Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Blue Springs?
- 2 Does the City of Blue Springs Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Blue Springs?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Blue Springs?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Blue Springs?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Blue Springs?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Blue Springs?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Blue Springs?
The most common reason for tree removal in Blue Springs is due to sick or infested trees. There are many different kinds of tree pests and diseases, but this section will focus on the most common for this area.
The emerald ash borer, named for its green color, is a destructive, exotic beetle. This wood-boring pest is now in 35 states, including Missouri, and is responsible for killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The adult beetle does only a little damage by eating the tree’s foliage. It’s the larvae that do most of the killing. They like to feed on the inner bark, which disrupts water and nutrient transportation throughout the tree. If you see holes in the bark or vertical bark splitting, you may have an infestation. Another sign to look for is woodpecker holes. Woodpeckers like to forage for the larvae. If the symptoms are too high up in the tree, you may not know you have a problem until the canopy thins.
One of the worst tree pests in Missouri is the gypsy moth. Although they prefer oak, they will feed on hundreds of other plant and tree species. Once infested with gypsy moth caterpillars, defoliation and tree death can take only a year or two. Gypsy moths are deadly and a common reason for tree removal in Blue Springs. One way to prevent this pest is to remove egg masses that moths may lay in June and July. These may be hidden under rocks, branches, or other unseen areas in the yard. If egg masses are not removed in time, you can try insecticides. However, the types needed to kill gypsy moths are not usually available to the public.
Another issue is heart rot fungus. Blue Springs has many birch, cedar, dogwood, and maple trees that can grow very broad and tall. These trees can become infected with a fungus that causes heart rot. The fungus makes its way in through cracks or damage in the trees. This type of rot can be very contagious, so our tree trimmers will need to disinfect their blades or climbing spikes to avoid inadvertently spreading the fungus. Heart rot causes the wood in the center of the trunk to decay. As the center hollows, the tree becomes unstable and dangerous. We know how to remove an infected tree safely without harming or infecting other nearby trees.
Oak wilt is another fungal-caused tree disease you need to know about in Blue Springs. The fungal infection is spread by beetles that like to feed on the tree’s bark. Once the fungus gets into the tree, it breeds in the tissues and causes clogs. These clogs will keep water and nutrients from reaching the top of the tree. Think of it like tree starvation. If you notice the tree leaves start to wither, turn brown, and fall off, you may have oak wilt. This disease can kill trees in less than a month from the start of infection.
Does the City of Blue Springs Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
If you need tree removal in Blue Springs, the city will only help if it is on public land. If the tree that needs to be removed is on private property, the homeowner will need to make arrangements. In some cases, the City of Blue Springs will come on to the private property and remove a tree if it is a hazard. There are a few different ways that a tree can be considered hazardous. We will discuss this part of the city’s tree ordinance in more detail in the next section.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Blue Springs?
There are a few factors to consider when looking at who needs to pay for the tree removal in Blue Springs. The responsibility for a fallen tree depends on who owns the land, why the tree fell, and whether insurance covers the damage.
If you’re a homeowner?
According to the city law, the homeowner needs to care for their own land. This is supposed to include fallen trees because they would be part of the property. However, the tree ordinance also states that the city can come onto the property and inspect trees at their discretion. They can and will remove trees that they consider to be a hazard to the public or other private property. Residents of Blue Springs should remember this if they have a concern about any trees nearby, whether private or public. The city is trying to prevent dangerous outbreaks of pests and diseases.
If you’re a renter?
If you are a renter in Blue Springs, you are not responsible for any tree removals. This is because you are not the property owner, and there are stringent rules about who can and cannot cut down trees. If a tree falls on the property you are renting, the best thing you can do is contact the property owner as soon as possible so that they can make the necessary arrangements. If the tree damages any of your personal property, you should contact your rental insurance company to check your coverage.
If you’re a landlord?
If you need a tree removed in Blue Springs, and you are the property owner, you are responsible. If your tenant alerts you that a tree has fallen, you will need to know what kind, if any, damage occurred. Next, you need to contact your homeowner’s insurance policy. If the tree falls because of environmental factors, they will often cover the removal. Sometimes, if the tree causes little or no damage, it may cost less than your insurance deductible.
If you’re a neighbor?
Unfortunately, if your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, you are responsible for removing it. The responsibility for removing the fallen tree goes to the person who owns the property that the tree lands on. In this case, you should contact your insurance to find out if they will handle it. It is also important to report neglected trees that may be a hazard to help prevent a tree from falling and causing damage.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Blue Springs?
According to the soil survey, Blue Springs has silty loam soil. Loam soils are made up of three main parts: sand, silt, and clay. The soil type in this area has a higher proportion of silt, making it especially high in nutrients. Trees in this soil do not need to be watered as much as high-sand soils because it holds the water nicely. It is important to water less in the winter because silty loams are colder than other soils. Too much water can cause damage to the roots if temperatures drop.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Blue Springs?
Weather can play a big role in the health and safety of your trees in Blue Springs. One of the biggest problems trees face in Missouri is the cold, harsh winters. Winter storms can bring in a lot of snow and ice in this area, which may be too heavy for your tree to hold, causing fallen branches and trees. Trees that survive the winter with damage may be weaker and more susceptible to diseases and pests in warmer months.
According to SEMA, Blue Springs, Missouri, is at high risk for tornados. Severe weather like tornadoes can cause many trees to fall or become unstable. This is especially true for trees that are already in bad shape because even moderately high winds can be enough to uproot them. If a tree is in bad condition, it may be a good idea to take care of it before extreme weather causes an emergency. The highest recorded tornado in Blue Springs was an F5 in 1957.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Blue Springs?
Dead trees can be hazardous because they become dry and brittle over time, increasing the risk of breaking. If the tree is near power lines, the problem is much worse. Not only is this a significant fire hazard, but if the tree falls, it can take out the power lines, causing widespread electrical grid shutdowns. If you see a tree near a power line, you should call the power company. They may come out and remove it if the tree is dead and poses a risk of falling. If the tree is alive, they may trim it back.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Blue Springs?
In this section, we will give you some general estimates for tree removal in Blue Springs. These prices are based on our past work. The exact estimate for your specific tree removal may be different because many factors could change the cost. The price range for the average tree removal in the area is between $205 and $1930. Below you will find the most common circumstances that increase the cost.
Tree Size
Cutting down trees is a risky business, but it’s downright dangerous when a tree is 80 feet tall. On top of the added danger, the cleanup and removal also cost more when a tree is bigger. Smaller trees will cost less because they need fewer of our people to get the job done.
- Tree Removal cost for a 20-foot tree: $153 to $330
- Tree Removal cost for a 40-foot tree: $365 to $635
- Tree Removal cost for a 60-foot tree: $535 to $870
- Tree Removal cost for an 80-foot tree: $740 to $1510 or more
Tree Location
The tree’s location is an important factor in price. If you need tree removal in Blue Springs, and it’s right up against the power line, it will cost more because it will be more hazardous and difficult to remove. If the tree is near other property or in a tight, narrow alley, it may take more people and equipment to reach it. For trees located near streets, the cost may include a permit to close a lane of traffic.
Labor and Materials
Labor and materials are another major cost factor for tree removal in Blue Springs. The harder the tree is to remove, the more money you will have to pay. If we need a crane, stump grinder, or additional labor, the bill will be higher. On the other hand, if the tree is lying in a large field and it’s easy to reach, you will pay considerably less.