Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westborough?
- 2 Does the City of Westborough Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Westborough?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westborough?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westborough?
- 6 What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westborough?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westborough?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Westborough?
Westborough prides itself on its strong, resilient, and tenacious residents. Our trees are a lot like us! While we are home to many towering and strong trees, they come with their own set of unique issues. Here are some things that can affect the trees in the area and the signs to look out for in your yard.
Dendroctonus Terebrans or BTB
This insect, known commonly as turpentine beetles, is one of five highly dangerous species. They affect a variety of species that live in the Westborough area. Watch closely for signs such as the 1″ holes they bore in the bottom few feet of a tree’s trunk. A mixture of resin, sawdust, and waste from the bugs flow from these holes and pools at the base. Trees infested with these nasty bugs succumb to their injuries and die within a few months, so it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to spotting the signs of infestation.
Agrilus Planipennis Fairmaire
Otherwise known as the emerald ash borer, this bug is one of the nastiest of all the tree pests in the country. The U.S. first became acquainted with this destructive bug in the 1990s. Since then, it’s wreaked havoc among countless trees along with the countries eastern coast. Infested trees need your help to survive. Take suitable steps to stop them, including proper handling of the wood and debris after tree removal. Use gloves and dispose of everything properly to limit the spread of the insects.
Lymantria Dispar Dispar
These non-native pests, known as gypsy moths most commonly, are not new to the area but have become a severe problem. They feed so voraciously that they can strip trees of their leaves, bark, and nutrients in no time flat. Trees become stressed when their leaves fall off, and there isn’t much chance for survival. When gypsy moths begin their tirade on a tree, it goes so far that the tree can’t recover. You must remove it as soon as possible to prevent spreading. Trees can live through a gypsy moth invasion if proper maintenance and care are administered in time.
Does the City of Westborough Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
Westborough does not provide any assistance in tree removal in most cases. In most cases, there is no assistance for homeowners who need to have a tree removed, but there are some services for elderly and low-income residents. Contact the human resources center to find out if you can get help removing a tree from your yard.
Westborough has a plethora of city-owned trees. Trees on public property are the responsibility of the city leaders. Contact the local city office in Westborough to report any tree issues. Westborough puts a high value on its trees and places requirements for protecting and replacing certain species, even on private property. Obtain a permit for certain tree jobs on private property.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal in Westborough?
The cities in Westborough rely on Massachusetts law for all decisions related to trees and damages caused by storms or careless drivers. It clarifies that when healthy trees cause harm, the liability for repairs and cleanup lies with the owner of the damaged property. Suppose the tree is unhealthy, dead, or known to be a hazard, the responsibility shifts back to the tree’s owner. They are liable for the damages, tree removal costs, and other expenses. Another reason we place such a high value on taking care of our trees and wildlife.
If you’re a homeowner?
As a Westborough homeowner, you’re accountable for your yard, including ensuring they remain in good health and strong enough to withstand the environment. If you know a tree in your yard is in trouble, it’s up to you to have it removed. Homeowner’s insurance can help, but check your policy to be sure of what is covered and what you will have to take of yourself. Knowing your rights and responsibilities before a disaster occurs goes a long way in avoiding court or civil issues.
If you’re a renter?
Renting a place in Westborough gives you a chance to experience the rural ambiance and a short trip to city life. Don’t worry, though; renters aren’t typically accountable for anything that happens to the trees on the property they rent.
If you’re a landlord?
Owning an income property in Westborough makes you a homeowner when it comes to tree issues. The laws are the same for both. When a tree growing on the property causes damage, it’s your responsibility to arrange for the removal, cleanup, and necessary repairs. Landlords might be liable for damages to the tenant’s property, depending on the rental agreement.
If you’re a neighbor?
According to Massachusetts law, landlords nor homeowners are liable for damage caused by a healthy tree to a neighboring property. In essence, what this means is if your neighbor’s healthy tree falls and damages your property, you are responsible for cleanup and removal. However, if the tree is dead or known to be a hazard, the property owner can still be liable for certain damages.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Westborough?
Most of the soil in Westborough and across Massachusetts is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It’s an excellent nutritious soil to help plants and trees thrive, but too much rain and the high clay content cause this kind of soil to expand, damaging the root system. Sand and silt are bad at holding nutrients in, so it takes all the beneficial nutrients with it when snow and rain filter through.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Westborough?
Weather affects trees no matter where they are. An important way weather affects tree health in Westborough is with sunlight. We are prone to overcast skies in spring and early summer because of our annual rainfall percentages. Trees that require full sun for eight or more hours per day can begin to look sickly, so the property owner must thin the trees in his yard.
What if Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Westborough?
If you see a tree that looks dead or sickly and it’s near a power line, contact Westborough Power Choice or Hudson Power and Light to report it ASAP. The people who work for electric utility companies have the training, skill, and tools to remove trees near power lines safely.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Westborough?
Most of the homeowners and landlords in Westborough paid around $625 per tree for removal. More extensive jobs can reach roughly $1,900 or more, while smaller trees can total under $200. Estimating what other people pay is not an efficient way to judge how much it will cost for tree removal for anyone else. Many things are taken into account when estimating tree removal prices. Just a couple of things that will affect your rate include:
Specific Characteristic of the Tree
It’s a simple fact for tree removal – large, mature trees are much more complex than small trees. The branches and trunks are larger, lengthier, and heavier. Tree trunks that are large in diameter and very tall are exceedingly perilous to cut down. We need to bring additional equipment and plenty of extra crew members to remove a large tree safely. All those factors add up to a higher final bill, but you can be rest assured all tree removals will go smoothly and efficiently.
Where is the Tree?
The tree’s location is critical when it comes to removal costs. Trees situated in a very restricted space – near buildings, other trees or plants, or fences – are harder to remove. We need to bring in special equipment so that we can carefully remove the tree without causing destruction or injury, which will get tacked onto your final costs.
Stump, Limb, and Debris Removal
Every cut-down or fallen tree results in a pile of splintered wood, branches, and limbs that must be removed. It requires large, strong bags, dumpster bins, and heavy equipment, all of which add to your final cost. Stump removal requires special heavy equipment and additional labor, again adding to the final cost.
