Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lexington?
- 2 Does the City of Lexington Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lexington?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lexington?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lexington?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lexington?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lexington?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lexington?
Though Cambridge was established in 1630, the area we now call Lexington didn’t become a town until 1713. Originally a part of Cambridge, Lexington has had many names. They include “Cambridge North Precinct” or “Cambridge Farms.” Though times have changed since those earliest years, parts of its history still stand today, including the Munroe Tavern and the Buckman Tavern.
For us, it may be noteworthy that the first battle of the American Revolution took place here on April 19, 1775, giving it yet another name, “The Birthplace of American Liberty”. We like that it was agriculture that helped it become what it is today, which is easy to see as you travel through Lexington with its plentiful trees and quiet style, reminiscent of days gone by.
Sadly, there are many health threats to our trees. These threats include both insects and diseases. Some of the biggest threats today are:
- Beech Leaf Disease
- Gypsy Moths
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Black Oak Gall Wasps
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- White Pine Needle Cast
You can also discover the common diseases associated with woody ornamentals as well as how to help your plants and trees thrive. In many cases, it simply a matter of using fungicide or bactericide, but it depends on what may be plaguing your trees.
Does the City of Lexington Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Lexington is an area that is devoted to keeping things green. Therefore, there aren’t any real programs available for “tree removals.” Some grants may help you with the preservation and maintenance of trees if you have one that is worrisome.
You may be able to get assistance for planting trees in front of your home or near the road frontage of your home. The chance of this increases if you do not currently have a tree located there. This tree will be yours to care for and maintain.
When it comes to planting trees, you have several great tree options to consider. The best trees to plant in Lexington are:
- Beech
- Dogwoods
- Hickory
- Hawthorn
- Sweet Gum
- Magnolia
- Oaks
Or others from the List of Recommended Trees.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Lexington?
It isn’t always easy to know who should pay if a tree falls, especially if your property is damaged by it. Before you get frustrated over it, we want to try and help you understand your responsibility as it pertains to trees, based on your circumstances.
If You’re a Homeowner?
Much the same as the city must take care of trees that are planted there, you must take care of the trees that are located on your private property. It is your responsibility to ensure that they are healthy and removed when necessary.
If the tree falls, you are going to be responsible for its clean-up and any damages that it may cause to your property when it falls. It is also important that you remove a tree that is leaning, unhealthy, or dying. Otherwise, you may have to pay your neighbor for damages to their property.
If You’re a Renter?
As a renter, your obligations to maintaining the trees are minimal, unless it is stated in your lease agreement that you are responsible for it. If you damage a tree, you could ultimately be held accountable for that tree and face a penalty because it isn’t yours to touch. Your goal is to never cause permanent damages to the property. You should contact your landlord about any tree issues you see in writing. This will allow them to remove it safely or to ask for your help to do it, which can then be taken off your rent payment.
If the tree falls, you can clean it up. and you may want to cover your repairs to your personal property, such as a vehicle. The thing to remember is that your landlord should be the one to repair other things. The things that are their own property.
If You’re a Landlord?
When you have a rental property in Lexington, you should provide safe and habitable apartments and common areas. This means supplying tenants with heat, kitchens, and other things. It also means keeping the trees healthy enough that they do not fall. If one does fall, you will be responsible for its removal and repairs to any damage that it has caused.
If You’re a Neighbor?
Lexington takes trees very seriously. If your neighbor has a tree that bothers you by dropping limbs or leaves on your property, you will want to ask for help rather than try to remove it yourself. Chapter 87: Section 11. Injury to trees of another person shows that if you willfully, maliciously, or wantonly cuts and/or injures another person’s tree, could be imprisoned for up to six months. If not jail, then you could be fined for up to $500.00. Your best option is to contact the Tree Warden or Tree Committee to try and get help to remove a tree that is a nuisance if your neighbor will not help you deal with it.
If the tree falls, you are responsible for damages and repairs for your property, especially if it happens due to natural causes. However, if your neighbor’s tree is diseased, infested, or dead, they may have to pay you for the damages it caused. The key is to inform them in writing of the problems you see with their tree, and a request for them to fix the tree.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lexington?
Massachusetts has primarily Paxton soil. This soil type means that it is loamy and drains well. However, it is more of a coarse loamy soil, with a larger texture than typically found in loamy areas. There are also several types of rocks in the soil including schist, gneiss, and granite. Clay is also mixed in.
The one downside to Paxton soil is that it can be a little on the low side of the pH scale. Therefore, Lexington depends a lot on composting to improve the overall soil quality. It may also help to add more organic matter to your soil when planting trees or other plant life.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lexington?
Overall, the conditions in Lexington are good for people and trees. The winters get cold, sometimes down into the teens for lows and lower 30s for highs. The summers are much nicer. There are lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. The fact that there are four definitive seasons ensures that trees stay on a healthy growth cycle.
You will also discover ample precipitation throughout the year. Rainfall averages are 2- to 4-inches every month. Snowfall can measure up to 15 inches in January.
The major possible risks for Lexington include:
- Flooding
- Dam Failure
- Hurricane
- Tornados
- Winter Storms
- Brush Fires
There are others listed, but these are the most pressing concerns for people. Most will also be destructive to trees, especially if they are already weakened by diseases and invasive insects.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lexington?
After a severe storm, you are urged to call Eversource if there is a power line down in your area. You are also urged to stay away from it rather than risk your safety. If you are unable to get through, you can also call 911, especially if there is an immediate danger to yourself or others in the area.
Eversource is willing to perform a tree assessment on any tree that you feel is a danger, but only because it is near a power line. They will do it by sending a qualified arborist to help you.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lexington?
If you need a tree removed in Lexington, there are several factors that will influence your out-of-pocket cost. The average homeowner with a tree that is relatively easy to remove should expect to spend between $190.00 and $2,100.00. Most homeowners spend an average of $695.00. However, your cost may be higher or lower depending on the following factors.
Size
In Lexington, some trees are protected, especially if they are over a certain size and still healthy. If there are permit costs, inspections, and other things required, your price may show the impact of it.
Size also means that it may be harder to bring down. More of our arborists may have to be on-site and more equipment may be necessary to bring it down safely. These things will increase your cost. The smaller the tree, the easier it is to remove, the less your cost will end up being.
Situation
A tree that is near a power line or a structure will cost more to remove. With trees, gravity is always at work. When you add a saw in an attempt to bring it down, gravity can complicate things by taking it in a direction we don’t want it to fall. To counter this, we will use more professionals, and equipment to help us change the effect of gravity. An easier, less costly removal does not require extra effort.
Emergency
Some situations are unexpectedly bad for trees. Severe storms, high winds, lightning strikes, and more can cause an otherwise healthy tree to suddenly become a high-risk tree that must be removed immediately. This alone may increase the price for you a little because other jobs have to put aside. The price can go up even more on weekends or holidays when a tree suddenly needs to be removed.
This is one of the main reasons that we suggest you take care of your trees and make sure they are as healthy as possible. Although storms can bring down healthy trees, there is a smaller risk of it happening if the trees on your property are in good health.
