AFFORDABLE TREE REMOVAL SERVICE IN Superior, WI

What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Superior?

With an annual snowfall of around 63 inches, Superior is no stranger to intense winter storms, and severe weather is a significant cause of many tree issues in Superior. In addition to the weather, there are several pests and diseases that can affect the health of trees in the area.

One of the most severe threats to ash trees in Superior is the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species from Asia first discovered near Detroit in 2002. The beetle attacks all species of ash trees, and since its discovery, has spread across much of the country, killing millions of ash trees. The adult beetle does minor damage, typically eating foliage. However, the eggs are laid in crevices in the bark of the ash tree, and the larvae feed on the tissue under the bark, destroying the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

The Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2008, and while the infestation is mainly confined to the southern third of the state, there are other areas affected. The threat posed by this pest can not be overstated, as experts predict that a healthy forest infected with the Emerald Ash Borer will lose 98% of its ash trees within six years, and the pest is expected to show up eventually.

Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that attacks the foliage of trees in Superior but is primarily a cosmetic issue. The disease typically affects the young leaf tissue of ash, maple, white oak, sycamore, and walnut trees. Anthracnose symptoms can vary but usually include irregular spots or dead areas on the leaves that often turn tan or brown. In severe cases, the leaves may curl and fall off, and twigs may become infected and die.

Another common fungal disease that primarily affects the leaves of many deciduous trees in Superior is powdery mildew. The disease causes the upper and lower parts of the leaves to be covered in a white substance with a powder-like appearance, and while unsightly, it is not always deadly to trees. Wind, rain, wildlife, and human interference can spread powdery mildew quickly, making control difficult.

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

For 22 years, the city of Superior has maintained the “Tree City USA” designation due to its commitment to the long-term health of trees throughout the city. This commitment includes administering a comprehensive city tree management program and a citywide tree ordinance, establishing the framework for tree care and removal in Superior.

The city of Superior’s Forestry Department is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations governing trees and the maintenance and removal of trees on public property. While the city will not come over and remove a tree at your request, the Superior Forestry Department does have the authority to enter private property to inspect a tree suspected of being a hazard or nuisance.

The city forester can order the removal of any tree that is a nuisance on public or private property. When a tree on private property is found to be a nuisance, a written notice is sent to the property owner with a specified date by which the owner must remove the tree. If not removed, the city can have it removed and pass the cost on to the property owner.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Superior?

Who is responsible for fallen tree removal in Superior is primarily dependent on the location of the tree. With few exceptions, the city is responsible for removing fallen trees on public property, and property owners are responsible for removing them from private property.

If you’re a homeowner?

As a homeowner in Superior, the city ordinance makes you responsible for maintaining trees on your property to ensure that they are not a threat to the public’s life, health, safety, or welfare. You are responsible for removing fallen trees or large branches from your property whether they originated from your property or adjacent public or private properties.

If you’re a renter?

If you are a renter in Superior, the owner, landlord, or managing party of your rental property is responsible for removing a fallen tree from the property. While insurance policies vary, if a large branch or tree falls and causes damage to your property, you can usually file a claim with your renter’s insurance to recover your damages. Typically, landlords are not responsible for tenants’ property damage, but if they knew that the tree was a nuisance and posed a safety threat to people and property, they might be held liable.

If you’re a landlord?

If you are a landlord in Superior, you are responsible for maintaining any trees on your property, including removing fallen trees and large branches. As a landlord, it is critical to inspect the trees on your property to ensure the safety of your tenants and guests and limit your liability. Under the wrong circumstances, such as severe weather, a dead, dying, or diseased tree can break and fall, causing property damage or even bodily injury.

If you’re a neighbor?

Trees can be a delicate issue among neighbors, and they commonly end up at the center of neighborhood disputes. While it is reasonable to believe that the owner of the property the tree grew on is responsible for its removal, if it falls on your property, that is not always the case. And in some instances, such as a tree growing along a fence line, tree maintenance or removal is a shared responsibility.

Usually, if your neighbor’s tree or a large branch from their tree falls on your property, you are responsible for the removal. Your homeowner’s insurance will typically pay for part or all of the removal cost as well as for any property damage. In some cases, such as with a diseased tree, your neighbor could be found negligent and held liable for any damage caused by the fallen tree.

How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Superior?

The soil characteristics in the Superior area are one reason the city grew and prospered. The red clayey and loamy soil are ideal for many agricultural uses and support a wide range of plants and trees. The clayey and loamy soils found near Superior retain moisture well and provide adequate amounts of essential minerals and nutrients to promote exceptional root growth.

Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Superior?

The climate in Superior is the cause of many tree issues. Lake Superior is known for producing late fall, early winter storms that bring heavy rain, snow, ice, or a mix, combined with extremely high winds. Unhealthy trees and branches are always susceptible to damage from high wind, but even a healthy tree can sustain damage when weighed down with snow and ice and exposed to sub-zero temperatures with 50 or 60 MPH winds.

What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines in Superior?

Dead trees near power lines can create an extremely hazardous situation. A tree or branch that falls across power lines is a risk to people near the downed line, and a loss of electricity can create dangerous conditions for residents, especially in extreme weather conditions. The primary power providers in Superior are Superior Water Light and Power and East Central Energy, with each being responsible for maintaining trees growing on their property and trimming and maintaining trees that may interfere with their power lines.

How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Superior?

While removing a stump is usually about $100, the average cost of tree service in Superior is typically around $600 or $700. The average tree service consists of trimming and pruning a tree, and the actual cost of removing a tree can be significantly higher or lower depending on a few crucial factors.

Condition

The condition or health of the tree is one consideration that affects the cost of removal. While it may seem that removing a dead or dying tree would be easy, removing an unhealthy tree presents unique challenges. Diseased or dying trees can break or crack unexpectedly, creating a safety risk for our crew working on the tree and any property in the vicinity.

Location

The location of the tree also has an impact on the cost of removal. Trees near power lines, fences, other trees, houses, and other structures require great care to remove. Often, trees with limited access require us to bring in specialized equipment, such as a bucket truck, to safely lower pieces of the tree to the ground, which will add to the cost.

Size

One of the most significant cost factors involved with tree removal is the size of the tree. A 40-foot tree is not just twice as tall as a 20-foot tree, but exponentially bigger in every way. In addition to the added risk involved with working high off the ground, large trees have much bigger trunks and considerably larger canopies than small trees. Large trees require the ability to handle massive pieces of wood safely and additional labor to restore your yard.