Storm damage hacking volunteer work

[ClimbingTN]

What do you do when a customer asks you to “trim” a storm damaged tree that obviously should be removed? I’ve been volunteering to climb, trim or remove dangerous trees from the recent tornado. I’ve had 3 this week that really needed to be removed. Tops twisted off and almost everything gone. Each had maybe 1-2 viable branches but, with tornados, crowns gone. Nothing but ugliness. I explained that they will rot with the leader cut off. I also, stressed that there’s no way to trim properly and it may die anyway. In all 3 cases they said I don’t care and I don’t want it cut down. My babies played under that tree, we planted that tree, it blocks the neighbor….Just cut the hanging stuff and leave it alone. So frustrating but okay and I hacked away. I guess I’m just venting and wondering what you think.

 

[evo]

What do you do when a customer asks you to “trim” a storm damaged tree that obviously should be removed? I’ve been volunteering to climb, trim or remove dangerous trees from the recent tornado. I’ve had 3 this week that really needed to be removed. Tops twisted off and almost everything gone. Each had maybe 1-2 viable branches but, with tornados, crowns gone. Nothing but ugliness. I explained that they will rot with the leader cut off. I also, stressed that there’s no way to trim properly and it may die anyway. In all 3 cases they said I don’t care and I don’t want it cut down. My babies played under that tree, we planted that tree, it blocks the neighbor….Just cut the hanging stuff and leave it alone. So frustrating but okay and I hacked away. I guess I’m just venting and wondering what you think.

Is this in your normal service area?
I’m a stickler these days, even for free or volunteer work I go about it just like any other job. Written estimate ($0 dollars) and require signing. I’d just put in your recommendations below their goal.

‘This estimate for volunteer storm damage is to remove broken portions of the tree, based on customers wishes. $0’
Next line item:
‘It’s our recommendation to ……. Or remove the tree entirely. Decay will likely set into these pruning wounds and compermize the structural integrity of the tree. There is a strong possibility the tree may not survive.’

Sign here …………..

Have everything in writing, even if you’re not running a business and just helping out.

 

[ATH]

For volunteering...I'd say you should be doing what you know to be most helpful. If they don't want your help, someone else sure does!

""I'd love to help here, but I don't have the time to do work that isn't good for the long term."

 

[RogerM]

Many times we have been forced to do what we know is most likely the wrong decision. However, as you said, if there is sentimental value and your just helping out, why not let them hug their tree a little longer? Its is good to attempt to secure yourself from legal liability.

 

[southsoundtree]

When people's lives are in turmoil, leave them a safe- for- now tree.

 

[ClimbingTN]

Many times we have been forced to do what we know is most likely the wrong decision. However, as you said, if there is sentimental value and your just helping out, why not let them hug their tree a little longer? Its is good to attempt to secure yourself from legal liability.

Good point.

 

[ClimbingTN]

When people's lives are in turmoil, leave them a safe- for- now tree.

That’s exactly why I did it to make the tree safe. I also thought it would give them some hope that their tree might survive and thrive.

 

[flushcut]

I just had this happen today. But it was a paid gig.
Tornado, EF0, came through and tore this yard to all hell. Norway maple bark inclusion split out and smacked the house, not too hard but there was damage, so the rest of the tree I recommend removal as there is another bark inclusion higher up that would crush the porch. Anyway they decided to leave it be. Oh well but it’s in writing that it should be a removal.