Had to choose between a full removal or a risky crown reduction on a big oak in a tight yard yesterday.

3 comments

3 Comments

A risky crown reduction on a big oak is often the better call for long term health. Full removal can be a last resort. That tree provides so much value, and a proper reduction by a certified arborist is usually very safe. It just takes the right climber and gear for a tight yard.

gray_schmidt83mo ago

Totally reminds me of the huge maple in my neighbor's yard... they were all set to cut it down after a storm. But this one arborist came out, spent like three hours up there with ropes, and just took off the broken bits. Thing looks a bit funny now, kind of lopsided, but it's still standing and full of leaves. Saved them a ton of money too, compared to a full removal. Sometimes a little hack job is all you need.

gavincampbell1mo ago

Buddy of mine had the same call on a huge old elm. He went with the crown reduction and the tree is still kicking three years later, just looks a little weird on one side. Guess it depends on the tree and the guy doing the cutting.