Maintain Neighborly Relations with Tree Trimming and Pruning in Wilmington, DE

They say good fences make for good neighbors. In our business, we find good tree trimming and pruning in Wilmington, DE makes for good neighbors and happy neighborhood relations.

Timely and proper tree trimming and pruning in Wilmington DE is important for three reasons: aesthetics, plant health, and safety. Stein Tree does a lot of work for Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and risk assessment plays a big part in those consultations. Take a look at why both homeowners and HOAs have a duty to ensure the trees in their areas are well-trimmed and healthy.

Tree Trimming and Pruning in Wilmington, DE for Public Safety

Safety plays a big role in how Stein Tree consults with clients and performs tree trimming services. Where you may notice a beautiful maple stretching its limbs over walkways, we may see dead branches or ‘shooters’ that may be a potential fire danger or walking hazard. One bad storm or strong gust of wind can send a branch tumbling to the ground to strike a vehicle or even an unsuspecting pedestrian.

Such an accident is both traumatic for the victim and owner of the premises where the offending tree grows. Additionally, that property owner may have opened themselves up to a potential lawsuit under dangerous premises liability if they had known about the dangers of a sick, dying, or overgrowing branch or full tree. Likewise, a HOA is often legally responsible for all common areas, like the grassy, tree-lined strips between the sidewalks and streets.

Serious accidents can occur, in a private yard, on community property or on public property. Years ago a student at Pennsylvania State was killed by a falling tree branch on campus. The family filed a case against the university, but the school was deemed to have carried out due diligence, as evidenced by well documented arboricultural care. The same thing could happen on any property with large trees, and that type of accident is tragic. As homeowners, we have the responsibility to do all that we can to prevent such occurrences. In doing so, we may be able to protect ourselves from liability as well, if an accident does occur.

Trimming Trees for Personal Safety & Aesthetics

Of course, trimming trees is also important for the safety of a homeowner’s own personal effects, building materials, and safety. A homeowners policy will generally cover any damages caused by a healthy tree falling atop a garage, roof, or vehicle. However, if evidence shows that the tree was sick and the homeowner failed to follow proper maintenance or recommended tree trimming and pruning services in Wilmington DE, then coverage could be denied.

Contact Stein When Tree Trimming is Needed in Your Neighborhood

If your neighbor has a tree that is sick, dying, or hangs over into your yard, threatening the safety and aesthetics of your property, you have options to remedy the situation. Start by talking with the homeowners. They may be willing to take care of the situation themselves, or agree to give you access to trim the tree. Hiring a professional tree care service is the smartest plan, because a professional can help ensure that no damage is done while performing the service, and he/she should be fully insured to avoid liability issues.

The next step is contacting the HOA. If your neighbor or HOA refuses to assist, you can seek assistance with local municipal code enforcement. Potentially dangerous dead and dying trees or limbs fall under nuisance property infractions and are eligible for fines or liens.

Call Stein Tree Service for Tree Trimming and Pruning in Wilmington, DE and Beyond

Stein Tree Service has been working with homeowners, businesses, municipalities and other organizations for over 30 years and we are the oldest independently owned tree service in Delaware. For more information about our services, including tree trimming and pruning in Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas, contact us today for a consultation.

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