Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Fairmont?
- 2 Does the City of Fairmont Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Fairmont?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Fairmont?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Fairmont?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Fairmont?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Fairmont?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Fairmont?
Fairmont is a city in Marion County, West Virginia. In its earliest years, the 1700s, it was an area that was devoted to farming settlements. Today, it is a fantastic city with more than 18,500 people calling it home. How did it get from farmland to city? This is where it gets interesting.
Its transition into “city” is rumored to have begun in 1789 when Boaz Fleming, a Revolutionary War veteran, purchased a large farm. While making the yearly commute to Clarksburg in 1808, he visited with his cousin, Dolley Madison, the wife of President James Madison. Stating that he hated to travel 100 miles just to pay for taxes, Mrs. Madison suggested creating his own county.
In 1814, he began petitioning for it. He wanted a county that would be called Madison in honor of the President and his wife. It failed to take root. However, this spurred him to clear part of his farmland in 1817 and, in doing so, created what would eventually become Fairmont.
Going back to its early farmland days, you can see beautiful rivers and plenty of trees when you look beyond the big city. Rolling hills and nature are still a vital part of the landscape once you step outside the city. Altogether, it gives the town a historical feel and the country areas a beauty unmatched in other parts of the U.S.
It is natural to wonder if tree issues are affecting this once large farm. Sadly, many native and non-native insects, diseases, and plant life attack trees in the forest, according to the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Native Issues
- Oak Decline
- Loopers
- Decay
- Oak Wilt
- White Pine Blister
- Bacterial Leaf Scorch
- Dogwood Anthracnose
- Pine Beetles
Non-Native Issues
- Chestnut Blight Fungus
- Sudden Oak Death
- Jewel Beetle
- Thousand Canker
- Asian Long-Horned Beetle
Invasive Plants for Forests
- Japanese Silt Grass
- Garlic Mustard
- Tree of Haven
- Bittersweet
- Kudzu
Each of these lists can go on and on. You must consider the potential for future risks as other insects, diseases, and invasive plants continue to be discovered.
Does the City of Fairmont Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
At this time, there isn’t an assistance program available to help homeowners with the cost of tree removal. However, you are urged to remove any tree that you have which may be sick or dying. Removing these trees will lessen the risk of diseases spreading to your trees and other trees in your area.
You should note that Fairmont has been a Tree City USA member for many years, which helps everyone replace trees that have to be removed.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Fairmont?
Tree responsibility is something that many people are uncertain of. Laws tend to be a little confusing regarding trees, care, and removal.
If You’re a Homeowner?
West Virginia does not have many rules governing what you should do with your trees on private property. However, it is assumed that homeowners are responsible for their trees and real property within Fairmont. This responsibility means you should do your part to keep your trees healthy and remove them when they are diseased or dying. You will want to try and keep them from encroaching on your neighbor’s property when possible. This will avoid complications and issues with your neighbor.
It should be assumed that if the tree falls on your property, you are responsible for its removal. You are responsible for the repair of any damages that it may cause on your property.
If You’re a Renter?
As a tenant, you have a statutorily protected right to live in decent housing at all times. If you feel that there are concerns, you should report them to your landlord and allow them the opportunity to make necessary repairs. Therefore, if you have a tree on the property that you feel may be dead or diseased, you should notify your landlord in writing. If they fail to follow through with the repairs and it falls, you may be able to have them pay for damages to your property.
If You’re a Landlord?
As a landlord, you are responsible for all necessary repairs to the property. Not your tenant. It is your job to ensure that the property remains in good condition as required by law. If the tenant is the one responsible for damages, then once repaired, you can have them pay for damages and repairs.
Tree care is going to likely fall on you as the one responsible for the property. Therefore, if your tenant informs you of a tree issue in writing, you should do your part. If a tree falls, you will be the one to repair the damages and cover the cost, unless your tenant is the one who caused that tree to fall and damage the property.
If You’re a Neighbor?
