What’s in a tree removal?

Often a tree removal seems like a simple cut and dry project.  I call it a project because that is what it is, not just a simple job to do.  From the initial call or email to look at the tree to dropping a load of wood chips off at the farm for recycling everything is far from simple.

Long before ever arriving with any equipment there is the first meeting with the client to assess the work and discuss expectations.  Then we schedule the project.

The day starts early with the sound of diesel engines warming up, then it is in gear.  All the equipment is ready to roll, having been loaded onto trailers and bound down with heavy duty chains the night before.  Instead of cooking dinner we are sharpening saws; checking fluids; and attaching trucks to trailers.

With nearly two dozen tires spinning on the asphault we arrive at the jobsite and then it is time to unload all the equipment we worked so hard to transport.  After setting up to work there is the safety talk and the operational plan on how to complete the work safely and effeciently.  Unfortunately many people do not properly plan and this can lead to mistakes.  Mistakes in this industry are not just having to print a few extra copies due to a misprint; they could mean a crushed septic system, or a destroyed home or even worse an injury or death.  Just think of all the ameture videos online where massive property damage occurs.  Sometimes the culprits are homeowners taking on more than they can handle and others are so called “professionals”.

That’s the funny thing about the term professional.  Lots of people throw it around loosely but really there is a lot more to it.  As a licensed arborist I participate in countless hours of educational days and workshops each year which all costs the company time and money.  In my spare time I read articles about trees.  Also I have had years of practical experience and schooling.  That is before qualifying to apply to take the tests which have earned myself and the company the right to say that we are licensed arborists.

So now that we have gone over the plan we put it into action.  To help facilitate this it takes lots of training and experience along with some very specialized high quality tools and equipment.

We drop 75 foot trees sometimes weighing 10 thousand plus pounds.  Other times we slowly lower 200 lb branches 20 feet over a house with a brand new roof on it.

After all the technical work is complete it seems like we are nearly done.   The logs have been picked up and the branches chipped.  That is when the real clean-up starts.  We receive compliments from clients all the time, “I have hired other contractors in the past and when I came home I expected something to have to pick up.  With you there was not so much as a leaf, nothing.  Awesome job!”

Once everything is fully cleaned to the highest standards (personal pet peeve of mine) we can finish loading up the equipment and head back to the equipment yard.

So you see the actual tree removal is really a small part of the time and work it takes for the project to be a success.  We hope our readers listen to these words and let them sink in.  Hiring a non professional can end in disaster.

Arbor Al®

Manager LaPila Arborists and Design, LLC