Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lusby?
- 2 Does the City of Lusby Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lusby?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lusby?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lusby?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lusby?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lusby?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Lusby?
Maryland is home to a number of tree species including Oaks, Alder, Ash, Beech, Dogwoods, Hickory, and Maples just to name a few. All those beautiful trees are vulnerable to a number of common tree issues including disease, infections, and infestations. Some tree problems we commonly see in Lusby include:
Gypsy Moth Infestation
This invasive species causes severe damage to trees in Lusby and throughout the State of Maryland. Adult gypsy moths lay their eggs on the tree, and when the larvae hatch, they begin to feed. These seemingly harmless little caterpillars can actually devastate a tree, or group of trees in short order. They generally attack oaks and aspens, sometimes causing death to the tree.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Eastern tent caterpillars are actually the larvae of a moth. The adult lays eggs in the tree, and they build large nests in branches where the eggs are safe and protected. Once the eggs hatch, the hungry larvae make their way out of the nest onto the branches and limbs of the tree. They’re voracious eaters and a large colony of tent caterpillars can completely strip a tree of its leaves, leaving it vulnerable to diseases.
Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot
If you notice that the outer crown of a tree in your Lusby yard has started to die back, or the tree is losing leaves at the wrong time of the year, it may be sick. This is a particularly difficult disease to avoid when the ground is too moist for a long period of time. Young trees are highly vulnerable and may die very quickly, a mature tree may be infected for years before it succumbs.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is a lethal tree disease that is caused by a fungus known as Ceratocystis fagacearum. This disruptive fungus invades the water-conducting systems of the tree, making it impossible for water and nutrients to move. Infected trees quickly drop all of their leaves, called defoliating, and die within weeks of the fungus being introduced. Red oaks usually die within 6 weeks, while white oaks may survive as long as 6 months.
Improper Pruning
One of the biggest threats to Lusby trees that we see is amateur pruning. We frequently see trees that have been hat-racked or the canopy chopped off. We see branches that haven’t been cut properly. We also see trees that are asymmetrical and in danger of falling due to poor pruning. When a tree is compromised from poor pruning, it becomes a hazardous tree that could fall and damage property or hurt someone.
Does the City of Lusby Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
The City of Lusby isn’t responsible for the trees that grow on your property. If you need tree removal, tree trimming, or tree maintenance, it’s up to you to call us to take care of it. You do, however, need to apply for a permit to remove or trim trees, and you do have to follow specific guidelines when you do. If your permit is approved, you’ll also have to follow up with the city after the tree removal to ensure you’ve followed the guidelines.
The City of Lusby does maintain the trees on city property, including street trees in downtown areas, parks, easements, and other public spaces. Just contact the city to report the tree that concerns you. They will send out a crew to take care of removing a problem tree, trimming branches, and cleaning up debris.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Lusby?
That depends on a few things. If a tree falls on public property, it’s up to the City of Lusby to clean it up. When a tree falls on private property, liability for the cleanup and damages is fairly straightforward. According to the Maryland People’s Law Library, when seemingly healthy trees fall over, it’s considered an “act of God”, and therefore, there is no liability. If, however, a tree owner knew or should have known a tree was dead, damaged, or decayed, and it fell, liability falls on the tree owner.
If you’re a homeowner?
If one of the trees on your Lusby property falls, you’re going to need to call us to arrange for tree removal services and debris cleanup. This is also true if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property. Any damage that the tree causes to your home, garage, other structures, or personal property will likely be covered under your homeowner’s insurance.
If you’re a renter?
One of the great things about renting instead of owning is that someone else is responsible for property and home. If a tree falls on the property that you’re renting, all you really need to do is contact your landlord or property management company to report the problem. If any of your personal belongings have been damaged, contact your renter’s insurance company to find out if you’re covered.
If you’re a landlord?
Property owners in Lusby are all treated equally when it comes to liability for fallen trees. If the tree is growing on your property, and it falls, you clean it up. If a neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, you’ll have to clean it up, too, as long as it was a healthy tree.
If you’re a neighbor?
For the most part, you’ll be the one responsible for cleaning up after a neighbor’s tree falls onto your land. If you can prove that the neighbor knew or should have known the tree was compromised and dangerous, you may be able to shift liability for tree removal to the neighbor.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Lusby?
The official state soil of Maryland is Sassafras soil, which is what you’re going to find in Lusby and the surrounding areas. It’s easy to work with, deep, well-drained, and fertile soil when it’s managed properly. The right combination of sand, silt, loam, and clay make it an ideal soil for many species of native and introduced trees to grow and prosper. However, not all Sassafras soil has the perfect combination of ingredients.
If the soil on your property is particularly sandy, you may want to consider amending it with other organic materials. When it rains heavily, sand tends to drain quickly. The trees can’t absorb the nutrients and water fast enough to get the energy they need to do well. Soil amendments will help. On the other hand, if there’s a high clay content, the soil could become waterlogged, which puts the tree at risk of fungal infections, root rot, or being uprooted in a strong wind. In this case, more sand and silt are needed to balance the soil.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Lusby?
During the hot, muggy months of summer, thunderstorms are a common occurrence in Lusby and your trees have to face the brunt of it. Heavy rains can cause tree limbs and branches to become waterlogged and so heavy they break off. Strong winds can push a tree over if the soil is too loose, or if the soil is saturated. In some cases, the damage is so severe that an entire tree comes crashing to the ground.
Winter weather can also be harsh on your trees. Bitter cold temperatures can kill off young trees if they’re not protected. Large trees are at risk of losing large branches, especially after winter precipitation like snow, sleet, or ice. Strong winter winds can snap trees that are weakened or damaged.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Lusby?
This is, perhaps, one of the most dangerous types of tree problems, and it needs to be handled carefully. If the tree is touching the power line, you can be electrocuted by touching it. If the tree is unstable, you could cause it to fall onto the power line if you move it. Avoid the tree and make sure that people and pets stay clear, as well.
If the tree is on your property, remember this is not a job for a homeowner. In fact, it’s the responsibility of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative to take care of trees near power lines no matter where they are. Maryland, like the majority of states, have adopted the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), which requires electric utilities to employ highly trained individuals who can safely trim trees and remove dead trees near power lines.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Lusby?
On average, homeowners in Lusby pay around $650 to have a tree removed from their property. But, that’s just an average price and every tree removal job is unique. Other tree removal jobs can fall between $300 and $1,900. We take a few things into account when determining the final cost for tree removal:
How Mature Is the Tree?
Young, immature trees are much easier and less expensive to remove than large, mature trees. The reason? We need heavy equipment, extra rigging, and additional crew members to remove a large tree safely.
Where Is the Tree?
Trees that are in open areas with easy access won’t cost nearly as much to remove as trees that are in hard-to-reach areas like between structures.
Additional Services
In addition to the cost of removing a tree, you may also want stump removal. log splitting, or chipping. These are also additional costs.
