ST. PETERS, MO TREE REMOVAL SERVICE WITHOUT THE HASSLE

Looking for affordable tree removal service in St. Peters? Great! TreeTriage is at your service 24/7. In this guide, we cover common questions for residents of St. Peters including:

• How Much Does Tree Service & Removal Usually Cost In St. Peters?
• Does The City of St. Peters Provide Any Assistance With Tree Problems?
• Who Is Responsible For Fallen Trees In St. Peters? (You, Neighbor, Landlord?)
• What You (And We) Do To Save Your Lawn Before And After Tree Service?
• What You Need To Do If Trees Are Near Power Lines In St. Peters?
• And Why Tree Triage Is The Best Tree Removal Company For You!

Tell us about your project in the form and we’ll get you connected with specialists in St. Peters or continue reading to learn what you should consider when removing a tree in St. Peters.

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in St. Peters?

One common tree issue in St. Peters is man-made. That is the topping of trees, which the city describes as “mutilating” and “obsolete.” Along with the Missouri Community Forestry Council Anti-Topping Campaign, St. Peters wants to educate its citizens regarding the myths of tree topping and the use of positive alternatives. “Topping causes immediate injury to the tree,” according to the Missouri Community Forestry Council, “by leaving large, open wounds that subject the tree to disease and decay.” The City of St. Peters has made it illegal to top any tree on city property.

Some truths about tree topping include:

• Topping does not reduce storm damage to the tree. Rather, the tree will develop long, loose shoots after topping which are more easily broken during a storm.

• Topping does not invigorate the tree. Rather, it causes injury and starves the tree due to a loss of foliage which can lead to the premature death of the tree.

• Topped trees are ugly. Because of the hazard a topped tree presents, it is also a liability. Topped trees will not add value to a homeowner’s property, but rather may reduce the value.

There are much better alternatives to tree topping. Call on our expert arborists to share them with you.

Many other issues can affect St. Peters trees. Some additional conditions are also man-made, while others are due to their environment, and/or diseases and pests that can attack a compromised tree and a healthy one, alike. Some of these other common problems, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, include:

The Unwarranted Use of Herbicides

When too much unnecessary herbicide is applied to trees, soil, and in the water for feeding lawns and other landscapes, it can be harmful rather than beneficial to a tree. Symptoms can vary between trees and the various types of herbicides they are exposed to but can include deformed leaves including twisting, puckering, or cupping, and stunted stems and branches.

Foreign Trees

Many backyard gardeners want the joy of an unusual tree to the area, often for its beauty. This can end up being disappointing. The tree may have trouble adapting to the climate and soil of St. Peters. This can lead to poor growth of the roots and the tree, leaving them to succumb to diseases or pests. Be aware of the needs of the trees you plant. They may need more water than native trees and more protection from the weather.

Root Rot

Many of us have seen some form of root rot in a houseplant that we have overwatered. It is similar to a tree. Healthy roots are firm. Root rot turns them soft. The cause is soggy soil which fungal spores love, spreading through the plant, or in this case, the tree’s root system. Since the condition is located underground, it is harder to determine. Prevention is key to root rot, as there is no cure.

Scorch

On the other side of the spectrum, scorch occurs when the roots are not able to transport water throughout the tree promptly. This happens in trees that prefer a shadier atmosphere such as dogwoods and Japanese maples. Signs of scorch include a browning along the leaf edges. Drought is the most common cause of scorch. Pay special attention to your trees during drought years. 

Anthracnose 

A common fungal disease, anthracnose affects the leaves of almost any tree. The result is the formation of little brown spots from dead leaf tissue. Branches and twigs also die off as the wood becomes infected. In most cases, anthracnose is not deadly to the tree itself. It is especially harmful to sycamores though. Sycamore anthracnose also starts with the leaves and, while a tree can re-establish its leaves, over time, the sycamore will lose its vigor and may succumb to the illness.

Does the City of St. Peters Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

The City of St. Peters is responsible for the maintenance and removal, when necessary, of all public trees on city property and in its parks. The city does not physically help with the removal of trees on private property. However, through its Parks Department, the city offers the services of a certified arborist to answer tree-related questions from its citizens via e-mail. Those questions can include just about anything about trees, and you may be able to get some answers to questions regarding tree removal.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in St. Peters?

