AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Springfield, OH

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Springfield?

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has established a group effort with other state and federal agencies to suppress forest pests.

Invasive species such as the emerald ash borer can cause catastrophic damage to a tree in Clark County. The pest is solely responsible for killing hundreds of millions of ash trees throughout North America. There are telltale signs of the presence of this invader on a tree. D-shaped holes in the bark will be evident. Also, ash blonding, where light-colored patches appear throughout the length of the trunk, could occur. Look for an iridescent green adult emerald ash borer that is approximately ½ inches in length.

The Asian longhorned beetle feeds on 12 species of trees found in southwestern Ohio, including the buckeye state tree. Other commonly affected species include the maple, poplar, mountain-ash, willow, and elm trees. The first sign of this non-native pest appeared in neighboring Clermont County in 2011. The pests are now frequently found in Springfield. Signs of infestation include broken branches, round exit holes, and the presence of large beetles scurrying around the bark.

Other common pests include the hemlock woolly adelgid that attacks hemlocks, the walnut twig responsible for Thousand Cankers disease, and the gypsy moth that feeds on oak trees, causing severe defoliation. Numerous conifer diseases also damage evergreen and pine trees throughout the state.

If you suspect a tree on your property is diseased, the professionals at Tree Triage can help you assess the extent of damage and determine whether tree removal is necessary.

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

The City of Springfield Forestry Division maintains all trees located in public right-of-way streets and boulevards. They are also responsible for overseeing the landscaped areas in and around the City.

Property owners are solely responsible for the trees located on their private property. Any contractor hired by a homeowner must be licensed to work in the City of Springfield before tree removal occurs. All of our arborists at Tree Triage are licensed and experienced!

Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Springfield?

Many homeowners think they are responsible for a tree that falls unexpectedly and causes damages because the tree is on their property. That is not always the case. The state of Ohio has specific laws regarding tree removal, as indicated below.

If you’re a homeowner?

Homeowners in the City of Springfield are responsible for caring for and maintaining the trees on their property. Regular visual inspections can identify any pests or diseases that may be negatively affecting a tree. Failure to do this can result in unnecessary damage that is sometimes catastrophic.

If a tree falls during a storm, the homeowner is not responsible for any damages to his personal property. Their insurance company will typically cover the cost of repair or replacement for damaged items. It is important to note that most insurance providers will not reimburse homeowners for the cost of debris cleanup. Most companies will, however, cover the costs associated with the tree removal.

Speak with your insurance company beforehand to have a thorough understanding of what is covered before starting the job.

If you’re a renter?

As in most states, Ohio does not require renters to maintain trees located at the rental property. Landscaping care and maintenance is the sole responsibility of the landlord or property management company.

Tenants are encouraged to secure a renter’s insurance policy to protect their personal belongings from unforeseen damages that may occur as a result of a fallen tree. Insurance will not pay for any structural damage to the property but may assist with debris removal if proven hazardous.

If a tree falls or is diseased and requires removal, the tenant should inform the landlord in writing of the problem. If no effort has been made to rectify the issue in a reasonable amount of time, legal remedies are available.

At no time can a tenant withhold rent money until tree removal is completed.

If you’re a landlord?

Landlords in Springfield must provide a safe living environment for their renters. That includes yard maintenance and tree trimming to keep the exterior safe and inhabitable.

A landlord must remove dead or diseased trees to prevent them from falling. Even if the lease states the tenant will handle regular lawn care such as mowing, weeding, and planting, they are not liable for tree trimming and overall care. That is the sole responsibility of the property owner.

In that regard, a tenant may not take it upon themselves to start trimming trees or removing them from the property without prior written consent from the landlord.

If you’re a neighbor?

When a tree falls onto your neighbor’s property, they are responsible for submitting a claim to their insurance provider. Assuming the tree was healthy before it fell, the damages will be covered.

If a tree belonging to your neighbor falls onto your property and causes damage, they are not held liable. Your insurance company will process the claim.

Any evidence of disease to the tree could void a claim if it is determined the incident could have been avoided. Insurance providers assume that when an “act of God” causes the tree to fall, no one is held accountable unless there is proof of wrongdoing.

Keep in mind that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 901.51, “a person who cuts, destroys, or injures a tree located on the land of another could be liable for up to three times the value of the tree.”

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Springfield?

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the soil region of Springfield consists of Miamian, Kokomo, and Eidean soil series.

This type of well-drained soil includes a 5 to 10 inch dark grayish brown silt loam topsoil layer. The subsoil is typically yellowish-brown, with thicker clay content. The moderately alkaline soil has a light olive-brown substratum.

The soil has a higher lime content than other soils found throughout Ohio. There is a concentration of dolomite, limestone, and shale in the soil of Springfield. It provides optimum conditions for planting and crop production.

The organic matter found in this soil darkens the top layer, helping the particles to stay together. Decomposed rock found in the soil’s makeup helps to promote healthy tree growth throughout the county.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Springfield?

Humidity is a factor in Springfield, with long, warm summers. Winters are typically very windy, with common freezing temperatures. The region experiences partly cloudy weather patterns year-round.

The temperature ranges between 20ºF to 84ºF and rarely goes about 91ºF. Springfield experiences approximately 125 days of precipitation, with about 20 inches of annual snowfall.

Wintry storm conditions that pound the region with a mix of rain, ice, and snow can topple power lines and take down trees. Severe weather in the spring and summer months can bring high winds and heavy rain responsible for flying branches and uprooted trees.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Springfield?

FirstEnergy Corp. provides electric service to the residents of Springfield through its Ohio Edison subsidiary.

Responsible for more than 5,000 miles of power lines in Ohio, the electric company offers a rigorous tree trimming program with an annual budget of $22.5 million in 2020.

The power company is on a four-year tree trimming cycle. Vegetation near lines gets inspected, and trees are pruned to maintain safety near all power lines. Hazardous trees that present imminent danger will be safely removed as needed.

If a tree on your property is too close or touching a power line, contact Ohio Edison for immediate attention. Professionals will assess the risk to determine if tree removal is necessary.

Never work on a tree that is encroaching upon an overhead power line. Serious injury or possible death may occur.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Springfield?

The cost of tree removal averages between $250 and $1,750 in Springfield, but several factors can affect the final price. Below are a few variables to consider.

Size of the Tree

The larger the tree, the more it will cost to remove. Here is a guideline to give you an idea of the price, based strictly on size:

• Small tree, less than 30 feet – $250
• Medium tree, between 30 and 60 feet – $300 to $500
• Large Tree, between 60 and 80 feet – $500 to $750
• X-Large Tree, over 80 feet – $750 to $1,250 or more

Special Circumstances

A tree that is considered hazardous will cost more to remove. An on-site inspection will be required to receive an accurate quote. Hazardous trees include those that are already diseased and damaged and show signs of weakness.

If special equipment such as a crane is needed, it will be reflected in the final price. 

It is common for residents of Springfield to have their fallen trees chopped and stacked for firewood. As expected, there is a surcharge for this service. There is also an additional charge for completely removing trees from the property.

If you would like to have the stump ground removed, there will be an additional charge of approximately $150.

Accessibility

A tree that is easy to access will cost significantly less to remove than a tree located in a hard-to-reach location on your property.

Any impeding structures or fences that could be exposed to potential harm will also make it more difficult for our crews, again resulting in a higher cost.