Crane-assisted tree removal
Also called: crane tree removal, crane removal
Removing a tree by cutting it into sections that a crane lifts up and away, rather than felling it or lowering pieces on ropes. Used for very large trees, trees with no drop zone, or trees over structures. It adds $300–$1,500 to a job but is often faster and safer.
With a crane on site, a climber attaches a sling to a section of the tree, cuts it free, and the crane operator lifts it clear and sets it down in the street or a staging area, where a ground crew processes it. Sections can weigh thousands of pounds, so nothing falls, nothing is lowered through the canopy, and the work on the tree itself goes quickly.
Cranes aren’t cheap — $300–$1,500 for the day depending on size and travel — but on a large tree they often reduce the total price by cutting a two-day rope-and-rigging job to a few hours. They also need somewhere to set up: a street or driveway within reach, level ground, and clearance from overhead lines.
If a quote for a big tree near your house includes a crane and the others don’t, ask the others how they plan to do it without one.