AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Spring Lake, NJ

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Spring Lake?

The city of Spring Lake, New Jersey, also known as the Irish Rivera, is a beautiful beach resort town defined by its large Victorian houses, well-manicured lawns, flower-filled parks, and tree-lined streets.

The town exudes this serene, tranquil feel, and part of it is largely due to its tree planting spirit. The city even has in place a shade committee, which encourages planting trees along sidewalks. Some of the common tree species you’ll spot in the area include Honey Locust, Red Maple, Zelkova, Oak, Linden, and London Plane.

However, that is not to say that these trees are not susceptible to some issues. Here are some common issues that trees face in Spring Lake. 

Anthracnose disease: Anthracnose disease is actually a pretty prevalent disease affecting trees across the entire New Jersey region. And Spring Lake is no exception. It is a type of fungus that attacks the twigs and leaves of most shade trees. Some of the signs you’ll start noticing include loss of foliage before the expected time, irregular leaf growth, and dead spots on leaves. A few of its favorite victims include dogwood, maple, ash, sycamore, and maple.

Unfortunately, once the fungi entirely overrun a tree, you can’t do much except contact us to completely remove the tree before the disease spreads to nearby trees. 

Bacterial Leaf Scorch: The bacterial leaf scorch is yet another disease that frequents trees everywhere in the U.S. It’s caused by a bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa that then spreads from tree to tree through treehoppers, spittlebugs, and leafhoppers that consume these leaves. Symptoms of bacterial leaf scorch are similar to effects of extreme heat or drought or damage that prevent the tree from taking up moisture from the soil.

When a tree is hit, some of the symptoms you’ll notice include marginal necrosis, premature leaf browning, and defoliation.

They target different types of oak, red maple, mulberry, and sweetgum, which turn leaf edges brown, slowly drying them up to their death. Bacterial leaf scorch is chronic and can be fatal to trees. It slowly creeps its way into the entire tree, causing decline through several years. Eventually, limbs begin getting weak and dying, ultimately causing the whole tree to fall. 

Like Anthracnose, there is no cure for the disease. However, we can control symptoms through injections made into the flare at the base of the tree. While it might not cure the tree, this treatment can prolong the life of the tree. For it to be effective, the injections need to be done at regular intervals. The best remedy is tree replacement.

Armillaria Root Rot: It is a type of fungus that attacks old and rotten maple and dead oak roots and tree stumps. It is capable of spreading through the tree’s root system quickly, infecting nearby trees. Trees infected with the fungus slowly begin decaying at the roots. Eventually, the roots and trunks become too weak to hold the tree’s weight, and it falls.

One common indication of root rot fungal infection are mushrooms growing at the tree trunk base. You might also notice the browning of the needles on evergreen trees, dead branches in the tree’s upper canopies, and general stunted growth of the tree.

A tree affected by armillaria root rot can fall down at any time, and this can be potentially hazardous to people in the area. Once you suspect that a tree has the disease, it is vital that you call us for professional tree removal services.

We shall assess the situation accordingly and determine the tree’s structural stability. Then we can remove any unstable trees.

Does the City of Spring Lake Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?

The City of Spring Lake has a Tree Ordinance in place, which preserves, maintains, and protects trees. Some efforts underway include stabilization of soil in the area by preventing erosion and sedimentation. Unless it’s a proven threat to safety, the City of Spring Lake does not offer any assistance in tree removal problems.

You are required to have a permit to remove any ornamental tree of a diameter of three inches or more measured at the height of four feet above the ground.

Upon receiving a tree removal permit application, the Code Enforcement Officer will inspect the site where the tree ought to be removed including the entire root structure and other physical conditions. Then, the Code Enforcement Officer decides whether to give out a permit based on factors affecting safety among others and if a mitigation plan is necessary.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Spring Lake?

As we’ve seen, the city is not responsible for fallen tree removal in Spring Lake unless they pose a significant safety risk or if the tree falls on public land. If it falls on your property, it is your responsibility as the private homeowner or landowner to remove it. You are also liable to pay any property damages incurred by the fallen tree.

The city allows non-owners to file for tree removal permits as long as the owner’s written consent is attached to the application. The application should also include the name and address of both the owner and applicant. 

However, there are other scenarios of trees falling where this responsibility can be shifted to other people. Let’s take a look.

If you’re a homeowner?

If you own the land and surrounding property where the tree fell, you are responsible for removing the tree. However, before removing any parts of a tree in Spring Lake, you’ll require a permit. And this costs a processing fee of $75. A tree mitigation plan may also be necessary, depending on the tree species.

As a homeowner, you will incur all the costs associated with tree removal. This includes everything from permits to employing the services of a professional tree remover. In addition, if there was any damage inflicted on other people’s property, you are required to settle all the damage claims. 

