Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Chesterfield?
- 2 Does The City of Chesterfield Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Chesterfield?
- 4 How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Chesterfield?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Chesterfield?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Chesterfield?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost In Chesterfield?
What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Chesterfield?
Like humans, trees are usually susceptible to several types of infections that can be life-threatening when left untreated. The good news is that a whopping 88% of Chesterfield trees are in perfect condition, with only 3% marked as dead or dying and another 1% considered poor.
Let’s discover the specific issues affecting trees in Chesterfield.
Needle Cast Disease
It’s a fungal disease caused by a fungus called Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. The issue is particularly prevalent in spruce trees and can eventually kill them from the bottom up. There are several fungicide treatments that we can apply to treat and prevent the spread of the disease.
Dutch Elm Disease
Liberty elms are the most targeted trees by this deadly condition. If you notice the tree’s leaves wilting abruptly or its branches dying, that’s a resounding indicator of the disease, and you should seek immediate assistance from our arborists. The best way for curbing the infection is by conducting routine inspections as the elms grow to watch out for signs and symptoms.
Tree Decay
This is a common issue among most mature trees in Chesterfield. Some signs are usually not noticeable by naked eyes and require advanced tree decay analysis using an increment borer or a resistograph. However, several infected mature trees often portray visible decay signs in the main scaffold branches and the trunk. There’s very little you can do about tree decay, and the best cause of action is usually to remove the tree before it falls and causes worse damages.
Does The City of Chesterfield Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
Chesterfield has clear-cut zoning codes and ordinances describing where, how, when, and what activities may be conducted in zoned properties. However, it does not provide any assistance in removing trees standing on private properties. But residents must apply for a permit to remove hazardous, unwanted, leaning, or dead trees, no matter how big or small they are. This could also apply to trunks, stumps, limbs, and logs.
Please note that you need to submit the permit application at least 15 days before the tree removal date, and it’s usually valid for 90 calendar days from the date of issuance. Residents can also utilize a one-time 30-day extension before the original period expires. Alternatively, we can handle all of the permitting issues for you.
As for trees standing on public lands like schools, streets, and parks, the City of Chesterfield has a certified arborist who makes informed decisions depending on the tree’s condition. They can determine if the tree needs pruning to maintain or improve its health and safety, or if it needs to be removed altogether. Some of the determinations that their arborist can make include:
- Elimination of branches rubbing against each other
- Removal of weak or dead limbs that may pose a safety hazard
- Improvement of a tree’s shape
- Training of young trees
- Thinning or removing branches to enhance light penetration
- Removal of limbs destroyed by adverse climatic conditions
- Planting of the right tree at the right place
- Removal of disease-infected limbs
- Removal of limbs obstructing or interfering with power lines, streets, wires, sidewalks, building facades, chimneys, roofs, etc
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Chesterfield?
Unfortunately, most people aren’t usually keen on taking care of their trees as they do pets and other properties. This leaves most trees vulnerable to all sorts of issues like diseases, lack of sufficient nutrients and water, decay, etc. And the outcome? The trees end up dying, or worse, falling and potentially damaging property.
This then begs the question – who takes the responsibility of removing a fallen tree in Chesterfield? Is it the homeowner, landlord, neighbor, or renter? The short answer is that it depends on the circumstances, such as the events leading to the tree fall, the location of the tree trunk, or whether the owner knew about the tree’s risky condition or not. Here’s a more in-depth understanding:
If you’re a homeowner?
If your tree falls on your property and hits nothing but the ground, it is upon you to cover the expenses of its removal. However, if the tree falls and damages any of your property (house, car, pool, livestock), you can seek compensation from your homeowners’ insurance policy regardless of the source of the incident.
The insurance company may also cover the expenses of removing the tree under specific instances, such as when the tree blocks a driveway, sidewalk, or main road. The key takeaway here is that you’re responsible for a tree fall that touches anything but your compound.
If you’re a renter?
The City of Chesterfield is synonymous with detached single-family homes dispersed throughout the neighborhoods. But rental properties, condos, townhouses, and manufactured homes are also concentrated across major corridors. With trees virtually everywhere, it may not come as a surprise to hear that a fallen tree has destroyed a renter’s property.
So the big question is, is the renter responsible for removing a fallen tree that damages their property? For starters, if the tree fall is due to an “act of God” (earthquake, thunder, downpour, etc.), then the renter would have no choice but to bear the liability. If they have a renters’ insurance policy, they can seek compensation from the company for the losses incurred.
If you’re a landlord?