Trees that extend to neighbor’s properties can be frustrating. It isn’t generally a tree that you want to be there. Then you have to deal with neighbors who may not care for their trees properly.
In West Virginia, Article 3, Crimes Against Property, you will find that it is “Unlawful to break, cut, take, or carry away” trees, shrubs, or flora from public roads in the state. It is unlawful to enter the land or property of another person without written permission to remove trees, shrubs, or flowers.
If the tree hangs into your property, you should be able to remove the offending limbs. However, you may want to seek legal advice to make sure of it. If the tree limbs fall onto your property, you can remove them and repair damages caused by them. The same is true if the tree falls toward your property during a storm.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Fairmont?
Although first identified in Pennsylvania, Monongahela Silt Loam is the primary state soil in West Virginia. This means there is silt loam in the upper part of the soil, and then as you dig, it may turn into a loam or clay loam subsoil.
In Fairmont, you will find primarily:
- Clarksburg Silt Loam
- Allegheny Silt Loam
- Culleoka-Westmoreland Silt Loam
- Dormont and Guernsey Silt Loams
- Urban Land-Zoar Complex
- Monongahela Silt Loam
What does this mean for your soil quality? If you have soil with a loam texture, it means that you have a combination of soil particles and sizes. Pure loam soil is best for plants and trees because sand, clay, and silt are combined. It is easy to work with. It tends to be filled with nutrients and holds water effectively so that that plant life can take advantage of it.
The soil in Fairmont will grow a large variety of plant and tree life. However, if you want to cut down on invasive plants, trees, and the risk of diseases or insects, you may want to stick with native trees.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Fairmont?
With four distinct seasons throughout each year, many people love the area of Fairmont. The winters can be cold, with an average of 11.9-inches of snow during January. The summer months are warm, with an average temperature of 84-degrees. There is ample rainfall to keep plants and trees lush. The distinct seasons are ideal for trees that need the seasons to change to maintain their natural growth cycles.
The downside is that West Virginia can have severe weather, which can damage trees and plants. The biggest threat is high winds, too much rainfall that can cause flooding, and winter storms with heavy snowfall and hail. In rare circumstances, tornadoes have occurred. One in Marion County happened in 1981.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Fairmont?
The Public Works department is generally in charge of vegetation control for the City of Fairmont. If you notice a tree is near a power line, you can first contact them if there isn’t immediate danger of the tree falling. You can contact your local electric company to get assistance. They will come out and assess the risk. You can contact them if the tree has fallen and there is a downed power line.
However, no matter who you contact, it is essential that you stay away from a dangerous situation. Do not attempt to remove a tree near a power line without assistance from people who know how to handle it. If many people are in danger because of a downed power line or a tree touching the line, you will want to call 911. They can get control of the situation and ensure that everyone around will remain safe.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Fairmont?
In Fairmont, West Virginia, the cost of tree removal will range between $200.00 and $1,990.00. The average homeowner should expect to pay right around $600.00 for basic tree removal. However, your out-of-pocket expense will depend on various factors that make it challenging to give you an accurate estimate without seeing the tree first.
Tree Condition
When assessing a tree for removal, a dead, diseased, or infested tree can become more complex. Trees with these issues are often unstable because insects will tunnel through the tree, leaving them much weaker than healthy trees. Therefore, if your tree is healthy and you simply need it removed, your cost will be lower than average.
Size
Larger trees are harder to bring down because we must constantly work against gravity to bring them down safely. They have a thicker diameter and a more extensive root system. If your tree is less than 10-feet tall or 5-7-inches in diameter, the cost for removal will be easier on your pocket.
Other Considerations
Having a tree in the middle of your property will be less expensive to remove than one located near a structure or power lines. This is because having structures and power lines nearby means special care will be a considerable part of the tree removal. More safety equipment may need to be on the job, and more of our crew members may need to be assisting with the removal.
Emergency removals can be more expensive since they usually occur on weekends, holidays, and after storms. They can be more unstable if there is a rush to remove them.
