Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Midland?
- 2 Does the City of Midland Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Midland?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Midland?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Midland?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Midland?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Midland?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Midland?
You will mostly see oaks, pines, and elms that are sturdy enough to survive on limited water and excessive heat. Though most of the trees are hardy, they can still have blemishes and infestations that require an arborist to care for them. Diseases like Sudden Oak Death and Oak Wilt bring the populations down when they begin to spread. Insects in Midland typically defoliate the trees but cause little more damage, except the Emerald Ash Borer which targets ash trees and kills them from the inside out. Most of the time trees fail to thrive because they are not cared for properly, causing damage because of not enough water or no fertilizer applied. Obtaining an annual inspection from our specialists can deter most damages and ensure adequate growth of the trees on the property. It can also advise you of upcoming issues with tree limbs and overhang.
Does the City of Midland Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
While private property trees will get no assistance from the city for the removal of dead or diseased trees, there is the forestry division available to remove and replant trees in residential areas that have a section of city property directly in front of homes. These small sections on the street side of homes can contain area appropriate trees and should these trees show signs of damage or decay the city needs to be alerted so the forestry department can remove and replace the hazard quickly. For natural disasters like wind storms or tornadoes, FEMA may be of assistance if the destruction meets their criteria.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Midland?
Texas has a fallen tree law to address the confusion of trees that cross boundary lines. This law governs the cities actions on tree removal and its jurisdiction and the neighbor dispute policies.
If you are a homeowner?
Property ownership comes with many aspects of ownership most do not think of when first purchasing a home. A tree is the property of a homeowner if the whole trunk is firmly within the property line. Therefore, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and trim the tree to keep it under ordinances. However, should the tree fall from an Act of God or other reasons that could not have been prevented, the homeowner is only responsible for the portion of the tree on their property.
If you are a renter?
As a renter, it is your responsibility to maintain constant communication with your landlord and know the terms of your rental agreement. Should you be responsible for the welfare of the vegetation on the property, it is your responsibility to notify the landlord of any issues beyond your control, like infestations or disease. If a tree does fall, having adequate rental insurance will cover your possessions if they are damaged. Your landlord’s policy should cover structural damages, and they are responsible for debris removal of this magnitude. Of course, check your contract to be sure.
If you are a landlord?
Landlords are the owners of the rental property, and therefore, all the responsibility lies at their feet. Even if the contract states that a renter must remove debris or maintain vegetation on the property, it is still the landlord’s responsibility to ensure it is done and the trees are healthy and meet city codes. The renters will not be fined for trees that do not meet codes; the landlord will be. Should a tree fall, damages are the landlord’s responsibility, and debris clean-up is, as well. If the contract specifically states the fallen tree clean-up is the renter’s responsibility, then it is. However, if they do not clean it up and it causes a hazard, it becomes an issue the landlord must deal with.
If you are a neighbor?
Most of the time, neighbor disputes can be solved with a simple talk and hashing out some plans of how to deal with tree limbs or a fallen tree. Overhanging limbs or encroaching roots can cause a problem for neighbors, and since it is on their property, they have the right to trim the tree. They cannot trim the tree improperly and cause harm to it. Trees that fall over property lines have a dual responsibility: each homeowner cleans their property and repairs their property. However, the only exception is if it can be proven the tree was neglected and allowed to die before falling.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Midland?
The soil around Midland varies between shallow sandy loams and deep loamy fine sands. No matter which way the soil runs, it is all very sandy, dry, and full of nutrients for dryland growths. These soils are not good for plants or trees that love moist soils, and most of the trees that grow in this soil are used to high temperatures and low humidity. When it rains, the soils tend to drain very quickly and allow the roots of trees to dry before they can develop fungi.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Midland?
Midland is in the middle of the West Texas desert where you see more oil derricks than tall trees. Hills are covered in sand and tumbleweeds and have beautiful brown and red streaks on their sides. Weather is usually hot, dry, and predictable. Tornados, sand storms, and very infrequently, sleet can appear. Most days see the sun and partly cloudy skies. Desert trees do not mind the weather unless it gets rough and it rains frequently enough to keep wild trees growing. However, more domesticated species will need extra water and fertilization to keep up their health.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Midland?
Annual tree inspections are vital, and the electric companies make their rounds to determine if a tree’s growth will harm the right of way of the electric lines. They look for factors, like the types of trees if the movements of the trees could damage lines, dead or diseased trees, and ground clearances. Once their inspection is complete, they will notify the homeowner of the actions to be taken. If the tree requires trimming, they will do so and leave the trimmings for firewood or other disposals. If the tree needs to be removed, they will mark it and leave the firewood for disposal. Professionals tend to make rounds a little less than a month after the inspector has determined the need for trimming and removal. It is recommended for your safety that you allow them to complete the job. Working with tools even within 10 feet of an electric line can cause arching and electrocution.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Midland?
Trees can be tricky to remove and the harder it is to get to the tree, the more it will cost to remove it. Luckily, a lot of places in Midland have ample space around them to maneuver a tree easily. Most trees are within the front yards of residents or within the landscaping of businesses, which means easy access to the roadway. A small tree less than 10 ft. can cost an average of around $497, while larger ones can easily reach up to around $2,000. Some factors that increase the cost include permits, larger trees, multiple trees, and proximity to homes or businesses, and electric or cable lines.
Permit, Size, and Height
Most of the time, a permit is necessary to fell a tree. Trees must meet certain criteria to be removed, as the trees assist with anchoring topsoils, increasing vegetation, and shading homes to decrease energy costs. The girth and height of the tree determine the equipment necessary to bring it down. As most trees must be cut into sections no longer than five feet to be roped down from the top, it will cost more the more time our trimmer is in the tree. If a crane is needed to assist, the price can increase from there.
Multiple Trees
Projects like clearing acreage for a new home or a backyard for a swimming pool will require more funds. Each tree removed will cost more and the labor fees will increase. For two to four trees removed from one property, you are looking at around $5,000, and that does not include stumps, haul-off, sales taxes, or permit costs.
Overhang and Safety
To maintain the safety of the crews trimming or removing trees, there are some extra fees involved for trees that overhang structures or are near utility lines. Usually, the trees near lines will require the utility companies’ presence to remove the tree safely. Overhang will require extra equipment that might mean a crane of extra specialists to complete the job without damage to the structure.
Improper trimming or inadequate care for trees can lead to their death, and removal will be necessary before the tree falls. Call us for assistance, and be sure to ask us to complete a yearly inspection of the trees to determine their needs. Midland is a harsh environment for trees, give them a little extra care to prevent their untimely and unsightly decay.
