I've been asked if I have a "cherry picker" (bucket truck, aerial lift) and when I answer in the negative, I've often heard something like - " well, this tree needs one so we'll have to call someone else" assuming that upper canopy access can only be granted via a lift. If I'm quick enough I can talk about climbing, but even then, some people are highly skeptical of that approach due to unfamiliarity and perceived danger.
We use an aerial lift as needed/ and practical. It's a great start/ end, occasionally.
Our professional climbing skills allow us to do things aerial lifts will never be able to do, like reach to 60' from 1/4 mile from the tree from the place we can park the lift.
As well as climbing to any height, anywhere with the same safety levels that all vertical-rope technicians require, we can do it without impact of a 30k-50k pound vehicle, and we never sink a climber up to the axle in soft soil from a hidden spring/ seep, nor do all the extensive damage prevention because eye professional climbing arborists.
All of this, of course, comes from years or training and safe experiences.
Yes, sure we have 5000 pounds of professional ground protection mats.
Sure, we can bring all that unnecessary equipment, but it's likely to cost you twice as much.
Cheaper to bring in a crane.
Which of the 3 options sounds best to you, knowing the relative expenses?