AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Hingham, MA

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Hingham?

There are several issues that plague trees in Hingham, with some of the most severe relating to pests. While outbreaks are uncommon, Hingham and the rest of Massachusetts is a suitable habitat for bugs like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). These beetles spread from Asia to various other parts of the world and bore their way into trees to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae continue to burrow deeper and eat at the tree’s insides as they mature. This can very easily cause a tree to die, and those that survive are often very damaged.

Another notable pest that can thrive in the region is the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar). While a moth outbreak wouldn’t normally sound that bad unless you’re a wool sweater, these bugs are notable for completely stripping the leaves from trees, making them unable to photosynthesize. Both these bugs and the longhorned beetles are of major concern to the environment as they’re invasive species and can destroy a town’s trees and plants in short order. If you see signs of either of them, contact the local government immediately so that the area can be investigated and quarantined if need be.

Tropical storms and thunderstorms are also something to consider for trees in the area. While the town generally does its best to support trees during these events and plant trees that can resist being washed away, nature is unpredictable and risks are always present.

Beyond all of this, the trees in Hingham also contend with more mundane problems, such as termites, mold, death by age, and occasional car crashes. In general, simply being perceptive to the condition of trees in your area and notifying us if you find problems can help to mitigate most of these issues.

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

Hingham does not currently offer any programs to assist residents in their tree removal needs. Other than tending to the city’s own trees via their park services, Hingham officials will not remove a tree from your yard in most situations. You’ll have to take care of any removal on your own, probably with our help.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Hingham?

Sometimes, trees fall, and when this happens, someone has to remove them. Who that person has to be isn’t always super clear, though. Understanding if you or someone else is obligated to remove the tree that just fell into your yard can be important, given the costs associated with removal. To answer your questions about fallen tree responsibility, we’ve listed how people should respond to a fallen tree in different scenarios.

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners typically own both their home and the land the home stands on. This means they also own anything growing out of that land, including trees. If a tree that grows from your lawn falls over, that would mean it’s your job to have it removed, since it’s your property. Unless you can provide proof that someone else has knocked your tree over, that’s going to be your responsibility.

Don’t pick up the phone just yet, though. Certain homeowners insurance policies have a clause stating that they cover tree removals. Provided you meet the criteria listed in your particular policy, you could have the cost of removal paid for by your insurance company.

If you’re a renter?

Renters don’t own the land or any trees growing in that land. This means that a renter isn’t responsible for removing a tree that happens to fall outside their rental property. An obvious exception here would be if the renter decided to destroy or knock over the tree, in which case they’d be responsible for the removal and probably a lot more.

If you’re a landlord?

As the owner of a rented property, the landlord is responsible for removing any trees that fall on the property promptly. Massachusetts law indicates that landlords shall be responsible for maintaining such parcel of land in a clean and sanitary condition and free from garbage, rubbish, or other refuse. Since having a tree fall in the yard doesn’t tick any of those boxes, a landlord will need to get it out of there. Unless a third party is proven to be responsible for the tree falling, it’s wholly on the landowner to do this. That said, a landlord’s insurance policy may cover removal costs in much the same way as a homeowner.

If you’re a neighbor?

For a neighbor, having someone else’s tree crash into your lawn is already bad enough, but what if you also have to pay to have it taken away? Thankfully, that’s probably not what’s going to happen. Laws surrounding tree ownership state that whoever’s lawn contains the trunk (not the roots or any overhanging branches) of the tree owns that tree. In most cases, this would mean that the person whose lawn the tree came from is the owner, and therefore has to pay for its removal, even if it’s on someone else’s property.

However, there is a situation that can complicate these things. If a tree has grown past the property line and into a neighbor’s yard, both parties are considered owners of the tree. The most relevant part here is that both owners will be responsible for removing the tree if it falls. How those costs are split is up to the individuals, though you can certainly take things to court if you feel like ruining your relationship with your neighbor.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Hingham?

Based on Plymouth County soil survey data, the land in Hingham is largely composed of loam and sand. This reflects its proximity to the ocean and means that the plants in town have an ample supply of nutrients, though the looser composition means their roots don’t grow as securely. This latter point is a reason for the many trees planted by the local government, as trees and other plants help prevent erosion in a storm or heavy weather. The obvious tradeoff here is that, if severe enough, trees can be uprooted and washed away during hurricanes and the like. Japanese maple, green ash, white oak, black cherry, and plenty of other trees will thrive here, with other suggestions available on the Massachusetts state website and its section on coastal landscaping.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Hingham?

Hingham is known for its warm, humid summers and cold, somewhat dry winters. It is usually warmer than most of Massachusetts. Between rain and snow, the area gets nearly 100 inches of precipitation each year. Trees in town will need to adapt to these wet, somewhat mild conditions in order to thrive, and their owners will likely need to take action to keep the soil drained, to avoid root rot and overwatering.

Like most places near a coastline, Hingham is at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. Thunderstorms are also not uncommon. All of these natural events pose a threat to our trees, to at least some degree.

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Hingham?

As mentioned in Hingham’s official tree removal document, dead trees that pose a threat to the people or town are to be removed. This specifically includes dead trees that are near power lines. While these are likely to be removed quickly, you can get in contact with the local government to notify them of the tree that needs removal. Once their arborists have taken a look at things and confirmed what you’ve said, it can get taken down.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Hingham?

Removing a tree in Hingham costs about $730, on average, and most jobs in the city cost between $200 and $2,100. This price is subject to change due to a variety of factors, some of which are outlined here to help you better understand the final price on your invoice.

Size

When it comes to tree removal, size matters most. Only a few factors influence your bill the way size does, as taller trees require much more planning, equipment, and manpower to safely take down and haul off. Though not a hard-and-fast rule, expect at least $100 more for every 20 feet (of tree) you go past 25 feet. 

Location

Where a tree grows influences several things when it comes to removal. For example, a tree that’s taller than power lines in the surrounding area would need to be taken down in a way that won’t send it crashing into them. Depending on where your tree is located, the job could be fairly easy to finish or extremely hard. Expect the cost to reflect one of these more than the other.

Number of Trees

More trees will mean more cost to remove. In terms of sheer number, this isn’t too hard to figure out, whether you’re being charged per hour or per tree. However, it’s also worth considering the other things that go into the number of trees in an area, like how close they are together and the different environmental repercussions that removing a large number of trees in the same area might have.