What to Know About Crane-Assisted Tree Removal in Davenport

Removing a very large tree, or a tree in a tricky location (such as between two buildings) requires the utmost care and experience. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and people and property are at risk during such endeavors.

But that’s where a crane comes in handy. Crane-assisted tree removal might be overkill for smaller trees, but for complex situations, the use of a crane is a must to take a tree down safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know about crane-assisted tree removal in the Davenport area.

Key Takeaways:

• Crane-assisted tree removal is often necessary when trees are too large, damaged, or positioned too close to buildings for traditional removal methods to be safe.
• Cranes are also used frequently when removing trees that have fallen onto buildings.
• Using a crane for tree removal ensures precise control over where each cut section goes, significantly reducing the risk of property damage.
• The cost of crane removal depends primarily on the tree’s size, location, and the complexity of the removal process.

Why Some Trees Require Crane Removal

Sometimes cutting down a tree the traditional way just isn’t safe or possible. This is especially true for trees that tower over homes or have grown too close to buildings over the years. When a tree is simply too big, too close to structures, or in too tight of a spot, bringing in a crane is often the safest option.

Space is another big factor. Many properties in Davenport have trees squeezed between houses, garages, or other buildings. There might not be enough room for traditional equipment to get close enough to the tree. A crane can reach over these obstacles and remove the tree piece by piece without putting nearby structures at risk.

Cranes can safely remove large chunks of a tree by lifting them over structures as needed. This often happens when a large tree needs to be removed from a tight backyard with limited access.

Common Situations Requiring Crane Removal

Not every tree removal needs a crane, but certain situations make crane use the obvious choice. Here are the most common reasons to use a crane for tree removal in the Davenport area:

• Emergency tree removal situations where a tree has fallen onto buildings during storms, like when the derecho of July 2024 came through the area
• Large trees growing between houses with no space for traditional equipment
• Trees with major structural problems that make them unsafe to climb
• Trees leaning toward homes or other structures
• Trees that have grown over power lines or buildings
• Trees in yards with limited access due to fences, slopes, or landscaping

The Benefits of Using Cranes for Tree Removal

Using a crane to remove a tree might seem like overkill at first glance, but for big trees or tricky situations, the benefits make it worth considering. Here are some of the benefits of removing a tree with the help of a crane:

• Safety Comes First: The crane operator controls exactly where each piece of the tree goes, so nothing falls unexpectedly onto your house or other property.
• Less Damage to Your Yard: Most of the work happens in the air, so your lawn and landscaping stay intact.
• Faster Removal: What might take all day using traditional methods can often be done in just a few hours with a crane.
• Better Access: Cranes can reach over fences, buildings, and other obstacles that would block traditional equipment.
• More Precise Control: Each piece of the tree is carefully lifted away rather than being dropped to the ground.
• Lower Risk: There’s much less chance of damage to your home, your neighbor’s property, or nearby power lines.

When you compare these benefits to the risk of damage from traditional removal methods, crane-assisted removal often makes the most sense for challenging trees. While it might cost more upfront, it could save money in the long run by preventing expensive property damage.

How Crane-Assisted Tree Removal Works

Taking down a tree with a crane requires careful planning, coordination, and an experienced team. First, an arborist assesses the tree and the property to figure out the safest way to remove it. They’ll inspect things like:

• Where the crane can safely set up and operate
• How much space is needed for the crane to move
• Which direction the tree pieces need to be lifted
• What obstacles need to be avoided
• How many cuts will be needed to remove the tree safely

On removal day, the crane operator and crew work together like a well-oiled machine. A climber goes up into the tree and attaches strong cables to the section being removed. The crane then takes the weight of that section, and only then does the climber make their cut.

The crane lifts the cut piece away and sets it down in a designated landing zone where the ground crew cuts it into smaller pieces and puts it through a chipper.

This process repeats until the entire tree is down. It’s actually quite impressive to watch, but more importantly, it’s safe and efficient when done by experienced professionals (like the team at Arbor Masters).

Planning and Preparation: What Property Owners Should Know

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a crane-assisted tree removal is to make sure there’s enough space for the crane to operate. This usually means clearing vehicles from your driveway and possibly your neighbor’s driveway, too. Keep the road in front of your home clear to make room for the crane and other tree care vehicles to park.

You may also need to:

• Remove any outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations from the work area
• Keep pets indoors during the removal
• Let your neighbors know about the upcoming work
• Make sure gates are unlocked for the crew
• Clear a path for workers to access the tree
• Mark any sprinkler heads or other hidden features in your yard

If working with Arbor Masters for your Davenport tree removal, our arborist will cover every detail with you ahead of time, as every removal scenario is different.

FAQs About Crane-Assisted Removals in Davenport

How long does a typical crane-assisted tree removal take?

Most crane removals can be completed in a single day. Small to medium jobs might only take a few hours, while larger or more complex removals could take a full day. The time needed depends on the tree’s size, location, and how many cuts are required to remove it safely.

What size trees typically require crane assistance?

Any tree over 75 feet tall or with a trunk wider than 30 inches often needs crane assistance, especially if it’s near buildings. But size isn’t the only factor. Even smaller trees might need a crane if they’re in tight spaces or leaning over structures.

Can crane-assisted removal be done in all weather conditions?

No. Strong winds and lightning make crane operation unsafe. Light rain usually isn’t a problem, but the job might need to be rescheduled if severe weather is in the forecast.

What clearance is needed for crane setup?

The crane usually needs at least a 20-foot-wide space to set up its outriggers. The exact space needed depends on the size of crane required for your specific job. Cranes are usually set up on a driveway or the road.

Is crane removal covered by insurance?

If a tree has fallen on your house or poses an immediate threat to your property, insurance often covers removal costs. But it’s best to check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage before any work begins.

Keep Your Property Safe with Expert Crane Removal from Arbor Masters

Taking down large or dangerous trees requires the right equipment and experienced professionals to avoid property damage and injury. If you have a concerning tree on your Davenport property, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency.

Call Arbor Masters at 563-355-7508 or fill out our online form to schedule a free quote with one of our Certified Arborists. We’ll help you determine if crane-assisted removal is the right choice for your situation.