Hi All, Wanted to post this here for some advice, particularly from any of you involved in tree service work. I need to have a couple trees in our back yard taken down. Both would have to be climbed. Would not be able to provide access to a bucket truck or comparable equipment. In any event, a local tree service was doing some work across the street from us, so I walked over and asked the guys for an estimate. Turns out it was a company that allowed me to salvage some tops from a lot clearing project they did a couple years ago in the neighborhood. Actually got about 4 cords from them or so... for free. So, here's the trees. The first one is the big problem tree (following two pics). Fully dead, and overhanging the rear property line. There's a crotch about 40(?) feet up that would not be safe to climb past. I'm sure this is a scary one to climb... I know for sure that I would never do it. Second tree (next 2 pics, and the closest one in the first of the following two pics) is likely less scary, but it is only about 10 feet from the house. Has a big branch that is fully dead, and the rest of the tree is practically dead. It leafed last growing season, but not fully. I fully realize that these will be difficult (and likely dangerous) to get down given that both are essentially dead, and given the proximity to the property line and the house respectively. So, the tree service guys consulted, and the gave me a verbal estimate of $3,000 to do both trees. Price was only to get the trees on the ground. I keep the wood (obviously) and would do all the cleanup). I was expecting four figures, but not four figures starting with a 3. Talked with my wife about it, and then asked them how long their quote would be good for. They then said that, if we got under contract with them within a couple days, they would knock the price down to $2,500. They said that I would not be able to get any price under that. Nevertheless, I've contacted (that is, left messages) for a couple other local companies to see if I could get another quote or two, but no response yet. So, here's my ask for you all. Does the figure they quoted sound reasonable? Like I said, I realize that these two would be a lot of work given their location and status. Just seems to me that $2,500 is pretty high regardless, but I've not paid for tree removal on the property for well over a decade at this point. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!
sounds like a fair price to me, especially since they have to be climbed. I had one friend get a quote 15 years ago for 3k for one big siberian elm tree with houses all around. he ended up renting the lift and calling in a bunch of favors. (he had really good friends) and got it down for 2k. he borrowed a splitter, and cut and split it all and sold it. said he made a profit. (I'm sure it was less than 5 bucks an hour based on all the time he put in) another friend had 1 yard tree 6 years ago that was split down the middle all the way to the ground. and it cost him 3500 to get it dropped, and not hauled away.
What’s in the way? Buildings?… Fences? Would the neighbors let you drop it on their property? Could be worth the effort to move a fence or two if that is all you have to deal with.
If the tree co is reputable and local the price sounds about right. Google them and see if there are any reviews for them.
Thanks all for the responses so far. Probably wouldn't be able to get access from the rear neighbor's property. The shed in the second picture for the first tree is right where the tree would fall unless it was pulled sideways somehow. I guess we could take both of our fences out, but that seems like a big pain. The tree service guys are nice guys, and like I said above, they let me scrounge some tops from a previous job of there's. I think I'm actually burning some of that stuff today! Checked their online reviews, and they seem to be pretty good. Eight really good review's from Angie's, and other good ones from elsewhere. Only found one bad review that I can recall. Would really value Admin Scotty's opinion on this, as I seem to recall many pics of his from way up in the trees.
Could that be their daily rate and if they don't have to do a lot of rope rigging and get done early the bill might be less ? Last time I hired a crew their daily rate was $1500.00 but they didn't have to rent any big equipment and were the lower priced guys in town as they don't have the latest and greatest in toys. A older boom bucket truck, a truck to haul chips and the chipper, a truck and trailer to haul a skid steer if they need it, a spare chipper and a spare ski loader. Two old guys ( one climbs) and two young guys ( one was learning to climb ) . That was 5 years ago or so. Seems a bit steep to me for two not really so big trees but maybe they've safely over estimated too.
It’s a fair price. One of my best friends is a tree guy in Denver (I get most of my hardwood from him). He specializes in dangerous tree removal. I forwarded him the pics and your story. He said without actually seeing them himself he’d charge between 2,500 and 3,000. He said if he didn’t have to do any cleanup, he’d probably be in the 2,100-2,500 range.
Thanks for the info Cash. Good to know that someone who would be completely neutral on this concurs with the estimate.
Gracetree.biz Is there room to get a lift like the one on this website into the backyard? If so, you could hammer those trees out quickly, half a day at the max. I’m probably the cheapest guy around (that knows what he’s doing and has real tree equipment), would be in the $1200 to $1500 range. I’m around 2k for a full days work with the lift. Good time to get work done anyways, tree companies are aggressive to keep their guys busy, no leaves on the trees and your yard/grass won’t get roached as bad.
Seems very reasonable to me, doesn’t seem like you’ll have much for other options. High risk tree, no lifts or bucket truck, needs rigging/rips. Doesn’t look like it gets any more difficult. If you already have a relationship with them see if you can get dibs on near by wood and you both win!
Assuming proper insurance etc. I think that price is in the ball park for sure. What say you Barcroftb ?
See this where I would show my wife the estimate . Then say I can buy a climber deer stand for 350 bucks a safety harness for 100 and a new Husqvarna T540xp II limb saw for 650 And we can save 1500 so I can take you out for dinner more often. If I do it myself. Then when deer hunting season comes I am all set with a new stand and saw to cut some shooting alleys in.
Seems reasonable... if your not upto it... But whats keeping you from renting a boom lift thats trailered behind a truck? They are fairly easy to manuever around and self centering on the slightly uneven ground....
I suggest getting two more quotes or...... rent a 60-100 ft jlg man lift and wreck it yourself. The rental would be half of the quote delivered, plus you can block it all the way to ground. The tow behind might be too small. I did this once for a large elm and the tow behind made it tricky. Good luck and enjoy!
