It started to lean about 2 months ago. We called our 'dependable' tree guy but he was too busy to get out here. We want the insurance adjuster out here before clean up so they can bring us a higher damage claim. Big trees are intimidating.
Keep in mind, I've been here for five years. We've removed about thirty trees already. This whopper was a live tree back in the tree line, but only when we saw it starting to lean did we really get concerned.
On the bright side, the roof is not caved in and the normal $500 fee to remove this whopper will be paid in the settlement. Wife and I uninjured.
500 is a bargain. I have about 2 dozen trees that have grown around 80-90 feet that I want gone. The cheapest guy I can get to do it wants 3 grand...per tree. I've fell a handful of trees before. None taller than 30 feet and I've seen them "spin" when being taken down (live) (even with wedges)...from experienced teams.
Monsterous trees are something I won't deal with.
What I did was had my company drop off a 80' lift for the 50' honey locust tree that split after our storm. I started with the small branches at the top and worked my way down into manageable chunks. Was it a slow process? Yeah, took me about a week. But, I didn't have to worry about the tree spinning and causing more damage, and I saved a ton of money.
Around here it's $1000. When they are really big, we just have them do it. Husband knocked down 5 last weekend and we have another 5 to knock down. He has a lot of experience. But the 2 giant pines we are hiring out.
Hillbilly tree service guys climb, taking off every branch all the way up. Then they put a rope around the tree and tie it off to a tree in the direction they want it to fall. Cool to watch. I get then to just drop it in the woods. Usual price is $150 each, but not this big bastard.
I just gave my brother and his friend less $$$ than the bids I got to remove ours under the table and pocketed the $2000.
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