Chesterfield landlord laws are all about ensuring that there’s a good relationship between the landlord, tenants, and neighbors. It’s what makes the city a great place to live. Among other things, the law requires landlords to consider and respond to tenants’ risk concerns, e.g., when they report a tree with overhanging limbs or decayed trunk.
If you give deaf ears to your renters’ concerns (a case of negligence) and the risk occurs, you may be compelled to take full responsibility for the damages suffered. On the flip side, if the tree fall was due to an “act of God” (and it was 100% healthy at the time of the incident), you may not be held responsible for any damages caused on renters’ property. Instead, they can seek compensation from their respective renters’ insurance companies while you take care of the tree removal expenses.
If you’re a neighbor?
If your vegetation (trees included) encroaches upon your neighbor’s property, they can trim or cut the extending part, including roots, back to the property line. However, suppose the extending vegetation is also damaging your neighbor’s property. In that case, the court can order its complete elimination (by your neighbor) and award them for the tree removal expenses and damages.
On the contrary, if your tree falls on your neighbor’s property and causes substantial damages, you may or may not be held responsible for the losses, depending on the circumstances. That is, if the neighbor had raised the alarm about a seemingly unhealthy tree and you played dumb, you may be liable for the losses if the tree falls. But if the incident was a result of a natural event (and the tree had no unhealthy signs and symptoms known to you), the neighbor will need to seek compensation from their homeowners’ insurance.
Sometimes, you may not reach an agreement with your neighbor on who should cover the tree removal expenses. In that case, it may be wise to seek further interpretation from a Chesterfield County property line and fence law attorney.
How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Chesterfield?
The City of Chesterfield, like most other parts of Virginia, is highly abundant in Pamunkey soils. These are highly fertile, well-drained, and very deep soils that are excellent for vegetation growth, including trees. Typically, the topsoil consists of fine sandy loam that’s dark brown and covers up to 9 inches. That’s preceded by sandy clay loams that go up to 80 inches deeper and are usually yellowish red.
Although Pamunkey soils generally have excellent permeability, other Chesterfield regions with more than 35% clay composition may be poorly drained. During wet seasons, the soils in these areas become saturated, exposing trees to life-threatening risks such as root decay. Other than that, the soils are perfect for tree growth and enable roots to penetrate deeply for more vital support.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Chesterfield?
Different climatic conditions can affect trees’ health, including drought, flood, rain, wind, storm, ice, hail, snow, or heat. In Chesterfield, the winters are usually freezing, the summers hot, and the rest of the year wet and partly cloudy. The coldest months are generally around 29 degrees and barely go below 16 degrees, whereas the hottest seasons are as hot as 89 degrees and barely go past 96 degrees.
During freezing seasons, Chesterfield trees risk suffering frost damage, a condition in which ice forms inside the plant tissue and injures the cells. Spruce trees are usually the most vulnerable plant types. On the flip side, most trees suffer from leaf scorch during hot summers, which last around 3 to 6 months. Since it’s a water deficiency issue, young trees whose roots aren’t deep enough are usually the most exposed to leaf scorches.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Chesterfield?
A dead tree near the power line (in a public land) is the electricity company’s responsibility to remove before it falls on the wires. However, if the dead tree stands on private property, you have a moral duty to inform the power company and request assistance with removing the tree.
The power line will then respond swiftly to remove the tree or arrange for its removal by professionals, according to the Virginia High Voltage Act. However, cleaning up the area and drawing the debris remains your responsibility and expense. We are happy to assist with a property cleanup if this occurs on your property.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost In Chesterfield?
Removing a tree in Chesterfield isn’t as expensive as most residents think. On average, you may spend about $1,000 to have your tree safely and professionally removed by our qualified personnel using the most advanced tools. Let’s break it down further to the top 3 factors that may affect the tree removal cost.
Tree Size
It’s common knowledge; bigger trees take time and require more expertise and advanced tools to remove than the smaller types. A smaller tree costs around $125 to $450, a medium tree may cost $150 to $800, while bigger trees cost $750 to $2,000.
Tools and Equipment Required
Removing small trees is usually hassle-free as it requires simple tools and equipment to get the work done. On the contrary, bigger trees require the most advanced tools, thanks to their gigantic size and equipment, so you can expect to pay extra depending on the tools and equipment needed.
Tree Location
In essence, a standalone tree located in the compound or agricultural zoning area is much easier for us to remove than one standing in areas such as near property, roads, sidewalks, streets, etc. The more space there is surrounding the tree, the easier it is to remove, hence, less costly. The opposite is also true.
