Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Baltimore?
- 2 Does The City of Baltimore Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Baltimore?
- 4 How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Baltimore?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Baltimore
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Baltimore?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Baltimore?
What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Baltimore?
All trees are susceptible to damage from weather, pests, and disease. Some trees are a nuisance, too, causing issues with the surrounding environment. Here are the most common tree issues we encounter in Baltimore:
Pests
One of the worst pests in Baltimore is the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). These shiny green beetles lay their eggs in ash trees. When the larvae hatch, they feast on the tree, ultimately killing it over time. The EAB has killed tens of millions of trees since it arrived in the United States in 2002, and we see it all too often in the Baltimore area.
Invasive species
Non-native trees can cause a lot of problems. They can kill native species by taking over water and nutrient supplies that other trees need to survive. Some invasive species can be harmful to our wildlife population, too. Invasive species in Baltimore include the Norway Maple, Russian Olive, White Mulberry, and Chinese Elms.
Nuisance trees
Some trees are just a pain to own. Messy trees like the Black Walnut drop nuts, leaves, and seeds on the ground. Messy trees can end up affecting other areas of your landscaping. Ultimately, they can have a negative impact on your home’s value, as other homeowners don’t want to bother with them, either.
Disease
It’s important to watch for signs of disease like spotted leaves, swelling in the branches, and strange discolorations on the trunk. Common tree diseases seen in Baltimore include Leaf Scorch, Black Knot, and Fire Blight.
Have an issue with a tree on your property? Our team can help you determine the underlying cause of the problem and let you know if it needs to go or not. Get in touch with our Baltimore tree removal team today.
Does The City of Baltimore Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
If a tree sits on your private property, then it is your responsibility. That includes the care, maintenance, and trimming of the tree, as well as its removal if that becomes necessary. If you need help with this, you’ll want to hire our qualified tree removal team to do the job. The city will not assist with this and won’t pay for any tree removal, no matter the issue.
If the tree is on city property, then the City of Baltimore’s Department of Recreation and Parks’ Forestry Division will maintain it. They currently maintain about 200,000 trees in the city on a rotating basis. If you spot an issue with a tree on public land or on the street in front of your house, you can call 311 to report it. One of the department’s inspectors will come and inspect it and make a recommendation.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Baltimore?
If there is a tree on your property that is either a nuisance or poses a risk to the health and safety of the surrounding area, you’ll want to know who is ultimately responsible for removing it. This quick guide should help you determine if you can have a tree removed, as well as what to do if you can’t.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you own the property, then the tree is ultimately your responsibility. However, Baltimore has many laws to protect trees in the state. If the tree is along the road, even if it’s on your property, then you’ll need to apply for a permit to remove it. You’ll need a good reason to remove it, too, such as posing a risk to your safety or interfering with your sewer lines. Some laws require you to replace any trees that you remove, too. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll need a permit or not, talk to our professional tree removal experts who can advise you.
If you’re a renter?
If you rent, then it’s your landlord’s responsibility to deal with any trees on the property. If they don’t, and the tree poses a risk to your health and safety, then you may be able to take legal action to get them to remove it. You shouldn’t, however, attempt to remove the tree yourself. You could end up owing your landlord for the cost of the tree.
If you’re a landlord?
Unless it’s otherwise stated in your lease agreement, you are responsible for the trees on your rental properties. If a tree is a risk to the property or the people living there, you’ll want to have it removed.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your neighbor’s tree is affecting your property, you cannot remove it unless the trunk of the tree sits within your property line.
If the trunk is on your neighbor’s property, then it’s their tree, and they are responsible for it. What you can do, though, is trim any branches that hang over onto your property line. You’ll want to do so responsibly, though, so you don’t harm the tree. Otherwise, according to Maryland State Law, you could end up owing your neighbor compensation.
If the tree sits on the boundary line of your properties, then it’s considered a boundary tree. That means it belongs to both of you, but one person can’t have the tree removed without the other person’s permission.
How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Baltimore?
Baltimore soil generally has a positive effect on trees in the area, as long as you match the tree to your soil type. The unique thing about the soil in Baltimore is the variety that you’ll find. Some types of soils are better for trees than others.
Clay is the most common type of soil you’ll find in Baltimore. However, homeowners can have one (or more) of these types of soil on their property:
- Sand
- Peat
- Silt
- Loam
- Chalk
You’ll find trees suitable for all these soil types growing in Baltimore. If you aren’t sure what your soil type is, or what trees are best for it, talk to your local garden center. They can give you advice on how to improve your soil or which native Maryland trees might do well in your yard.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Baltimore
Baltimore’s residents know how wild our weather can get. Warm summers turn into bitterly cold winters, and we can see a lot of snow and ice in the winter months. We can have some intense wind and rain year-round, too. That can cause damage to trees. While most storms will knock a few small branches off of a healthy tree, some storms can cause trees to lose major limbs or topple the tree entirely.
If a storm damages your tree, you’ll want to have it inspected. Some damage can be life-threatening to the tree, and it may make the rest of the tree structurally weak. That means it could be at risk of falling in the next storm, putting you and your property in danger. When in doubt, it’s best to get your tree checked out by our experts before it causes an issue or puts your safety at risk.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Baltimore?
If you spot a dead tree near a power line, it’s important to stay away and not try to trim the tree yourself. You can either call 311 to report the tree or contact BGE at 1-800-685-0123. They’ll send someone out to inspect and remove the tree if necessary.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Baltimore?
You can pay anywhere from $200 to over $1,500 to have a tree removed in Baltimore. The cost will depend on factors such as:
The Size of the Tree
The bigger the tree, the more time, effort, and manpower it will take to remove it. Older trees, such as in historic neighborhoods like Mount Vernon or Fells Point, will cost a lot more to remove. If your home is in a designated historic district, you will want to confirm whether or not you are allowed to have the tree removed without a permit. Our tree removal specialists can help advise you.
How Accessible the Tree Is
If the tree is difficult to get to or requires special equipment, you’ll end up paying more. That’s because of the extra time and equipment required to get it out. Trees in large yards are fairly straightforward, but a tree next to power lines or near a historical landmark will take a lot more time. You’ll want the job done safely, so prepare to pay more under these circumstances.
