Massively overgrown tree

Discussion in 'Trees' started by clueless1, Apr 9, 2011.

  1. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2008
    Messages:
    17,778
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Here
    Ratings:
    +19,598
    Evening all.

    Next door, lives a lovely old woman. The trouble is, the garden was her husband's project, and he has passed away. She is at the stage in her life when she struggles to walk to the bingo hall a few doors away, let alone maintain the garden.

    The trouble for me is she has an overgrown sycamore tree. It's higher than the houses, and one branch in particular overhangs my back garden so much it goes right across to the other boundary.

    I know the law allows me to cut the overhanging branches off, but I don't want to ruin her tree.

    I was thinking of asking her if we could get a tree surgeon in to do the job properly, and do a 'crown reduction' (see, I've been reading up on the terms). I thought I'd offer to pay at least half the cost, if not all.

    Which brings me onto my questions.

    Does anyone know how much it would cost to get a tree surgeon in for the day? Are we talking hundreds or thousands?

    Also, how would I check that I'm not getting cowboy joe with his pay as you go? I.e. how would I check the person I get isn't going to ruin the tree and risk killing it?
     
  2. Aesculus

    Aesculus Bureaucrat 34 (Admin)

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2008
    Messages:
    4,327
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Cashier
    Location:
    Isle of Wight
    Ratings:
    +1,337
    I wouldn't have thought much more then a couple of hundred pounds =/ it only cost's about £300 to have a tree felled
     
  3. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    64,861
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +127,020
    Hi clueless,

    Your best bet, if you don't know anyone who could recommend a tree surgeon, is to see whether they belong to this organisation Arboricultural Association

    I regularly have tree work done and use two different tree surgeons depending on what needs doing. Almost any good tree surgeon could do what you want with no trouble at all. What puts the costs up quite a bit is if they have to take the cut wood away.

    If you have a wood burning stove or open fire you could use the suitable wood for that. Sycamore burns quite brightly and puts out a medium amount of heat with little smoke - as long as you let it dry well.

    An example of cost (bearing in mind the more work you have done the proportionately cheaper the job is):-

    two years ago I had two trees like this cut down and the stumps ground out (stump grinding is usually expensive because the machine is expensive to buy and maintain)

    [​IMG]


    Plus

    this crown reduction

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Plus

    pruning one very large plum tree, topping a tortured willow and removing three small laburnums (20ft high but only 6" trunks).

    The conifers, in the front garden, were taken away but all the rest went on my bonfire. It took three men, and a dog, under four hours and the cost £450. They also tidied up very well.

    They don't usually want to come out for less than a certain amount but a few hundred pounds should do it.

    Make sure that they are insured - I always ask to see a copy of their insurance.
     
  4. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2008
    Messages:
    17,778
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Here
    Ratings:
    +19,598
    Thanks folks, that doesn't sound as bad as I was expecting. And thanks for the link Shiney.

    That being the case, when I'm next not skint, I might have that chat with the neighbour. If I understand correctly, I'll miss the window of opportunity for this summer, because I'm not ready yet, and I believe major tree work is best not done in summer (unless I've got that well wrong), so maybe the back end of this year or next year. At least now I'm less put off, I was expecting it to cost a couple of grand or more.

    Disposing of the wood isn't a problem. If the neighbour has anyone that can use it, I'm happy to chop it into small transportable pieces for her, otherwise I'd chop it and store it, and then give it to my mum who has a proper old fashioned open fire at home.
     
  5. TreeTreeTree

    TreeTreeTree I know sh!t about trees

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2011
    Messages:
    275
    Ratings:
    +247
    Hi clueless1

    First of all thank you for deciding on getting in a professional tree surgeon. Not only will it be easier and safer than having a go yourself, but it also best for the tree; as long as the guy you use is up-to-date on current best arboricultural practice.

    In order to keep costs down it would be advisable for you to keep any of the material that comes off the tree. Disposal of limbs and branches can easily add a good £100 onto a quote.

    To check if you've got a bona-fide tree surgeon ask to see their qualifications and insurance certificates. They should be able to show you their certificates of competence which include NPTC CS 30, 31, 38 & 39 as a minimum. Public liability insurance should also be available to you should you require them.

    Basically, if you get some geezer pulling up in a clapped out van using words such as 'chop', 'lop', 'top' or 'hack' then steer well clear! Someone turning up looking respectable and using proper arboricultural terms should be used.

    All the best.
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice