These trees were tucked into a very tight space between two buildings with limited access, a steep bank and propane tanks below. We set up our crane on the street and were able to reach over the house, rig sections of the tree and lift them out to the road where the crew could process everything safely and efficiently. Jobs like this are a good example why having the right equipment and knowing how to use it can make a difficult removal much more controlled and far less disruptive to the property.

A tight-access removal from last week here in the Mad River Valley.

These trees were growing on a bank beside a 13 kV utility line, with a propane tank below them on one side and a septic tank and leach field on the other. With very little room to work, careful planning and control were especially important.

Our 98′ grapple-saw crane allowed us to dismantle the trees piece by piece while keeping the crew out of the trees and minimizing the impact to the surrounding property.

Jobs like this are a good example of why we’ve invested in specialized equipment over the years. The right equipment, combined with an experienced crew and a good plan, allows us to handle difficult tree work safely and efficiently.

Whitney Tree Service — professional tree care in the Mad River Valley since 2001.

Whitney Tree Service was hired to remove two massive white pine trees from a backyard location in Warren Village.

The site presented several challenges, including limited access, nearby homes, overhead utility lines, and the distance between the trees and the crane setup location. After evaluating the site, we determined that a 90-ton crane would be the safest and most efficient way to complete the removal.

Before the work began, Green Mountain Power met with us on site to assess the nearby electrical lines. Protective coverings were installed on the primary distribution lines to improve visibility for the crane operator and ground crew during the work.

Because the trees were more than 160 feet from the crane, the crane required its full complement of counterweights. An additional tractor-trailer was brought in to deliver them, and traffic control was used while the crane occupied one lane of the road. A second lane also had to be temporarily blocked while the counterweights were transferred onto the crane.

Large sections of the pines were carefully lifted from the backyard, carried up and over the house, and placed in the driveway where they could be safely processed. The homeowner had also arranged for the usable logs to go to a local woodworker, allowing much of the wood from the trees to be put to good use rather than simply disposed of.

Despite the complexity of the setup and the long working radius, the entire project was completed in one eight-hour day with a three-person Whitney Tree Service crew. This project was a good example of how careful planning, utility coordination, specialized equipment, and an experienced crew can make a difficult residential tree removal both safe and efficient.

We hired Hutch Crane to bring in their 75ton crane for this large cottonwood removal.

The tree was hollow at the base and leaned toward the house. It was 44″ in diameter, 100′ tall, and estimated to be about 130 years old.

If you look closely you can see me dangling from the top of the crane boom.

The crane takes the top.

On my way up to hook another section.

Getting into position to make a cut.

Once in position, I make the cut and the crane takes the piece away.

Lowering the piece down onto the road for the ground crew to work on.

George and I stop for a photo before I go up to make another cut.

I asked Green Mountain Power come in beforehand  to install protective covers on the three phase lines.

The customer asked that we leave a high stump for this head stone to lean against.

Making the final cut on the trunk, which weighed 10,500 pounds.

And away it goes!

The Town of Warren let us close Main Street for four hours.

I am standing with my legs down inside of the hollow trunk section.

Here you can see just how hollow the tree was.

We always have a good group of spectators for jobs like this.

Once the tree was down it was only a matter of minutes before the log truck arrived to take the logs away.

From left to right. Crane operator Ray Smith, Adam P., Adam W., the homeowner Mona, and George.

Whitney Tree Service Crew (L-R) Marilyn, Adam W., Adam P., and George