Tree Removal
& Stump Grinding

Using a crane for tree removals is often faster and safer than other options. In some situations, such as a tree close to a building, power line, or other trees, it is the only realistic option. Using a crane can help us:

• Remove tall(er) trees
• Reach otherwise inaccessible areas
• Complete the removal faster than by other methods
• Keep everyone safe

When using a crane, the tree doesn't have to fall over (like when a tree is felled) or be cut apart, lowered to the ground, and carried away piece by piece. Instead, the tree is lifted out of the area vertically (one piece at a time). The ground crew then cuts the tree into logs and smaller pieces and uses a chipper to break down the branches into wood chips.

Many things go into tree removal, and there are many moving parts. We need to see the tree to determine, amongst other things, the tree's:

• Size
• Species
• Health
• Location
• Proximity to power lines and utilities, buildings, roads, etc.
• Surrounding landscape

Once we can see the tree for ourselves, we can determine what equipment is needed, which crew can most efficiently do the job, and more.

In most cases, we can remove multiple trees as part of the same job. It depends on how many trees need to be cut down, where they are on your property, the weather that day, the crew availability, and other factors. Removing several trees at once can be preferable as it takes time to set up the equipment, schedule the crews, etc.

Call us for more details at 804-688-7099

A grapple saw is a state-of-the-art saw, often attached to a crane or boom arm, that allows us to remove trees even more quickly, efficiently, and safely. It is remotely controlled and cuts, grabs, and removes sections of a tree during removal.

Stump grinding is a separate service that can be added to your tree removal quote. Be sure to let our estimator know you'd like the stump ground away when they're discussing options with you.

While we do offer stump grinding, we do not offer stump removal (which usually involves digging or pulling out the stump, including the roots).

We always do our best to protect your landscape during tree work. For example, we place special mats on the ground to distribute the weight of our heavy equipment.

Our estimator will discuss potential issues with you during the initial site visit so you understand what might happen.

Topping (also called hatracking) does not make a tree smaller. Although it may initially look smaller, a topped tree responds by quickly putting out a LOT of new, weakly attached (unsafe) growth. You'll be trapped in a vicious cycle of having to cut off more and more of your tree every year to try to keep it small - and the tree will push out more growth every year until it runs out of energy and dies.

We do not top trees. No reputable tree service uses this outdated and ineffective "pruning" method.

Much of tree removal is the planning that takes place beforehand. The ZZ Tree crew will take some time planning exactly how to remove the tree and setting up the equipment, which includes stabilizing the crane.

Depending on which crane is being used and the tree's health, either a climber will climb the tree and work with the crane operator to remove sections of the tree piece by piece, or the grapple saw will remove the tree in sections by a sophisticated remote-controlled system.

Maybe. Sometimes that is the best way to remove a tree. For instance, the crane may be parked in front of the house when cutting down a tree in the backyard. But don't worry! The tree parts are very securely fastened before they are moved.