Homeowner topping

[MTCInc]

[ QUOTE ]
That is one ugly elm.

[ QUOTE ]
it will cost boatloads over the course to regain a stable structure. It would have been cheaper to remove and replace. Plus, as an arborist, I will always see that topped tree hiding behind the restructure proccess. Just my opinions.

[/ QUOTE ]I just charged a guy $3900 for restoration pruning on 13 oaks hit hard by ice 3 years ago. He did not blink an eye. Took a full crew-week. I told him 3 years ago that restoration takes time.

1. You've got to factor in not only removal and replanting, but lost benefits and maintenance until the replacement tree delivers the contributions of the casualty tree. That changes the equation considerably. This is very often overlooked, even by consultants who should know better.

2. you've got to define "boatloads" a little more closely.

3. Plus, as an arborist you should be looking at the miracle of recovery rather than the horror of mutilation. It's hard to get over that I know but for your client's sake and the tree's sake keep your eyes on the prize.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good points, Guymayor

My factors for removal are this: Topped trees become extremely difficult to properely end weight. That Elm we did had sketchy tie in points at best, and will stay that way over the life of the tree. As the limbs get bigger and heavier, they become more difficult to work and more dangerous for the climber to tie into. The tie in on that Elm I did blew! I am not looking forward to going back next year, but I will be there.

Boatloads. This is area specific I guess. That price you mentioned seems like a bargin to me. A full crew for a week at $3900 seems very reasonable. That elm took two of us a day and I billed $1200. We will be back at LEAST two more times for the restructure, then on a semi annual basis for the life of the tree. So, right there in the restructure cost you have $3600 for one tree, plus all the routine follow up visits to keep the size in check. Now, if the tree was removed and replaced: Removal would be $1200. A new tree, say a 24" box, would be another $750. There is about two grand. Pruning that young tree for structure and form maybe another $600, depending on what it is. Then, you can let the tree grow big and not have to worry about keeping its size in check, minimizing pruning costs.

I do agree with the miracle of recovery, but I am also being realistic. Who is going to take on the responsiblity of caring for this tree properly for the life of it? The original poster made mention that the person did not have a lot of money, so I would assume he is not going to foot the bill to bring it back year after year. Also, since he topped it to begin with, maybe he does not have the appreciation for what the tree is/can be some day.

It would be interesting to see what happens to this tree over the next ten years.

 

[guymayor]

I hear ya MTC. There were several short days in that $3900 week, and it's a friend, and I had other ulterior motives for going easy on it--using them for a research study on heading cuts and response. Plus i charge less for fun work, and that was fun.

If you lay those numbers out there and the owner says prune, then we prune. If skew wants to work cheap that's his call, but like you say I'd like to have a long-term commitment to restore fully.

On the elm TIP's, look at it as practice with double-crotching , new pole tools, and other tricks to make the right cuts.

I just spent 4 hours today restoring a topped pecan that I estimated 2 on, but hey there's a cushion in my hourly rate, and it was fun. I am a poor businessman but a happy arborist. Gotta work on that...

 

[treehumper]

The initial post stated the tree was storm damaged from heavy snow loads. The client lacking the knowledge and likely trying to save some money topped it.

There was a post on here about an oak that was blown over. Arborists said remove regardless of the very strong sentimental value the tree held for the owner. Neighbours devised a solution while not necessarily pretty, lifted the tree back in place at a significant cost. The owner was thrilled.

It may be that the client can afford the work over years relative to the historical and sentimental value. Could it be a tree planted in honour of a child's birth? Maybe by them as a child? It's not always about the dollars and sense.

 

[skew]

I hear the wisdom ya'll have imparted. I agree with the long term care notion but unfortunately around here alot of people think that hiring an arborist is a once in a lifetime occurence. Fortunatly I have alot of people that are hip to annual visits.

 

[Altreeist]

If you do nothing, the tree is doomed. You said the only remaining limbs were in electric lines. If you do not want to be responsible for "The Topping", then call the electric company and have them finish the job. They could come out and get it out of the lines for you. (Yes, this could be a process of calling religiously to get the job done.) If you get them out there to finish "The Topping", then you can start with the lifelong process of pollarding the tree for your customer. Back to the first sentence. The tree will live with your efforts, and you'll make cash, ever year, because of it.
- Jaques Coustau

 

[skew]

I will cut this tree for "Walt". I will attempt to Photo and post. It will be the sweetest flipping post then.