Two nights ago, half of my walnut came down in a storm. I’m in the process of clean up and getting estimates for potential removal. I figured the rest of the tree would have to go, with the open wound and all the weight in one direction. Can I get some opinions? My worry is, if I give it a chance and don’t remove it and it falls, I’d be on the hook with insurance for being negligent. I had one quote today that came in at $6000, which was double what I was expecting. They want to use a crane. I’m looking for more opinions.
by goblinskirmisher
11 Comments
It looks like this tree has strike potential to the power lines. Where im from, the utility will come evaluate the tree and remove it for free if they deem it a hazard. I would call your local power company and see what they say.
I have a walnut bigger than this that took similar damage many years ago. In fact my tree was likely worse since it was a tear down all the way from 12ft high to the ground, into the soil/roots, and about 12-18 inches wide the whole way.
I’m not sure how long ago the damage occurred but it’s at least 15 years ago based on my knowledge of the property. The tree now has callous wood all the way down but still a large open wound that is slowly rotting but shows no signs of stress otherwise.
Walnuts are TOUGH. Your tree might not be in a great spot in terms of surroundings and hard to tell how out of balance it is but I have no doubt it could just shrug this off.
Arborist here..
$6000 is price gouging. I charge $125/man hour.
1 climber and 2 ground workers could knock this out in 8 hours max.
Which, oddly enough comes out to…$3000. That’s with a loader, a chipper, and full insurance.
Time to go. Next big wind will push over the top heavy side.
If you want to
1: know whether to leave the tree or take it down
2: not be liable for negligence if you leave the tree up and it falls
Both of these can be solved by having someone come out to inspect the tree. They will tell you if it’s safe or not, and if they tell you it’s safe but it falls anyway, you have done your due diligence and have not been negligent
If it does get taken out, be sure to contact local sawmills and/or wood workers ahead of time. Walnut is valuable lumber. Maybe you could work out a deal or subsidy of removal. Don’t let the removal company just take the lumber without you at least checking around.
Find a climber they will be cheaper to get it on the ground
Bummer
$6k is way too much. I used to do crane removals of massive cottonwoods for $6k
If this is walnut you might be able to find someone to take it down for you for much cheaper if they keep the wood. Of course slightly riskier but you can ask for insured parties only. The tree will make great lumber
Amazing wood for a woodworker. Please do not put in the chipper. Lots of people will haul it for free if they get to keep the wood.