As for who is responsible for the removal of a fallen tree, the answers are pretty straightforward. As mentioned, the city is responsible for a public fallen tree, even if it falls onto private property. Other scenarios are below:

If you’re a homeowner?

Likewise, a homeowner is responsible for a fallen tree that was living on their property. Despite where the tree and its branches fall on your own, your neighbor’s, or city property, you must call us to arrange to have it removed.

If you’re a renter?

In most cases, a renter has no responsibility for a fallen tree. He or she should, however, notify the property owner of a sick and/or fallen tree, so it can be taken care of.

If you’re a landlord?

A landlord bears the responsibility of a fallen tree on his or her property. If the tree lands on a neighbor’s property or city property, the landlord needs to arrange to have it removed.

If you’re a neighbor?

If a neighbor’s tree should fall, in part or entirely on your property, that neighbor is responsible for having it removed. Your neighbor should discuss this with you and arrange a time for the work to be done that is good for both of you.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in St. Peters?

The soil in St. Peters is commonly alkaline. This can be harmful to some trees, preventing them from getting enough iron. The result is called iron chlorosis. Symptoms include the leaves turning yellow. Our professional arborists can advise you on the condition and possible treatment.

If you have questions regarding the soil on your property, the city’s horticulturist recommends you take a soil sample test to the University of Missouri Extension Office here in town. The phone number is 636-970-3000.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in St. Peters?

Here in St. Peters, we enjoy having four seasons. But those seasons can bring about some nasty weather, too. As those of us who live here know all too well, we have thunderstorms, hail, snow, and ice, as well as tornadoes, and sometimes, scorching heat and drought. Not only is it hard on us and our pets, but our plant life and trees, too. 

Hail can strip a tree of its leaves which are responsible for making sugars necessary for the tree to live. While a tree can grow new leaves, it will utilize stored up energy, resulting in even more stress. In addition, hail can damage the bark and down limbs and branches.

Likewise, a tornado can strip a tree of nearly everything or down it altogether. Torrential rains saturate the soil, loosening the roots, and causing trees to fall. Heat and a drought situation will zap a tree of the much-needed moisture it needs to survive.

Following any type of extreme weather, it is prudent to check your trees for damage. If you feel one has been compromised, you should call our arborists for an evaluation.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in St. Peters?

If you see a dead tree or branches on or near power lines, never approach the situation. This can be dangerous. You should call the local electric company. We have two different companies that service St. Peters, Ameren, and the Cuivre River Electric Cooperative. Ameren’s contact number is 800-552-7583. Cuivre River Electric’s number is 800-392-3709.

If you are unsure which company services a particular area, contact the city. If the circumstances seem dangerous, call 911. 

Ameren reports you should never try to remove a limb or any other part of a tree from a power line. It could work as a conduit for electricity, especially when wet. Furthermore, you should think of any power line as a possible electrical line, as it is difficult to tell the difference between power, telephone, or cable. Consider it dangerous and let the professionals deal with the problem.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in St. Peters?

Tree removal generally ranges between $500-$2,000 in St. Peters. However, a tall pine or large oak could cost even more to remove. Prices vary upon the height and size of the tree, where it is located, whether extra equipment is needed, and why the tree is being removed. But, there may be some relief through your homeowner’s insurance. Depending upon why the tree fell and where the tree was located, your homeowner’s coverage may help you pay a tree removal bill.

Health of the Tree

When removing a tree, our crew will use its trunk and thicker branches to climb about and remove the upper part of the tree first. With their expertise, this can be done safely in a healthy tree. A dead tree, or an unhealthy one, is more dangerous for our experts to take down and remove. Why? A damaged or dead tree is unstable. Limbs can crack and branches can fall unexpectedly. A different approach must be taken, and more time will be required with additional care, which can add to the cost.

Size of the Tree

As one can imagine, it will take longer to take down a taller tree than a shorter one, and very tall trees can require extra equipment, such as a bucket truck, to lift our workers and saws to remove the higher branches. The more specialty equipment needed and additional labor time for a taller tree will drive up the cost of removing it.

More Than One?

If you are considering having more than one tree removed, it can be beneficial to have them done at the same time. After all, our equipment and tree removal specialists will already be there. While there will be more time involved and more debris to remove, you should save on other areas of expense.