State Officials: Weather, Pests, Have Taken 'Heavy Toll' on Trees

Several "preceding years of drought and invasive forest pests" have dealt a "heavy toll" on Connecticut’s oak and ash tree populations, state officials said, and the Connecticut departments of Consumer Protection and Energy and Environmental Protection have sent an advisory to homeowners to assess "risky dead trees" prior to the leaves falling.

“Now is the time to identify and make a plan for those dead trees that may pose a risk to your home and yard,” said Chris Martin, the irector of the DEEP’s Forestry Division. “Tree removal contractors are very busy these days and you could be placed on a long waiting list. While there are many reputable tree removal contractors, homeowners should practice due diligence before choosing one.”

Scammers and "bad actors" target consumers who are in a rush, and feel the need to act quickly Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said

“That’s why it’s so important that consumers conduct this assessment, and any subsequent tree removal work done now instead of at the last minute. If consumers spend a little extra time doing research and homework before making a commitment, there’s a smaller chance that they will experience problems with their contractor,” she said.

Most healthy hardwood trees retain their leaves until the end of September, while unhealthy or dead trees have already shed or may have never produced leaves this growing season. The lack of greenery during the growing season is clear indication a tree is dead and should be removed if it is a threat to property, DEEP officials said.

When looking for a contractor, get multiple quotes to ensure that you are hiring the best person to work on your property. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best, DCP officials said.

Residents can verify a contractor has the proper credential by visiting elicense.ct.gov. If a contractor is doing more detailed work such as correctively pruning a tree, or doing other work associated with prolonging a tree’s life, it must have an Arborist’s license from the DEEP, according to state law.

Home improvement contractors are required to have a written contract before work may begin, DCP officials said.

Homeowners should also use references, CDP officials added.

Residents with a complaint regarding a home improvement contractor are encouraged to file it with the DCP by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov.

According to the DEEP, beginning in 2015, Connecticut experienced three consecutive years of expanding Gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation caused by dry springs. The drought "inhibited a moisture dependent soil fungus that solely impacts gypsy moth caterpillar from emerging," DEEP officials said.

In addition, the statewide establishment of Emerald ash borer is causing "extensive ash mortality," DEEP officials said.

Connecticut has been long recognized as having the highest WUI indices in the United States. WUI otherwise known as the Wildland-Urban Interface, is a term that recognizes the proximity of peoples' homes to forests, wetlands and grasslands. A common term used in fire prone areas of the US, many are surprised at Connecticut’s WUI ranking which is caused by a high percentage of tree canopy cover over a densely populated area. WUI helps explain why so many Connecticut residents are impacted by forest pest outbreaks and severe storms.

Photo Credit: US Deptartment of Agriculture

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