AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Hamilton, OH

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Hamilton?

There are several species of insect that are harming trees in Hamilton, as well as other diseases that local residents should be aware of. The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) poses a significant threat to hardwood trees in the area as it has no known natural predators. This insect feeds on trees and lays its eggs under the bark where the larva will later tunnel, feeding on the tree’s tissues. Trees with an Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation will eventually die, as the trees become unable to transport nutrients throughout their branches.

The signs of an infestation begin to show after about 3 years. Potential host trees include ash, birch, elm, maple, poplar, and many others. It is critical to report signs to our arborists and the proper authorities, such as holes in a tree’s bark or weeping sap, as soon as they are noticed so that the infestation doesn’t spread. In Hamilton, if you suspect an infected tree, please report it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture by calling (855) 252-6450. 

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is another pest with no native predators to look out for. This insect is green in color and lives below the bark of ash trees, where it feeds on them, disrupting their ability to transport nutrients until they die. Hundreds of millions of ash trees have been killed by this insect in North America and it is a serious threat to Ohio’s forests. If you notice a D-shaped hole in the bark of an ash tree or heavy woodpecker damage, it can be signs of an infestation, and you should notify the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 

Finally, Thousand Cankers Disease is another issue to look out for. It is a fungal (Geosmithia sp.) infection mainly affecting black walnut trees. The first instance of this disease was found in Butler County in late 2012. Signs of an infected tree include a yellowing, wilting, or thinning crown, and dying limbs. Underneath the bark, distinctive dark cankers are visible as well as many small holes. If you notice symptoms of this infection on one of your trees, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 

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

The city of Hamilton will train residents on proper pruning techniques, however, it will only trim or remove trees located near power lines. The city does not trim or remove trees that are located on private property or in the public right-of-way. Branches that impact pedestrians or visibility for drivers are the responsibility of the property owner to trim and maintain.  

Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District allows for the disposal of tree branches, twigs, and brushes in 30-35 gallon paper yard waste bags. The brush can be no more than 4′ long and 2′ in diameter, with individual limbs no larger than 6″ in diameter. If you have a particularly large amount of brush to dispose of, they recommend calling your waste handler to determine if a separate large item pick-up should be scheduled. 

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Hamilton?

The City of Hamilton states in section 915.08 of the city ordinances that a tree that is 50% dead or more must be removed if it is in the public right-of-way. Additionally, property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees on their property that faces the public right-of-way.

However, what if a tree from your property has fallen over the fence onto a neighbor’s yard? Or what if you notice a neighbor has overhanging branches or a fallen tree they haven’t removed? These are the tricky issues we will cover in the next section. 

If you’re a homeowner?

Property owners are responsible for the maintenance and removal costs associated with trees on their property, this includes the street trees located in the public right-of-way unless the required maintenance is safety-related. Property owners can prune street trees themselves as long as the required pruning isn’t more than 25% of the tree, in which case you should contact our licensed arborists. If the property owner needs financial assistance, they can submit a financial hardship application with the city council. 

If a tree has fallen on your property, or onto a neighbor’s property, it is your responsibility to remove it. Be sure and check with your homeowner’s insurance policy as tree removal services may be covered if they fell as a result of a storm. 

If you’re a renter?

Renters are not responsible for fallen trees unless it specifically says otherwise in their lease agreement or if they were responsible for the tree falling. Only property owners are financially responsible for the costs of removing fallen trees. 

If you’re a landlord?

As the property owner, it is your responsibility to trim and maintain all trees on your property so that they don’t obstruct public spaces. If a tree on your property is a danger to the public, the city may remove it without notifying you and bill you for the cost of the removal. 

If you’re a neighbor?

If you notice bothersome overhanging branches, as a neighbor you are allowed to trim the branches that fall within the bounds of your property line. If a neighbor’s tree has fallen onto your property, they are responsible for having it removed. If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner’s Association, you can report any fall trees or maintenance issues you notice around the neighborhood to them. 

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Hamilton?

Determining which type of soil you have is an important first step before selecting a type of tree to plant. Trees will struggle to thrive in the wrong type of soil. Hamilton has clay-based shallow soil that has a high pH and drains poorly. However, some areas have pockets of sandy clay loam. As a result of these conditions, the trees in this area are ones that are able to tolerate drought, flooding, and the high soil pH level. 

Clay-based soils are very dense, which can make it difficult for the delicate root systems of new saplings to expand and flourish. Water also is slow to penetrate this soil type. When planting new trees, it’s a good idea to break up the soil around the root ball well and make sure the tree gets enough water, but that water isn’t pooling around the roots. 

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Hamilton?

Hamilton experiences a generally mild and temperate climate, with quite a bit of rain throughout the year. Temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter months, and snow and ice accumulation can cause branches and tree limbs to snap off. In the summer storms, with high winds, can also damage trees causing not only a loss of branches but even uprooting entire trees and causing significant damage to property. 

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Hamilton?

If you’ve noticed a dead tree located near a power line, or see a tree that has fallen onto a power line, Hamilton’s Municipal Arborist will review the situation. If the tree doesn’t pose an immediate danger, you can submit a request by calling (513) 785-7556. However, if you’re experiencing voltage problems, flickering lights, or notice sparks, or if the tree has caused the power line to fall down, then that is an emergency and you should immediately contact Hamilton’s emergency utility service. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (513) 785-7550.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Hamilton?

The cost of tree removal varies according to several factors which we will discuss in greater detail. On average, removing a tree in the Hamilton area costs around $600, with most jobs falling between $200 and $1,800. Depending on the homeowner’s insurance plan, removal costs may be covered, so it’s always important to check. You might be tempted to try and remove a problem tree yourself, but this is often much more difficult than it looks. If you’re wondering why tree removal costs as much as it does, here are some factors that affect the price in Hamilton. 

Tree Size

Smaller trees are generally shaped in ways that make them more simple to cut down safely, and they also require less clean-up and specialized tools. A small tree will require fewer of our workers than a larger, older one and the process can be completed more quickly which also can decrease the price. 

Required Equipment

When people think of removing a tree, they might think of slicing through the trunk once and watching it fall. In reality, the job is much more complex and needs to be performed carefully. Many times, trees are located near builds or roads and should be removed in small pieces that could require specialized equipment. This could mean we need cranes, trucks, or even zip lines. The more equipment required to complete the job, the more expensive it will be. 

Pests

If your tree needs to be removed due to an infestation, that means your job requires extra care. It is essential that disease-infected trees not infect any other healthy trees in the area. This means that every branch and part of the tree will need to be removed and disposed of carefully, including the stump dug up. Stump removal alone is typically a service that is billed separately from the rest of the tree. Additionally, certain tree diseases can be spread by reusing tools that haven’t been sanitized thoroughly which can also affect the price.