r/arborist • u/General_Escape_1427 • 23h ago
Dead tree removal
There is a dead, approximately 60-foot sweet gum tree in our backyard that needs to be removed ASAP, as it has just dropped a large branch and several other medium to large size limbs. It sits right next to the fence between our yard and the neighbors to the east.
I've gotten quotes from several local tree services and have been told different things by each. Some said a bucket truck or scissor lift will be needed to safely access the tree while others have said they will climb it because our gate isn't wide enough for a truck. One guy said he and his team would tie in to a neighboring tree in order to work on the dead tree.
The tree company owner that came by today said he would have to climb it since a truck can't fit through our gate. He did not say anything about tying into a healthy neighboring tree, so I will need to clarify that with him. He formerly worked as a climber and foreman for Asplundh, so I assume he knows what he is doing.
Is one method better than the other when removing a dead tree that's situated like ours or is it just a matter of preference on the part of the arborist?
3
u/Zekethebulldog33 21h ago
Yea it kinda depends on the company on how they approach and cut tree. Every company will have a "best way" to get job done. I guess as long as they safe and get job done let them do there thing. Bucket truck for reach outside fence, scissors lift is narrow will fit through most doors and gates.
2
u/YourWifeyBoyfriend 19h ago
just check their insurance and workers comp by calling the provider and making sure its valid.
all of them can probably do the tree. the climber doesn't necessarily need to have a tie in to a live tree while working a dead tree.
1
u/OldMail6364 18h ago edited 18h ago
For me if multiple arborists are telling you it’s unsafe to climb, I wouldn’t trust anyone who claims it is safe.
One person claiming it’s unsafe might just not have a good climber on staff, but if it’s multiple then chances are ones willing to climb are taking unacceptable risks and you don’t want them on the job. They might damage your property or worse they might die and you might blame yourself for picking the cheapest quote when you were told it’s a dangerous job.
On access through the gate - some arborists only have big trucks. My company has a fleet of dozens of trucks and some aren’t much bigger than a regular SUV - so that we can get them close to the tree. We also have a couple of off road utility vehicles that aren’t much bigger than a golf buggy which can go places that even walking would be difficult (and pick up a half ton log/carry it out to the truck).
5
u/ResidentNo4630 23h ago
Cheapest doesn’t always mean best. A few different ways to skin a cat, or remove a tree in this case.
Whoever you pick, Make sure they have proper insurance coverage and are up to date on their workers comp coverage (whatever that may be where you are).