Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westwood?
- 2 Does the City of Westwood Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westwood?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westwood?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westwood?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westwood?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westwood?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westwood?
Welcome to Westwood, NJ, also known as “The Hub of Pascack Valley.” Westwood is a borough in Bergen County, NJ, and has about 11,115 residents.
There is plenty to do for anyone who calls Westwood home. The Bergen County Zoo, located in Paramus NJ, is a great place to see a wide variety of animals. There are also lots of educational activities, as well as a train and carousel. The Field Station Dinosaurs, located in Leonia, NJ has over 30 realistic dinosaurs that are sure to wow the deadly reptile lovers in your life.
If you want to do something close to home, the Uptown Art Westwood is a quiet little place where you can view some local art, as well as take lessons and participate in workshops. You can also visit the Mezzaluna Day Spa if you need some time to relax and be pampered.
In 2016, the New York Times praised Westwood for its many parks and ponds that gave it a rural feel while still having some of the larger town amenities that so many people love. With so many trees around, however, it requires some upkeep. Thanks to invasive tree roots and pests, your beloved trees may need to be removed.
Tree Roots
We value trees for their shade, ability to make our property look better, helping prevent soil erosion from flooding, and the peace that comes from sitting under them. What we’re not so crazy about is when the tree roots make their way into our home’s foundation, burst our water pipes in a quest for more water, or raise the sidewalk as they spread out. This can be extremely frustrating and has to be dealt with. It might require the roots to be trimmed back, but in some more extreme cases, it may mean cutting the tree down.
Pests
As annoying as bugs are to us, they are even more annoying to trees, which don’t have the options of either swatting the bug or moving someplace where they aren’t at. Unfortunately, this means that pests can do a lot of damage to trees, to the point that they might need to be removed in order to prevent the spread of the pests.
Some of the pests common to the Borough of Westwood include aphid, whitefly, tent caterpillar, cutworm, scale, and mites. None of these are listed on the USDA site, which is good news. It’s also not something you should take lightly if you notice any of these six- legged pests, and it’s recommended that you contact our arborists if you suspect any of these bugs are munching on your beloved trees.
Does the City of Westwood Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Westwood isn’t likely to help you remove a tree. In fact, you could face fines if you prune or cut down a municipal tree without first getting permission from the Department of Public Works or the Shade Tree Advisory Committee.
Westwood will be willing to help prune trees and requires that you call them first before doing any work on your own. If you have questions, you can always contact the Public Works at 201-664-2349 or the Committee at 201-664-7100, ext. 149.
If a tree has already fallen then the Borough of Westwood will help remove it if it is in the right-of-way. They aren’t very enthusiastic about removing living trees, however, and will most likely seek out another way to handle the tree without cutting it down.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Westwood?
Figuring out who is responsible for a fallen tree can always be a little tricky. In Westwood, it’s a little simpler depending on the location. If the tree is in the right-of-way, or by the curb, then it automatically falls under the jurisdiction of the Borough of Westwood, and they will take care of it. For a situation where the fallen tree is not in the right-of-way, there are a few questions you must answer first.
If you’re a homeowner?
For most situations, the homeowner is responsible for removing a fallen tree. The good news is that NJ.com recommends you report the damage to your insurance agency, and they will help cover the costs of damages as well as removing the tree.
The bad news is that insurance is only willing to cover so much and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be responsible for covering part of the costs. If you have large trees around your home, it’s recommended that you talk to your insurance agent. They will be able to help you determine how much insurance you may need if a tree does fall on your home, so you aren’t left with a rather expensive bill that insurance won’t cover.
If you’re a renter?
It’s very rare for a renter to be responsible for removing a fallen tree, but it does happen. If it is written into the lease that you are responsible, then you’re the one who has to take care of this. That’s why it’s crucial that you carefully review your lease before signing it, so you aren’t caught unaware.
Even if you aren’t responsible for removing a fallen tree, it’s still recommended that you invest in renters insurance. This will help protect you in case the tree does damage to your personal property.
If you’re a landlord?
For the most part, the landlord will be responsible for removing any fallen trees and repairing the damage they left behind. The only exception is if you have it written in the lease that the renter is responsible. If you do have a fallen tree on your rental property, contact your insurance company and report it immediately. They may be willing to cover some of the costs of removal, but it may not cover everything.
If you’re a neighbor?
This is where things get a little tricky. What you need to figure out is how healthy the tree was. If it was in good health and was knocked down due to a storm, then you’re responsible for the costs of removal even though it wasn’t your tree.
On the flip side, if the tree is obviously sick or dying, you need to contact your neighbor and let them know. Start out with a friendly chat, alerting them to the fact that the tree is dying, and be frank about the fact that you are concerned. If your neighbor fails to act in a reasonable amount of time, then you can send them a certified letter reminding them of the tree. It may not do much to encourage them to act, but it will show proof that they knew there was an issue if the tree does fall on your property. In the worst-case scenario, if it does go to court, your neighbor will most likely be required to pay for the tree removal and any damages.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westwood?
There are several types of soil in the Borough of Westwood, which include Dunellen, Riverhead, Otisville, Pascack, and Preakness. According to the USDA, much of this soil is prone to flooding. This may make it hard for young saplings to grow if the surrounding soil erodes before it has a chance to establish its root system.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westwood?
Weather plays a major role in the health and condition of trees in Westwood. There is an average of 27 inches of snow a year in Westwood. Snow tends to weigh down tree limbs, causing them to fall. It can also cause dead trees to fall as well.
There is also 47 inches of rain each year in Westwood, which is 9 inches more than the national average. While rain itself is good for trees, it can cause flooding. This is in large part due to the nearby Hackensack River. Flooding can not only do damage to your car and home, but it can also cause dead trees to fall. Healthy trees can actually help prevent soil erosion, however, so it’s important to make sure your trees are not diseased or dead.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westwood?
The borough of Westwood is responsible for dealing with trees near the curb. You can always call the Shade Tree municipal number at 201-664-7100, ext. 149 and leave your request and your phone number. All requests are tracked electronically, and the DPW tries to come out as quickly as possible.
The first step they will take is to send an arborist out to check the tree. They will determine if it is actually dead or could be saved. If the tree is truly dead and must be removed, you will likely be encouraged to plant a new tree to replace it. The good news is that the Shade Tree Committee will be happy to supply you with one, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new tree yourself.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westwood?
There are several factors to consider when determining how much tree removal will cost in Westwood. It largely depends on the size of the tree, where the tree is located, and when you call. Most tree removals in the city total between $175 and $1,980, with an average cost of around $690.
Size
Large trees can be difficult to cut down due to the width, height, and how many segments are on the tree. All of these factors will require a lot of finesse when cutting down the tree to make sure limbs don’t fall and damage nearby property.
Location
Where the tree is located will be factored into the price. If a tree is in the middle of your property and nothing is around it, removing it will not be too difficult. On the other hand, if the tree is located between two houses, it will greatly increase the difficulty of the job.
Time of Day
As much as we try to plan for everything, there are some things that happen unexpectedly, and there is nothing we can do about it. This is all too true for tree removal. If a tree falls on your home in the middle of the night, and there’s a storm coming, you need that tree removed sooner rather than later. This will increase the cost of removing the tree as our workers must come out in the middle of the night. The same applies if you call on weekends and holidays.
