What Can I Do If My Neighbor Has a Dangerous Tree? Keeping Your Property Safe in Cobb County

admin | May 20, 2024June 18, 2024

The Importance of Tree Safety in Cobb County

Living in Marietta, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton, Kennesaw, Acworth, or Powder Springs means enjoying the beauty of mature trees. But sometimes, a neighbor’s tree can become a hazard. Here at Joshua Tree Service, we understand the importance of keeping your property safe. We offer a variety of tree services, including 24/7 emergency storm cleanup, to give you peace of mind.

This blog post will guide you through the steps to take if your neighbor has a dangerous tree that could damage your home. We’ll also discuss some legal considerations and when to call in a professional.

Here’s what you can do:

(Before we dive in, Joshua Tree Service proudly serves all of Cobb County, Georgia. We specialize in tree removal, tree trimming, yard rehabilitation, brush removal, and 24/7 emergency storm cleanup. Need immediate assistance? Call us at 678-242-9401.

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1. Talk to Your Neighbor:

The best course of action often starts with a friendly conversation. Explain your concerns about the tree and the potential damage it could cause. Be polite and offer to share the cost of an arborist’s evaluation to determine the tree’s health and safety.

Pro Tip: Take pictures of the tree highlighting any visible signs of damage or decay.

2. Check Local Ordinances:

Most municipalities have ordinances regarding tree maintenance and responsibility. Research your city or county’s code to understand who is liable for a dangerous tree. This will help you determine if your neighbor is legally responsible for taking action.

3. Contact Your Local Authority:

If your neighbor is unresponsive or the tree poses an imminent threat, contact your local code enforcement office. They will inspect the tree and may require your neighbor to take corrective action.

4. Involve Your Homeowner’s Insurance:

If your neighbor remains unresponsive after you receive an arborist’s evaluation, contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Inform them about the hazardous tree on your neighbor’s property and the potential risk it poses to your home.

Here’s an important step: Depending on your policy, your insurance company might advise you to send a certified letter to your neighbor. This letter should include the arborist’s evaluation and clearly state that your neighbor will be held responsible for any property damage caused by the hazardous tree.

In many cases, your insurance company will reach out to your neighbor’s insurance company, who will then contact their insured (your neighbor) to address the situation.

5. Consider Mediation:

If a neighborly conversation and official channels fail, consider mediation. A neutral third party can help facilitate a solution that works for both parties.

6. Call a Professional:

If the situation requires immediate attention or the tree needs to be removed, contact a reputable tree service company like Joshua Tree Service. Our certified arborists can assess the situation, recommend the best course of action, and safely remove the tree if necessary.

Remember: Never attempt to remove a dangerous tree yourself. It’s a dangerous job best left to professionals with the proper training and equipment.

By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to protect your property from a neighbor’s dangerous tree. Joshua Tree Service is here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation.

How to Prune Crape Myrtles the Right Way and Avoid “Crepe Murder”

admin | April 11, 2024

Why Prune Crape Myrtles?

Pruning crape myrtles isn’t just about aesthetics, though that is important too! Here are some of the benefits:

Maintains a natural form: Proper pruning encourages a strong branching structure that can support the weight of blooms. This prevents weak, drooping branches.
Increases flowering: Pruning removes excess growth that can crowd out flower buds. This allows for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, both of which contribute to more blooms.
Reveals beautiful bark: Mature crape myrtles develop stunning, multi-toned bark on their trunks. Pruning allows this bark to be showcased in all its glory.

When to Prune Crape Myrtles

The best time to prune crape myrtles is in late winter, just before new growth begins. This is typically from mid-February to mid-March in most southern regions. Here’s why late winter is ideal:

Easy to see the branch structure: With the leaves gone, you can easily assess the tree’s framework and identify any branches that need removal.
Doesn’t affect blooming: Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so pruning in late winter won’t sacrifice any flowers.

Tools You’ll Need

Hand pruners: For twigs and branches less than ½ inch thick.
Loppers: For branches ½ inch to 1½ inches thick.
Pole pruners or pruning saw: For branches thicker than 1½ inches.

