Crane Tree Removal in Tallahassee
When a tree is too big, too rotten or too close to the house to climb and drop, a crane lifts it out in sections. When cranes make sense, what the day looks like, and why a crane job isn’t always the most expensive option.
Free, no-obligation estimate from a local tree service.
When a crane is used
Situations that call for a crane
- A tree lying on a roof after a storm, where cutting it in place could drop it further into the house
- A large tree over a house with no safe drop zone, so every section has to be lifted out rather than lowered beneath it
- Dead or decayed trees that aren’t safe to climb or to tie rigging to
- Backyard trees with no other way out except over the house
- Pools, glass rooms, solar panels or tight neighbor lines under the canopy
In Tallahassee, that often means a tall pine standing right beside a home, or a wide laurel or live oak spreading over the roof. See pine and oak tree removal for more on each.
Not sure if you need a crane?
You won’t know until a crew sees the tree. Mention in your request how close it is to the house and whether a truck can get to the front of the property.
What happens on the day
How a crane removal works
Set-up
The crane parks as close as it can, usually in the street or driveway, and extends its outriggers. Driveways, curbs and soft lawns can be a concern, so the crew may use mats under the outriggers.
Pick by pick
A climber or a lift attaches the crane to a section of the tree, cuts it free, and the crane lifts it over the house to the ground crew. This repeats limb by limb, then trunk section by trunk section.
Processing and cleanup
On the ground, the sections are chipped or cut up and hauled. Large trunk pieces may need a log truck. Ask whether stump grinding is part of the same visit.
Cost
Is a crane always more expensive?
The crane itself adds cost, and big trees near power lines or houses that need one sit at the top of the price range. Angi notes very large trees near power lines can cost up to about $10,000.
But a crane can also cut the number of hours the crew spends climbing and lowering, and it reduces the risk of damage to the house. On some large trees, the total price with a crane ends up close to the price of a long, slow climbing job. Ask the crew to explain why they’re recommending one, or not.
See the cost guide for local price ranges.
Source: Angi, tree removal cost.
Before you book
Questions to ask about a crane job
- Where will the crane park, and does anything need a permit or a street closure?
- How will they protect the driveway, lawn and sprinkler heads?
- Is the crane their own or rented, and is its cost included in the quote?
- What happens if weather delays the job?
- Can they show proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
- Is debris hauling and stump grinding included?
Questions
Crane tree removal FAQ
Can a crane get into my backyard?
Will the crane damage my driveway?
Is a crane needed for a tree on my roof?
Will insurance pay for the crane?
Tree over the house?
Tell us how close it is to the home and where a crane could park. A local tree service will follow up.