Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Charleston?
- 2 Does the City of Charleston Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Charleston?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Charleston?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Charleston?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Charleston?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Charleston?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Charleston?
There are many reasons for needing tree removals in Charleston. The most common include an infestation of pests, bacterial infection, and fungal pathogens. These can cause trees to become weak and can, in some cases, be deadly. It is important to watch out for unusual signs and symptoms. Often, your tree will show you it has a problem before it gets really bad.
Rhizosphaera needle cast is a fungal-based disease that affects the health of spruce trees. This is becoming a common issue that may need tree removal in Charleston. Spruce trees are evergreens, and they should hold onto their needles for around five years. Rhizosphaera needle cast can cause the needles to drop, in most cases, permanently from entire sections of the tree. It will usually start at the lower branches and work its way up. If you start to notice branches that have no needles, you may want to schedule a checkup with our experts. Another sign to look for is tiny black pin-point dots on the needles.
If you notice small, dead areas forming on the needles of your trees, followed by the needles dying off and dropping, it may be dogwood anthracnose. This is a tree disease that is caused by several varieties of fungus. Dogwood anthracnose is a common reason for tree removal in Charleston, affecting primarily dogwood and oak trees. The disease starts with a small black fungus eating the dead needle tissue. Eventually, it causes large parts of the branches to turn brown as needles fall. If anthracnose does not kill your tree, it will make it weaker. If the tree is too weak, it may not make it through severe storms. The disease can be avoided by keeping the foliage dry. Watering at the base of your tree with drip irrigation might help. You may also need to use fungicides after you find out which fungal infection your tree has.
Another fungal pathogen you will want to look out for is black knot. Plum and cherry trees are the most common target for this disease, and if not addressed quickly, black knot can cause the trees to stop producing fruit and eventually die. Early signs of the disease are easy to miss. You might see a slight color change on an affected branch. Next, the area will swell up to form a gull shape. Within a year, these knotted bumps will become very dark and eventually disintegrate. The fungus travels by wind and touch. If caught early, we can cut the infected areas 8-10 inches below the problem areas.
Another problem facing trees in Charleston is the hemlock woolly adelgid. Some signs that your hemlock tree has this pest are needle dropping, branch dieback, and eventually, tree death. You may also see white masses of the little critters at the base of the needles, as this is where they typically attach. The hemlock woolly adelgid pest is an invasive species that causes a lot of problems. They like to feed on the tree’s sap, which takes nutrients away from it, ultimately leaving it deficient. If you suspect this pest has infested your hemlock tree, get it checked out by our specialists. Some insecticide sprays can be used to mitigate the spread.
Does the City of Charleston Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Will the City of Charleston assist with tree removal problems? According to the city ordinance, Charleston expects the property owners to address their own tree problems. This means that if you have a diseased tree on your property, you will need to take care of it. However, if the tree removal problem is located on public land or in a right-of-way area, Charleston will take care of it. If your tree problem may affect the safety of any public space, they may come out and assess it. This is more likely to happen after a big storm.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Charleston?
If you need fallen tree removal in Charleston, you may be wondering who is responsible for it. To figure this out, we’ll first need to know where the tree has landed. We’ll also need to know who owns the property. The answer may be different for homeowners versus people who rent. Below we’ll look at the most common scenarios for who is responsible for fallen tree removals.
If you’re a homeowner?
In the city of Charleston, homeowners are expected to care for and maintain the safety and appearance of the property. This means that if a tree falls, the homeowner will be responsible for removing it. In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover part of the costs after the deductible is paid. Before taking out a claim, it is a good idea to get an out-of-pocket estimate. Sometimes, the insurance deductible will be higher.
If you’re a renter?
Renters in Charleston are not responsible for tree removals. This is because they are not the owners of the property. The best thing you can do if a tree falls on the property you rent is to call your landlord. They will need to know about any possible damage so they can start taking care of the problem right away.
If you’re a landlord?
If you are a landlord and a tree falls, you are responsible for removing it. This is because you own the property. If your tenants call you about a fallen tree, you will need to assess the damage and call your insurance agent. They will be able to give you deductible and coverage information.
If you’re a neighbor?
Neighbors that own their property will be responsible for the land. They will need to follow all the same rules. If your tree falls on their yard, they will still be responsible for removing it. In Charleston, it is not about who owns the tree but where the tree has fallen that determines responsibility. If the tree falls due to neglect and your neighbor can prove it, they may get out of removal responsibilities.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Charleston?
The predominant soil type in Charleston is Monongahela silt loam. This soil is very deep and also moderately well-drained. The soil is great for trees, especially trees used for timber. Most of the time, trees naturally grow in areas where there is a slight slope. This helps keep excess water from sitting on top. In yards that are well-manicured and level, you could have excess water accumulate. This is more likely to happen after storms. This could cause the soil to become water-logged, causing problems for your tree. If you suspect your soil is affecting your tree, you can have it tested.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Charleston?
West Virginia is known for its severe thunderstorms, which at times can spark tornados. Because of these storms, Charleston is a high-risk area for floods. Floods can be hard on your trees. If the flood moves fast enough, it can partially uproot trees. If this happens, you will need tree removal before it causes any damage. Flooding can also wash away some of the nutrients in the soil, causing erosion. It is not uncommon to see the tops of roots of large trees after storms have washed the soil away.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Charleston?
If you have a dead tree near power lines, it can be a fire hazard or cause power outages if it falls on the lines. It is best to have the situation evaluated before property damage occurs. We can help determine if your tree needs to be removed or cut back. In some cases, the City of Charleston may help with removal costs to help avoid power line disruptions for the community. If you need tree removal in Charleston due to a power line hazard, you should report the problem to Appalachian Power Company. They may end up taking responsibility, because if it falls, it will cost them a lot more money.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Charleston?
Tree removal in Charleston, West Virginia will vary in price depending on several factors. On average, you can expect to pay around $850 for a single tree. The range is between $115 to $1,780. However, some jobs could cost several times more depending on the difficulty level. Here are some of the most common factors that can affect the price:
Size of the Tree
The number one cost factor for tree removal in Charleston is size. The larger and taller a tree is, the more you will have to pay. The crew and tools needed to cut down a smaller tree will cost a lot less than an 80-foot tree. Here is an average price range for tree removal in Charleston based on height alone:
- Average cost of 20-foot tree removal in Charleston: $165 to $355
- Average cost of 40-foot tree removal in Charleston: $340 to $655
- Average cost of 60-foot tree removal in Charleston: $635 to $860
- Average cost of 80-foot tree removal in Charleston: $820 to $1,980+
Location of the Tree
Another cost factor you need to consider is your tree’s location. For example, if the tree is near power lines, you will need the Appalachian Power Company to get involved to ensure no live wires cause injury. This can cause delays, which could cost more. If the tree is near other property and residential areas, more safety precautions will need to be in place. Trees that have already fallen and are not on any structures will cost less to remove in Charleston.
Health of the Tree
The health of your tree can also affect the price. Trees that are dead and dying are less predictable. They will be more brittle, and more of our crew members may be needed to keep everyone safe. A sick and contagious tree needs to be brought down without infecting any other trees or plants. This takes longer, but it’s worth it to prevent further spread.
