Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in East Brunswick?
- 2 Does the City of East Brunswick Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in East Brunswick?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in East Brunswick?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in East Brunswick?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in East Brunswick?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in East Brunswick?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in East Brunswick?
While East Brunswick is known for its healthy tree population, several things can pose a risk to the health of your trees. Heavy snow, ice, and wind can all cause a large branch or tree to fall. In addition to weather-related events, some diseases and pests also pose a risk to the health of your trees.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle originating from Asia and was first discovered in southeast Michigan, near Detroit, in 2002. Experts believe the pest arrived in the United States on shipping material transported by cargo ships and airplanes. While the adult beetles nibble on foliage and cause minor damage, the larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, destroying the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients.
Since its arrival, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in North America, close to 25 million in New Jersey alone, costing municipalities, property owners, and forest products industries hundreds of millions of dollars. Additionally, the pest has caused the USDA and regulatory agencies to enforce quarantines to prevent potentially infested ash trees, logs, or firewood from moving out of areas.
Anthracnose and leaf spot diseases are two diseases that affect hardwood trees throughout the Eastern United States, including East Brunswick. These diseases cause dead areas or blotches on the leaves and severely impact a tree’s health and cause it to die. Shade trees, including American sycamores, white oak, black walnut, and dogwood, are the most commonly affected.
Dutch elm disease is another common disease that attacks hardwood trees in New Brunswick, primarily American and European elm species. Caused by a fungus, the disease clogs the tree’s vascular tissue and prevents water and nutrients from reaching the crown, causing the tree to wilt and die. The American elm is highly susceptible, and the fungal infection is responsible for the loss of many high-value urban trees.
Diplodia blight of pines is a disease that attacks both exotic and native pine species in New Brunswick. This fungal infection is rare in natural strands of pine trees but poses the biggest threat to landscape, windbreak, and park plantings. The disease causes new shoots to be stunted and brown with short brown needles, killing fresh new growth, major branches, and eventually the entire tree.
Another disease that affects conifers in the New Brunswick area is dothistroma needle blight. Caused by a fungus that infects and kills the tree’s needles, this disease is deadly for a wide range of pine species and is responsible for the devastation of most ponderosa pines in the eastern United States.
Does the City of East Brunswick Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
In 1979, East Brunswick earned the Tree City USA designation for meeting the four criteria established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. East Brunswick has a comprehensive Shade Tree Program designed to maintain and enhance the community’s trees, operated by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Community Services.
The Department of Recreation is responsible for maintaining and removing hazardous trees in all public areas, including along streets and township parks. While East Brunswick does not assist with removing trees from private property, residents are encouraged to report tree issues to the department.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in East Brunswick?
The removal of a fallen tree in East Brunswick is the responsibility of the property owner. While that may seem obvious, fallen trees and tree maintenance are often found at the center of neighborhood disputes. In some cases, such as a tree that grows on a shared property line, tree maintenance or removal is a responsibility shared between the neighbors.
East Brunswick is responsible for removing any fallen trees on the township property. In addition to providing a way for residents to alert the Department of Recreation to potentially dangerous or nuisance trees, East Brunswick has guidelines for tree removal on private property. The established code requires a permit to remove most trees over 6 inches in diameter, and in some instances, may require you to replace the tree.
If you’re a homeowner?
If you are a homeowner and one of your trees falls on your property, you are responsible for its removal as well as any property damage it causes. Homeowners insurance provides a wide range of coverage, and many policies will reimburse you for part or all of the tree removal as well as for your damaged property.
If you’re a renter?
If you are a renter in East Brunswick, the owner, landlord, or manager of the property you are renting is responsible for removing a fallen tree. While the property owner is responsible for ensuring the safety of tenants, they aren’t typically responsible for property damage incurred by them. Your rental insurance will usually cover your property damage, although in some cases if a tree was a known nuisance, your landlord could be liable.
If you’re a landlord?
Like other private property in East Brunswick, landlords are responsible for removing a fallen tree from their property. Additionally, you are responsible for maintaining your trees and ensuring they remain healthy and safe. A dead, dying, or diseased tree can affect other trees on your property while creating unsafe conditions for your tenants and their property. Regularly scheduled tree inspections are critical for the health of your trees, the safety of your tenants, and limiting your liability.
If you’re a neighbor?
Unfortunately, in most cases, if your neighbor’s tree falls on your property, you are responsible for the removal. Nevertheless, your homeowner’s insurance will often cover some or all of the removal costs and provide coverage for any property damage. However, in some cases, your neighbor could be held liable.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in East Brunswick?
The soil characteristics that made East Brunswick suitable for the manufacture of pottery and bricks in the 1800s are the same reasons trees flourish in the area. The soil is a perfect mix of sand and clay that makes it ideal for agriculture and maintaining a healthy tree population. Clay is excellent at retaining moisture, while sand provides drainage, creating the perfect climate for growing a healthy root system.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in East Brunswick?
The weather has a tremendous impact on the health of trees in the area. East Brunswick experiences all four seasons. Warm, comfortable summers with average temperatures in the mid-70s give way to cold winters where below-freezing temperatures are not uncommon and significant snowfalls nearly five months of the year.
Heavy snowfall and ice followed by severe spring and summer storms that bring heavy rain and high winds cause many tree issues.
East Brunswick has experienced storms that caused millions in damage, including a severe storm in 2010, Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in East Brunswick?
Trees that are dead or in danger of damaging power lines are hazardous and need to be reported to the utility provider immediately. Jersey Central Power and Light or PSE&G provides power in the East Brunswick area, and each is responsible for tree maintenance on their property and near the power lines.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in East Brunswick?
The cost of tree removal in East Brunswick varies due to several factors. While the average tree service is typically around $700, each tree removal is unique and requires an inspection to determine the total cost. Most jobs fall between $200 and $1,990.
Location
The location of a tree is a significant factor in the cost of removal. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the location of a diseased, dying, or dead tree. Often, the tree that needs removing is near obstacles that create a potentially dangerous situation. For example, removing a tree that is close to power lines, houses, garages, and other structures requires extreme care to prevent injuries and property damage and adds to the removal cost.
Size
In addition to location, the size of the tree that requires removal impacts the cost. While our professional tree crew can often cut down a small ornamental tree and clear the debris in a few hours, larger trees present additional safety risks and involve more work. In addition to the risks involved with working high off the ground, tall trees have much larger canopies, requiring extensive cleanup of your yard and increasing the cost of removal.
Condition
Finally, the condition and health of your tree is a factor in the removal cost. Dead, dying, or diseased trees are often unpredictable when cut. Weakened branches and trunks can often break, crack, or splinter in ways that can endanger our tree climbers and ground crews, as well as property. The added risk involved with removing a dead or diseased tree will add to the removal cost.
