We got an estimate for trimming this massive oak in the front of our house. it recently dropped a dead branch and broke our back windshield. The estimate is just for the part that is on over our side of the propery line and not over the street. is $2600 fair? I'm only asking because o have nothing to compare it too. But i do know i dont want to climb this tree!
by MoireaTodash
5 Comments
Yeah, it’s probably fair.
But more importantly, you need to make sure they know what they’re doing.
Is there an ISA certified arborist telling the crew what to do? And if not (because, and this is heresy to some, there are good arborists who do not belong to ISA), what is their experience doing this kind of work?
Ask for references, and make sure they have insurance. If they’re legit, they shouldn’t have a problem with you asking these questions.
There are far too many posts on here from people who hired Jim Bob and his pickup truck who then butchered their beautiful tree. Don’t become one of them.
http://www.treesaregood.org to find an arborist if you haven’t done so already.
I’d personally just do a deadwood trim only, oaks do not handle significant trims well at all. The goal is to prevent future danger and keep the tree healthy, and what many standard trimming companies do is just come in, saw off a handful of branches to make it look good and call it done without actually addressing the issue or the tree’s long term requirements. A $2,600 is far, far more than it likely needs and would only create a much larger issue down the road and probably ruin a good tree.
Get 2 more estimates. Get opinion from an arborist first. 2600 is high
Have you talked to anyone who recommended cabling?
i’d say it’s a hazard take it all down