How to Prune Crape Myrtles the Right Way

Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning your crape myrtle for optimal health and beauty:

Reduce the Number of Trunks (if necessary): Crape myrtles naturally have multiple trunks, but you can limit them to improve form and prevent overcrowding. Choose 3-5 main trunks with good spacing and remove any extras by cutting them back to the ground.
Remove Suckers: These small shoots that sprout around the base can become unruly if left unchecked. Pull them out now to keep your crape myrtle looking neat.
Raise the Canopy: For a more tree-like appearance, remove any branches extending from the trunk below 5 feet (or higher for larger trees). This allows for air circulation and creates a more open feel.
Thin the Upper Branches: Focus on removing inward-growing branches, rubbing branches, and dead branches. Make clean cuts just above an outward-facing bud or at the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk).
Remove Seed Pods (optional): While not necessary, you can remove seed pods if you find them unsightly or if they weigh down the branches. However, leaving them on won’t affect flowering next year.

Restoring a Butchered Crape Myrtle

If your crape myrtle has already been a victim of “crepe murder,” don’t despair! Here’s how to get it back on track:

Severe Pruning: If the tree has been cut back to a nub, cut it all the way to the ground. It will grow back quickly. The next winter, select your desired number of trunks and remove the rest. Follow the pruning steps above in subsequent years.

Hat-Racked Crape Myrtle: If the main branches have been pruned to the same height, follow these steps:

- Remove any “knuckled knobs” from the branch tops.
- Prune off all but a few select shoots that will become the new main branches.
- Repeat this process for 3 years, removing any unwanted side shoots.
- Train the saved shoots to grow upward and outward, eventually forming a beautiful tree.

Avoid These Pruning Mistakes

Topping: This is the practice of cutting off the tops of branches to control height. It results in weak, unsightly growth and prevents the development of beautiful bark.
Pruning in Fall: Fall pruning removes new growth that could protect the tree from winter damage. It also leaves an unattractive, pruned look throughout the winter.

Local Marietta, GA Tree Service

If you have questions or concerns about your trees in Marietta, GA, don’t hesitate to contact Joshua Tree Service. We offer a free consultation and can help you determine the best course.

Tree Trimming vs. Tree Removal: Keeping Your Marietta Landscape Thriving

admin | March 22, 2024April 3, 2024

Cleanup,in,the,garden

Trees are majestic additions to our properties, providing shade, beauty, and even habitat for wildlife. But sometimes, trees can become overgrown, diseased, or simply outgrow their designated space. This can lead to a dilemma: should you trim the tree or remove it altogether?

Here at Joshua Tree Service, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and vibrant landscape in Marietta, GA. This blog post will help you navigate the decision between tree trimming and tree removal, considering the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Tree Trimming: Maintaining a Healthy & Manageable Tree

Tree trimming involves the selective removal of branches with the goal of improving the overall health, appearance, and safety of a tree. Here are some key benefits of tree trimming:

Improved Health: Trimming removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches, allowing the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.
Enhanced Safety: Trimming removes branches that could pose a threat to people or property during storms or high winds.
Increased Light Penetration: Trimming allows more sunlight to reach the interior of the tree canopy, promoting healthier growth and potentially benefiting nearby plants.
Controlled Shape & Size: Trimming can maintain a tree’s desired shape and size, preventing it from interfering with power lines, buildings, or walkways.
Boosted Aesthetics: Trimming can remove unsightly deadwood and create a more visually appealing tree structure.

Tree Removal: When Trimming Isn’t Enough

While tree trimming offers numerous advantages, there are situations where tree removal becomes the most appropriate course of action. Here are some indicators that a tree might need removal:

Severe Disease or Damage: If a tree is severely diseased or damaged beyond repair, removal may be necessary to prevent the spread of disease or protect surrounding trees.
Safety Hazard: Trees with a high risk of falling due to structural instability or root problems pose a significant safety hazard and should be removed.
Infrastructure Interference: Trees that threaten power lines, buildings, or foundations may need removal to prevent costly damage.
Dead Trees: Dead trees offer no aesthetic or environmental benefits and can attract pests. Removal is often the best option.
Construction Projects: If a tree’s location hinders planned construction, removal might be unavoidable.

