Owning an Alton home with mature trees provides beauty, shade, and a sense of permanence. However, an unmaintained, diseased, or weak tree in Alton is more than a nuisance. Hiring a professional Alton tree removal company is essential in your property’s safety and your neighborly relations. A neglected tree can fall without warning, causing significant property damage and creating complex legal and financial issues.
The Dangers of Neglect and Neighborly Disputes in Alton, Illinois
When a tree on your property falls onto a neighbor’s yard or house, it’s not a simple “my tree, my problem” scenario. In most cases, if a healthy tree falls due to a natural event like a storm, your neighbor’s insurance is responsible for their damages. However, this dynamic changes completely if the tree was diseased, dying, or visibly weak and you, as the Alton homeowner, had prior knowledge of its condition. If your neighbor can prove that you were negligent in maintaining a hazardous tree, you could be held liable for the damages*. This can create lasting animosity and financial headaches that could have been avoided with proactive tree care. Getting a professional to remove a problem tree isn’t just about protecting your own Alton area property; it’s about being a responsible, considerate neighbor.
(*Disclaimer: Riverbend Tree Service does not provide legal advice and recommends that you contact a reputable law firm in case any of these scenarios have occurred).
Alton, Illinois Trees: Common Threats to Riverbend Property
Alton, Illinois, is home to a diverse range of trees. Some of the most common species include pin oaks, sweetgums, silver maples, and various ash species. While these trees are integral to the region’s landscape, some can be particularly damaging to property. Silver maples, known for their rapid growth, have weak wood and are prone to breaking during storms. Their aggressive root systems can also crack sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Sweetgums are infamous for their spiky, hard seed pods (often called “gumballs”) which are not only a nuisance to clean up but can also be a slipping hazard. Furthermore, the ash tree population in Alton has been decimated by the invasive emerald ash borer, leaving behind a vast number of dead and dying trees that are extremely brittle and dangerous.
Proactive tree care is the best way to safeguard your home and your relationship with your neighbors. Professional arborists can identify and safely remove these hazardous trees, ensuring your property remains a safe and beautiful space for everyone.
Riverbend Tree Service serves the Riverbend area including Alton and Greater Madison County. RB Tree has a strong presence in this area and is supportive of community organizations. Keep looking around for the Piasa Bird logo for local events and local news stories!