If you’re a renter?

Usually, renters report to their landlord when a tree falls on the premises and have them handle the tree removal (including the associated payments). Unless the landlord-tenant lease clearly states it is your responsibility, you are not liable for anything.

However, if you want, you can still contact us to remove the tree as long as you have the owner’s written consent, address, and full name, and a permit. Also, if the tree fell as a direct consequence of the renter tampering with it, then the renter is liable for paying for the associated costs.

If you’re a landlord?

Any pruning, trimming, or removal of trees on any rented property is the sole responsibility of the person or persons who own the property. If you are a landlord to several properties, you are responsible for those as well; the trees should be well maintained and constantly watered during the first year after cultivation.

If you’re a neighbor?

Trees are familiar sources of disputes among neighbors, and having a fallen tree could escalate the situation further. If the fallen tree trunk is within your property, the City of Spring Lake considers the tree to be part of your property. In which case, you’ll be responsible for removing the tree. If the situation is reversed, then it will be the neighbors’ responsibility to remove the fallen tree.

We highly advise talking with your neighbor before taking any drastic actions. If there is any property damage during the process and the neighbor proves you damaged their property willingly, you could be charged with committing a third-degree crime.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Spring Lake?

Spring Lake, New Jersey, has sandy soil that drains well but dries quickly. Freehold with a map symbol of FnA/ FnC is among the most productive areas. The soil there supports eight tree species, including the Northern Red Oak, yellow poplar, shortleaf, Virginia Pitch Pine, white and black oaks, and finally, American Beech.

The area also has a low erosion hazard with moderate seed mortality and holds tree roots firmly against strong winds.

Tinton (ToA, ToC, ToD, TUB**) and Hammonton (HaB, HoA, HbB, HLA**) are other series of soil that highly favor the growth of trees in Spring Lake, New Jersey. The Tinton Series consists of well-drained soils on uplands and terraces. They are usually formed in acid, loam, coastal plain sediments that are 10 to 40 percent glauconitic by volume.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Spring Lake?

Spring Lake, New Jersey, is a humid subtropical climate that is characterized by an average mean temperature of greater than 32.0F. It gets cold but mild winters and hot, humid summers are tempered by a cool ocean breeze. 

It occasionally gets strong winds, which may break trees but are not strong enough to uproot them. However, there is extreme heat during the hot season. Residents are advised to follow the five-category system, which helps mitigate its effects on vegetation in Spring Lake, New Jersey.

The city gets about 48 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the national average by 10 inches. In addition, there are a total of 209 sunny days on average and about 25 inches of snow per year.

So yes, weather plays a massive role in the health of trees in Spring Lake, New Jersey. In fact, in 2020, the city was hit by a fast-moving tropical storm called Isaias that had gusts of over 70 mph which brought down trees and power lines all over New Jersey.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Spring Lake?

As it stands, any dead fallen tree poses a considerable safety risk to the residents within the site. Well, having it close to a power line is even worse. To avoid the risk of electric shocks, we strongly advise that you keep your distance. Instead, call your city power provider as soon as possible.

Jersey Central Power and Light are responsible for handling the removal of a tree that has fallen near power lines. Because of the frequent storms experienced in the area, the company recommends waiting for them to come and remove the tree. They can also trim trees down for you if you feel it’s a potential risk.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Spring Lake?

Tree removal in Spring Lake is relatively more expensive than in other areas. It currently sits at an average of $1,325, which is 29% above the national average of $871. The price does not include a permit processing fee of $27, which is mandatory as you apply for a permit.

However, most home insurance coverage in Spring Lake will cover tree removal if the tree fell during a storm. This does not cover the removal of neglected dead trees or even healthy ones.

Wondering what makes the price so expensive? Here are some factors tree removal services consider when billing.

Danger Level Associated with Removing the Tree

Dangerous situations increase the price for obvious reasons. Such situations require the hand of a more skilled and courageous technician, like ours. Naturally, such prowess needs to be awarded handsomely. These individuals are risking their limbs and lives to remove the tree after all.

Also, heightened danger automatically translates to a higher probability of a workers’ compensation claim, which drives the cost up for us.

Time Required to Remove the Tree

The time required to remove the tree comes a close second when computing tree removal prices. For instance, some trees are much older and therefore harder to cut through than others. As you might expect, the longer it takes to do so, the higher the price you’ll be charged.

Proximity to Structures

The threat to customers’ homes is perhaps the number one reason we are asked to trim or remove trees. In such situations, it takes extra time and effort to remove those branches or trees safely. This is a case when one should not automatically balk at a higher price.

In addition to houses, we have to carefully cut the trees around other structures like fences, sidewalks, and sprinkler systems to avoid damage.