Consulting a Certified Arborist in Marietta

Making an informed decision about tree trimming or removal often requires the expertise of a certified arborist. A certified arborist can assess the health and condition of your tree, recommend the most suitable course of action, and ensure the work is completed safely and properly. Here at Joshua Tree Service, our team of ISA-certified arborists can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your trees and guide you towards the right decision for your Marietta property.

The Takeaway: Prioritizing a Healthy & Beautiful Landscape

Ultimately, the choice between tree trimming and removal depends on the specific situation and the long-term goals for your landscape. By understanding the benefits of each option and consulting with a qualified arborist, you can make an informed decision that promotes the health, beauty, and safety of your Marietta property.

Contact Joshua Tree Service Today!

If you have questions or concerns about your trees in Marietta, GA, don’t hesitate to contact Joshua Tree Service. We offer a free consultation and can help you determine the best course of action for your trees, whether it’s trimming or removal. We prioritize the health of your trees and the beauty of your landscape.

The Average Price to Cut Down a Tree in Marietta, GA

admin | March 9, 2024March 22, 2024

The Average Price to Cut Down a Tree in Marietta, GA

Thinking About Tree Removal?

Ready to call a tree service company for your Marietta, GA property? You’re not alone. Trees add beauty and value to our homes, but sometimes they need to come down due to safety concerns, disease, or simply outgrowing their space.

Understanding the Average Cost

Here at Joshua Tree Service, we understand that tree removal can be a significant project. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much does it cost to cut down a tree?”

This blog post will give you a good starting point for understanding the average price to cut down a tree in Marietta, GA, and the factors that can influence the final cost.

The Average Cost

In Marietta, the average cost to remove a tree falls around $850. However, it’s important to remember this is just a general estimate. The actual cost for your specific project can vary depending on several factors.

Factors Affecting the Price of Tree Removal

Tree Size

Generally, the larger the tree (diameter and height), the more complex and expensive the removal will be. This is because larger trees require more manpower, specialized equipment, and time to take down safely.

Tree Species

Hardwood trees like oak tend to be denser and more challenging to remove compared to softer woods like pine.

Tree Health

Dead or diseased trees can be more hazardous to remove, potentially increasing the cost.

Location

Trees near power lines, buildings, or other obstacles require more careful planning and execution, impacting the price.

Ease of Access

If the tree is difficult to access with heavy machinery, it may require additional labor or techniques, driving up the cost.

Stump Removal

Some quotes may include stump removal, while others may not. Be sure to clarify this before finalizing a service agreement.

Additional Considerations

Permits: In some cases, you may need a permit from the city before removing a tree. Joshua Tree Service can help you navigate this process.
Debris Hauling: Factor in the cost of hauling away any remaining branches, leaves, or woodchips.

Getting the Best Value for Your Tree Removal Project

To ensure you get the best value for your tree removal project, we recommend getting multiple quotes from reputable and certified arborists like Joshua Tree Service.

Why Choose Joshua Tree Service?

We offer free consultations and estimates.
Our experienced and insured crew can handle any tree removal project, big or small.
We prioritize safety and efficiency throughout the entire process.

Local Expertise: Marietta Tree Removal

Marietta boasts a diverse range of tree species. Here at Joshua Tree Service, we’re familiar with the common trees in our area, including:

Oak (various species)
Dogwood
Pine
Maple
Hickory

We understand the specific challenges and considerations associated with removing these trees in the Marietta landscape.

Ready to Get Started with Tree Removal in Marietta, GA?

If you’re considering tree removal in Marietta, GA, contact Joshua Tree Service today for a free consultation and quote. We’ll answer your questions, assess your unique situation, and provide a transparent price estimate.

Remember: Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help!

Contact us today for a free quote!