Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Randolph?
- 2 Does the City of Randolph Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Randolph?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Randolph?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Randolph?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Randolph?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Randolph?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Randolph?
Randolph is home to quite a few beautiful trees. The diversity of vegetation is a testament to the state and the reason for many out-of-state visitors. New Jersey typically experiences four distinct seasons with pretty dramatic changes in the tree colors, from vibrant green to stunning fall colors, to winter bare. The change in seasons allows for a wide variety of native trees and other vegetation. Some native trees in Randolph are:
- Silver Maple
- Juniper
- Flowering Dogwood
- Ash
- Alder
- Birch
- Eastern White Pine
- Scarlet Oak
These are just a few of the many flowering, nonflowering, and deciduous trees in Randolph. The beauty is astounding, but they don’t stay lovely without proper care. Sadly, these come with their own set of problems.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAS)
The emerald ash borer is a very destructive beetle that is wreaking havoc all over the Eastern Seaboard. The EAS may be pretty to look at, but it has been responsible for the death of millions of ash trees and that has cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The EAS feeds on the inner bark of the ash trees, where sugars are transported during photosynthesis in the leaves. This can lead to the death of the tree if left unmanaged. The EAS is a major problem in New Jersey.
Pine Shoot Beetle (PSB)
The pine shoot beetle is a serious problem for pines. The PSB likes to attach to the new shoots of pine trees, which stunts their growth. These pesky beetles also like to attack stressed pines by breeding under the bark, causing a severe decline in health and possibly death.
Urban Living
Trees growing in urban areas just don’t have the privileges of trees growing untouched in the forest. There can be a lack of suitable nutrients due to human activity. Trees in the forest use decomposing leaves as a source of nutrients, but humans like to rake up leaves from their yards, depriving the trees of a nutrient source. Humans also like to hike and run all over the soil, compacting it. Soil that is extremely compacted can restrict root growth and damage a tree’s very foundation.
Does the City of Randolph Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
In Randolph, the property owner where a tree is located is responsible for maintaining and removing that tree. The township of Randolph is only responsible for maintaining trees on municipally-owned properties. If a tree falls across a street, however, the town may assist in clearing the street and the property owner will most likely need to pay for tree and stump removal.
You may need to get a tree removal permit application approved before you remove any trees from your property in Randolph. This is to help preserve the natural environment of the area by limiting how many trees can be removed from your property. The exception to this is if the tree is diseased, dying, or a potential danger to you or others. You may still need a tree care expert like Tree Triage to state the status of the tree.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Randolph?
As a property owner in Randolph, you are responsible for maintaining trees and removing any fallen trees on your property. It may seem fairly straightforward, but it can get a bit tricky when a tree falls across property lines. Consider this short guide before getting mad about a fallen tree.
If you’re a homeowner?
As the homeowner in Randolph, you are responsible for all trimming and maintaining of trees on your property. If a tree falls on your property, you are the one who pays to have it removed. Call your insurance company before you call us for tree removal service, though. Your homeowners insurance may very well come up with the tree removal costs or any property damage.
If you’re a renter?
If a tree falls on the property you are renting, you should call your landlord immediately, just like you would for any other maintenance issues. As the renter, you do not own the property and therefore, you are not responsible for paying for tree removal. However, you should still contact your renters insurance and see if any damage to private property is covered. You should also be mindful of any tree problems on the property, so you can contact the landlord before those trees become a problem.
If you’re a landlord?
As the landlord, no matter how many properties you own, you should be prepared to pay for any fallen trees or property damage on any of your properties in Randolph. You are the property owner and are responsible for all tree removal and maintenance.
If you’re a neighbor?
It becomes more tricky when a tree falls across a property line. Who pays for the removal and any property damage then? The simple answer is that each property owner deals with his or her property. If you are the owner of the tree, you will call your homeowners insurance and have it removed from your property; if you are the neighbor where a tree has fallen across the property line, you will call your insurance and have it removed. An insurance company isn’t going to spend the time trying to figure out who owns a tree and will just cover the cost, probably minus the deductible. There is one catch, though. If the neighbor has been nervous about your tree for some time and suspects neglect of the tree, the neighbor’s insurance may come after the tree owner’s insurance for payment. If you have questions, always contact your insurance directly to get a clear explanation of what exactly is covered.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Randolph?
The state soil of New Jersey is called Downer soil. Downer is primarily in Southern New Jersey, but it can be found in the Randolph area as well. Downer soils are well-drained soils that are developed from acid, loamy Coastal Plain sediments. There are plenty of nutrients that can promote healthy tree growth, rapid growth, and long life. All kinds of agriculture can thrive in Downer soils due to not being excessively sandy or rocky.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Randolph?
The weather in Randolph can be intense for trees in the area The average temperatures range from below freezing in the winter to the low-to-mid 80s during the summer. Randolph can get about 51 inches of rain and 33 inches of snow annually, both higher than the national average. During the winter, the roots of trees can easily freeze in the low temperatures, causing the trees to weaken. Weakened trees are definitely at a higher risk of falling. The higher level of snow coupled with the colder temperatures can cause an accumulation of precipitation on tree limbs. Falling tree limbs can be a danger to property and power lines. It is best to be preemptive and keep your trees trimmed to minimize fall potential.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Randolph?
Tree branches and dead trees can be very problematic around power lines. It doesn’t take much for weakened trees to fall on power lines, causing a widespread power outage. This is why Jersey Central Power & Light has an extensive tree pruning process they follow each year. Tree trimming increases reliability for power customers by reducing the frequency and duration of power outages due to down trees. This trimming process follows a four-year cycle that includes inspecting vegetation near the power lines and pruning in a way that improves the health of the tree. The power company will remove any fallen trees or trees that pose a threat to the power lines due to being diseased or damaged. Otherwise, healthy trees will be trimmed to maintain proper clearances around power lines.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Randolph?
Having a tree removed is not a cheap endeavor in Randolph. Homeowners can expect to pay about $729, on average, or anywhere from $200 to $2,100. Your total cost is going to be determined by a few factors. Consider the following cost factors when budgeting to have a tree removed from your property.
Tree Size
The size of the tree matters when it comes to the cost to remove it. Cutting down trees is a potentially dangerous job and the risk goes up as the tree gets larger. Extra risk to our crew equals more cost to you. Cleanup and removal also cost more as the tree gets bigger. Smaller trees require less risk, less time, and a smaller crew to remove. That means it will cost less for you.
Tree Location
The location of the tree will determine how difficult it is to remove. Remember, the more difficult a tree is to remove, the more it is going to cost you. A dead tree that is already lying on the ground will probably be cheaper because it is easier to clear away. On the other hand, a tree near power lines, lying on a structure, or in a densely populated subdivision will cost more due to the difficulty to remove it.
Labor and Materials
Another rule of thumb in tree removal is that more people are needed for the removal as the difficulty goes up. Falling trees don’t consider our schedules and often cause problems at the most inconvenient times. Tree removal on the weekend, during a holiday, or other non-regular work hours is going to cost you more in labor. Our crew may also have to bring in more specialized equipment, like a bucket truck or crane, and that is going to add more to your bill. Be absolutely sure you want or need your tree removed before you commit.
