AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Sun Prairie, WI

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Sun Prairie?

The emerald ash borer is an invasive pest that infests and kills all ash tree species found in North America. Native to Asia, the pest was first discovered near Detroit in 2002 and has now spread across half the United States and parts of Canada, killing millions of ash trees. The female adult lays her eggs in bark crevices of ash trees. When hatched, the larvae burrow under the bark, feeding on the delicate tissue critical for water and nutrient transportation.

Sun Prarie has initiated an Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Campaign to bring community awareness of the emerald ash borer and its potential impact on trees in the city. It poses an extreme threat to ash trees, with experts predicting that a healthy forest will lose up to 98% of its ash trees within six years of being infested.

Another common issue found in Sun Prarie’s trees is a fungal disease known as anthracnose. Anthracnose is caused by several fungi that commonly affect the young leaf tissue of ash, maple, white oak, sycamore, and walnut trees. While anthracnose is primarily a cosmetic disease and will not kill your trees, it may leave them looking a little ragged, with a thin canopy.

While the symptoms vary from tree to tree, anthracnose typically causes leaves to have tan or brown, irregular blotches and dead areas, often following the veins of the leaves. When a tree is severely infected, the affected leaves may curl up and even fall off. In some species, anthracnose can also infect the tree’s twigs, impairing their growth and causing dieback. Primarily an aesthetic issue, anthracnose can be challenging to control because the spores spread quickly and easily through wind, rain, and animal and human movement.

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

While the city of Sun Prairie doesn’t provide direct assistance to private property owners to help with tree removal, they do maintain trees on city property. Over the years, Sun Prarie has developed and implemented several programs to preserve the health and diversity of the urban forest.

Like many cities in Wisconsin, Sun Prairie’s tree population is susceptible to invasive pests and disease which can devastate large portions of a city’s urban forest. The loss of trees to the emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease impressed upon Sun Prairie and many other cities across the country the importance of diversity and the danger of planting large numbers of a single tree species. As a result, the city is committed to removing diseased trees and replacing them with several species chosen for the area.

The city’s commitment to maintaining a healthy urban forest also includes monitoring the health of trees on private property. Additionally, the Sun Prairie Department of Public Works, Parks, and Forestry provides residents with a variety of resources developed to help property owners maintain the health of their trees.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Sun Prairie?

According to Sun Prairie’s city ordinances, the responsibility of removing fallen trees in the city lies with the property owner where the tree falls. While it sounds relatively simple, the question of who is responsible for the cost of removing a fallen tree is one of the most common causes of neighborhood and city disputes.

If you’re a homeowner?

If you are a homeowner in Sun Prarie, you are responsible for removing a fallen tree on your property. You are also responsible for maintaining the trees on your property, inspecting their condition regularly to ensure they don’t become a nuisance. The city’s forestry department has the authority to inspect trees and shrubs on private property and, if an issue is found, order the owner to remove the tree.

Suppose an inspector finds that a tree is an immediate hazard and creates a dangerous situation for persons and property. In that case, they can order its immediate removal and pass the cost to the property owner. The city will cut down or remove enough of the tree to ensure safety but leave the rest of the removal to the owner.

If you’re a renter?

When a tree falls on your rental property in Sun Prarie, removal is the property owner’s responsibility. Additionally, if the tree damages your personal property, your renters insurance will cover your loss.

If you’re a landlord?

As a landlord, you are responsible for the removal of fallen trees on your rental property. It is also your responsibility to ensure that trees on your property are maintained and don’t present a hazard or become a nuisance. While landlords are not typically responsible for a tenant’s property damage, you could be held liable in the case of a nuisance tree that falls and causes damage.

If you’re a neighbor?

Typically, if fallen branches or a tree from your adjoining property lands in your yard, you will be responsible for the removal. You should contact your homeowners insurance, as they will typically pay for all or part of the removal and cover any damages you incur. If the tree owner knew it was a nuisance and failed to take action, you might be able to hold them liable for any damages and the tree removal.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Sun Prairie?

The soil in the Sun Prarie area is a mix of various types created from deep glacial deposits. The soil varies from one place to another due to the primarily sloping landscape with some benches and depressions. However, most of the soils in the area hold moisture well and are moderately permeable, providing an ideal environment for the robust growth of tree root systems.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Sun Prairie?

While summers in Sun Prarie are typically hot and humid, winter temperatures plummet well below freezing, with January having an average low of about nine degrees. Sub-zero temperatures combined with an average annual snowfall of around 42 inches and high winds can severely affect the health of your trees.

In addition to harsh winters that can damage trees, Sun Prarie commonly experiences severe thunderstorms accompanied by high winds and heavy rain throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In addition, the city occasionally encounters flooding due to the heavy rains, spring snowmelt, and stormwater runoff due to urbanization. Heavy rains and flooding can weaken the area around the tree’s roots, making it unstable and vulnerable to disease and pest infestation.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Sun Prairie?

A dead or dying tree near power lines creates a potentially dangerous situation. A large branch or tree that falls across a power line can damage and break the line, interrupting power to parts of the city. A fallen power line can endanger residents, especially during severe weather, such as a winter storm accompanied by freezing temperatures. Sun Prarie Utilities provides power for the city. They are responsible for removing dead trees on their property and ensuring that trees on neighboring properties do not threaten their power lines.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Sun Prairie?

The cost of removing a tree in Sun Prarie varies due to a variety of factors. While the average price a property owner pays for tree service is about $600, the standard service includes the pruning and trimming of the tree. Services include everything from a stump removal that may cost less than $200 to removing a large tree, which may be well over $1,000. Among other things, three of the most significant cost factors associated with tree removal are the tree’s health, size, and location.

Tree Health

The health of your tree is a significant cost factor. Trees that are dead or diseased are structurally unsound. Unhealthy or weakened branches and trunks can fall unexpectedly and require extreme caution to remove. The additional risk involved with removing a dangerous tree will typically add to the removal costs.

Tree Size

One of the most apparent cost factors of removal is the size of the tree. Tall trees are more expensive to remove because of the added height risk for workers and the additional cleanup involved. In addition, bigger trees have larger canopies, and large-diameter trunks can weigh hundreds of pounds and more, making them difficult and dangerous to move.

Tree Location

The location of a tree has a tremendous impact on removal costs. For example, a tree near power lines, fences, houses, or other structures requires us to create a detailed removal plan to avoid any potential property damage. Often, trees in tricky locations require specialized equipment, such as a crane or lift, to ensure safe removal.