AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Middlesex County, NJ

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Middlesex County?

Trees in Middlesex County are susceptible to attacks from the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This invasive plant hopper is native to India and Vietnam and came into the US in 2014. The insect significantly impacts hardwood trees, where it feeds on the saps of black walnuts, maples, and grapevines. Once the invasive pest affects healthy trees, it often results in decreased health, increased stress levels for the plant, and increased death potential. 

The Southern Pine Beetle also poses a threat to trees in the area. The bark beetle usually attacks healthy trees before cutting off water and nutrient supply when it bores through the tree bark. Pines like shortleaf, red, loblolly, white, pitch, and Virginia are susceptible to this pest’s attacks. Affected trees usually have exit holes, pitch tubes, S-shaped galleries, and fading crowns. 

The invasive Emerald Ash Borer has also made inroads in Middlesex County. Larvae burrow under affected tree barks and impair nutrient and water transport within the tree. The white ash and green ash trees are the most susceptible to attacks from destructive pests. You’ll notice woodpeckers and D-shaped exit holes on affected trees. The Asian Longhorned Beetle is also a persistent menace for Middlesex County trees. This pest also disrupts water and nutrient supply in affected trees. 

Besides these common tree pests, Middlesex County trees also face the threat of common tree infections. The bacterial leaf scorch, associated with Xylella fastidiosa, ranks high among the common tree diseases. Feeding leafhopper and spittlebug insects often transmit this bacterial infection to healthy plants. Sycamores, scarlet oaks, and elm trees are most susceptible to this infection that causes brown discoloration along leaf margins. 

Trees that experience insect infestation are also susceptible to beech bark disease, a lethal fungal infection. The American and European Beech trees are commonly affected and experience wooly scales, sparse foliage, and small red fungal fruiting bodies. Besides causing notable tree defects, the disease can also result in mortality.

If you notice any of these tree issues, reach out to our tree experts at Tree Triage. Our team can help you diagnose your tree diseases accurately and ensure that you maintain healthy trees in Middlesex trees. Also, ensure that you watch out for moths, tree fires, and lightning strikes that can also wreak havoc on your trees.

Does Middlesex County Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

Middlesex County has comprehensive Tree Ordinances that ensure protection against threats from trees. The city laws prohibit residents from cutting or damaging trees within the city’s right-of-way or city-owned land. You may need to get a permit from the city’s Shade Tree Commission to cut such trees. City authorities handle tree removal and trimming of trees that pose a danger to public motorists.

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Middlesex County?

Fallen tree removal and liability usually vary depending on the state or specific municipality. However, if a tree poses a threat to your residential property or dies, the tree city laws require you to assess it for possible tree removal. Generally, property owners are responsible for tree removal projects in Middlesex County. You also need to know whether a homeowner, renter, landlord, or neighbor takes responsibility for fallen tree removal. 

If you’re a homeowner?

A hazardous tree on your property can put your family and nearby structures at risk of damage. When the responsibility of removing fallen trees falls to you, always consult seasoned professionals like Tree Triage. Partner with our licensed and experienced tree removal team to minimize the risks involved in the tree removal project. Our professionals help you complete the task while avoiding injuries and property damage. 

Your homeowner’s insurance can also cover the tree removal expenses. Check with your insurance company to ascertain how much they’ll pay for these projects and which aspects they’ll cover.

If you’re a renter?

Renters in Middlesex County are not responsible for tree removal expenses. Typically, landowners and property owners will take responsibility for the fallen tree. However, if the landowner can prove that you were directly responsible for the fallen tree, you might have to pay for its removal. You could also consult your lease agreement to clarify who handles tree removal on the rented property. In most instances, the landlord won’t allow you to take care of tree maintenance on their property. The lease agreement may give you specific landscaping responsibilities, depending on its provisions.  

If you’re a landlord?

