AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Washington, NJ

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Washington?

There are several significant issues affecting trees throughout the Washington area. Many invasive species of non-native insects are something residents should be looking out for in particular. The emerald ash borer is a major threat to all varieties of local ash trees. This bright green insect is native to Asia but is quickly spreading throughout the United States, killing millions of trees. This insect bores through the wood of ash trees, eating the tree’s pulp, destroying its system for transporting water and nutrients. It lays hundreds of eggs along the bark of ash trees, and after they hatch and mature, they quickly spread. Look for D-shaped exit holes, unusual woodpecker presence, and wilted or yellow foliage. 

The Egyptian gypsy moth is another major threat to this area’s forests. In its caterpillar form, this insect has an incredible appetite and eats its way through over 300 species of trees and shrubs. The caterpillars quickly defoliate a tree, leaving it vulnerable to other pests and diseases. Local tree species are at risk, including aspen, birch, cedar, oak, willow, and many more. Be on the lookout for visible egg masses or visible caterpillars that are black and hairy, along with defoliated trees. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to call in our local tree experts to investigate as it’s crucial to saving Washington’s trees. 

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

Washington township collects tree branches, wood, and Christmas trees as recycling. They must be cut into 4 foot long sections and bundled in manageable quantities. Smaller branches can also be placed in a container for removal, as long as it weighs under 50 lbs. Washington also has a shade tree advisory committee that maintains the health of existing trees and promotes sustainable tree resources. The township is responsible for selecting and maintaining trees in public areas such as parks. 

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Washington?

The township municipal code lists removing fallen trees in the public right of way as one of the city’s emergency work duties. However, street trees planted in front of residents’ property are their responsibility to maintain, which includes keeping them trimmed up to seven feet from the ground to not obstruct pedestrians and vehicles. It can seem challenging to determine who is responsible for the cost of removing fallen trees, but it’s actually not very confusing. Let’s look at who is responsible for tree removal in Washington in some different scenarios. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners are responsible for the cost of removing any tree that grows on their property, regardless of where it fell. As we stated previously, the township of Washington does help with tree removal after severe storms if the tree falls into a public right-of-way area. However, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to contact us to arrange for ree removal services in most situations.

There are many circumstances where a tree falls onto your or a neighbor’s property, causing damage. In these situations, if the tree has fallen as a result of a storm, it’s worth investigating your homeowner’s insurance policy and checking to see if removal costs are covered. Some policies cover tree removal costs as part of their storm damage coverage, and others allow you to add coverage for a small additional fee. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters in Washington are not responsible for tree removal; only the property owner can be held accountable for this. If you’re a renter and notice a fallen tree on your rented property, you should contact your landlord right away so that they can arrange to have this taken care of. 

If you’re a landlord?

As the property owner, landlords are solely responsible for the costs associated with removing trees located on their property. They are not able to pass these costs onto their tenants. As discussed in the homeowner’s section, it’s worth checking out your insurance policies and seeing if it covers tree removal costs under certain circumstances. 

If you’re a neighbor?

Neighbors are allowed to trim tree branches that extend over fence lines onto their property, as long as doing so will not harm the tree’s health. It’s always a good idea to inform your neighbor before doing so, however. If someone else’s tree has fallen onto your property, they are responsible for removing it. Whoever owns the land where the trunk of the tree grows must pay for the removal costs. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Washington?

The soil type in Washington is a mix of silty loam and sandy loam. The soil type an area has played a significant role in which types of trees will thrive and the challenges they will face. Loam soils are nutrient-rich, and sandy loam soils have a little bit more sand in them and clay and loam. This high level of sand allows them to be well-draining, which is a positive quality for new saplings. It ensures water won’t pool around the roots, rotting them, and allows for rainfall to get evenly distributed throughout deeper layers of the soil. Sandy loam soils are also excellent for fruit trees. 

Silty loam soil contains a higher percentage of silt in its mixture, along with nutrient-rich loam and sand. Silty loam soils are very well balanced and support the growth of many tree species as it is fertile while remaining well-draining. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Washington?

Washington, New Jersey, experiences a warm and temperate climate with significant rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature for this area is 51.2°F, with temperatures dipping below freezing in the winter and summer temperatures staying around the mid-70s. The amount of rainfall in this area ensures that young saplings aren’t negatively affected by drought, and this climate is excellent for many species of trees to thrive in. 

The biggest way that local weather affects tree health in Washington is seasonal storms. In the winter, a large amount of snow and ice accumulation can weigh down branches, and if the tree has been affected by a disease, the branches are more susceptible to breaking off under the weight. However, the biggest weather-related threat to trees is due to summer storms. During the hotter months of the year, thunderstorms can come through the region, bringing strong winds that can snap off branches and even uproot trees, causing them to fall into dangerous locations. 

What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Washington?

Residents of Washington should remember never to attempt to trim or remove dead trees located within ten feet or less of a power line. In these situations, you should always contact the local electric utility company. Washington township relies on Atlantic City Electric for its electricity and power line maintenance. If you notice a dead tree located near a power line, you should contact them to request service. Atlantic City Electric regularly prunes trees near power lines to avoid these situations, but it’s not uncommon for tree branches to affect local electric service after storms. 

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Washington?

Tree removal in any area varies based on several factors, and what part of the country you live in also affects the tree removal charges. This is why it’s so important to get locally relevant information about your trees. In Washington, costs fluctuate between $246 to as high as $1,903, with $744 being the average cost. This fluctuation is due to many circumstantial issues. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones. 

Tree Size

In general, the smaller the tree, the cheaper it will be to remove. However, it’s not exactly as simple as that. A tree’s branch pattern also plays a role in the difficulty and cost of removal. In general, older, larger, trees have more complex branch patterns that require more time and skill to remove. Cutting down a tree isn’t as simple as slicing through the trunk once and watching the tree fall. Instead, trees must be removed carefully, typically one section at a time. Trees that are very large or have separate, large sections will be more costly and complicated than small trees. 

Tree Location

Trees that pose a hazard to surrounding homes, buildings, or streets need to be removed more carefully. In many circumstances, specialized equipment such as rigging or even cranes needs to be used to ensure the safety of our crew and objects in the tree’s surrounding environment. Additionally, suppose the tree has already fallen onto a roof, vehicle, or driveway. In that case, this will cost extra to remove as it needs to be done so carefully as not to cause further damage. 

Trunk Size and Removal

One of the most significant factors that affect tree removal costs is the diameter of the trunk. Cutting through the trunk of a tree is actually very difficult, and trees with wide trunks will always cost more to remove than those with narrow ones. This is true even if the tree isn’t very tall but has a broad trunk. Additionally, removing the leftover stump after cutting the tree is typically a separate process and an extra cost. Digging up tree stumps and then processing them through a chipper to be disposed of is very challenging work that can add a high cost to your bill.