between $80 and $315 per tree. Stump removal and grinding is approximately $150 and eliminates unsightly and hazardous stumps on your property once the tree is removed. We can also cut the fallen tree into firewood logs if desired.
Urgency of Project
Tree Triage offers 24/7 around-the-clock service in the event of an emergency. If a tree falls during a storm creating a safety risk, we will dispatch a team of professionals immediately. Of course, this service comes with a premium surcharge, but it sometimes cannot be avoided.
For a tree removal service that is not an emergency, we can schedule an appointment and provide you with a fair and accurate price quote before any work begins.