Tree removal, trimming, or pruning projects on rented property in Middlesex County is usually the landlord’s or property owner’s responsibility. Given that most lease agreements may fail to specify who handles tree trimming and removal, landlords in Middlesex County often take up this responsibility. Performing proactive tree trimming and removal on your property helps minimize the risks and damage arising from fallen or damaged trees. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Typically, property owners are responsible for the tree removal of trees that fall on their property. You will be responsible for another property’s damage if the tree fell due to negligence on your part. Your neighbor may need to prove that you ignored visible decay or a diseased tree that later caused damage on their property.

It is usually a good idea to remove any potentially dangerous trees to eliminate their threat. Keeping open and cordial communication lines will help you resolve tree removal disputes with your neighbor without much trouble. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Middlesex County?

Middlesex County generally has a flat topography with deposits from seas and oceans on top of metamorphosed rocks. Most of the soil texture comprises soil with considerable fractions of silt and clay. Pine Barrens and several oak species have adapted to the county’s soil. 

Other common tree species that thrive in the county’s soil conditions include chestnuts, pitch pines, bracken fern, blueberry, and mixed oaks. Unfortunately, the soil in Middlesex County lacks enough depth to hold the trees firmly during heavy storms and strong winds. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Middlesex County?

Heavy winds, tornadoes, and tropical storms wreak havoc on trees and property in Middlesex County.  Winter snowstorms in Middlesex County often result in snow accumulations that can impact tree development. In addition, the harsh winter typically causes tree roots to freeze within the ground, limiting the tree’s uptake of water. Tree veins can also become thawed and minimize the tree’s ability to maintain a consistent nutrient supply. 

Middlesex County also experiences drought conditions that can impact your tree’s health. Extended droughts slow down tree growth and can result in injury or death. These conditions can also make the trees susceptible to insect pests, disease, and periodical wildfires. 

The changing weather conditions also influence pests infestations and disease outbreaks. Wet springs and summers often provide a conducive environment for foliage diseases to attack trees in Middlesex County. Conversely, harsh weather conditions usually favor diseases and result in loss of vigor. The stressed and less vigorous growing trees often crumble at the onset of constant pest attacks. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Middlesex County?

Trees growing close to utility power lines can easily result in a hazardous situation. Electrical sparking from the power lines to nearby branches can cause fires and quickly lead to injuries. Trimming such trees must be reserved for professional tree removers like the electric company. If you notice a tree hanging dangerously close to a power line, notify your utility company to help you resolve the situation. 

New Jersey utilities proactively trim trees away from power lines to minimize the risks that such trees can pose to the public. Cutting overlying branches also prevents the likelihood of power outages. The national electrical safety code requires power lines to clear branches and remove trees that pose threats and risks to power lines. However, if your tree poses a threat to power lines connected to your house, you’ll need to get in touch with our tree removal experts to remove such trees. We will liaise with your utility company to switch off the power so we can complete the task safely.  

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Middlesex County?

Property owners in Middlesex County usually pay anything between $200 and $1,900 for their tree removal projects, with an average of $850. Here are factors to keep in mind while creating your tree removal project’s budget. 

Tree Size

The tree’s size often plays a significant role in the overall tree removal costs. Typically, taller trees require extra caution and consideration during their removal. Removing trees that grow to over ten feet in height also poses significant threats for our tree removal experts. The trunk diameter can also influence the overall tree removal costs. Trees with thick trunks often take longer to cut down and may require more work time. As a result, removing such trees often comes with higher bills. 

Accessibility

We always visit the site to evaluate a tree before completing the tree removal project. Such pre-visits help to guarantee ease of access to the tree and utmost safety during the removal process. However, trees near buildings, utility roads, or structures could be challenging to access and pose heightened risks to our tree experts. Our arborists may require specialized equipment and experienced expertise to remove trees near power lines, fences, or homes. If we need to rent such equipment, the tree removal costs will be higher. 

Additional Services

Expect to pay slightly higher rates if you’ll need our tree specialists to perform stump removal. We will require a stump grinder to remove exposed roots and stumps at an additional fee. Alternatively, you could request our tree experts to cut and stack wood from the fallen tree. Our arborists could also perform other services like mulching. Such services often come at an additional fee.