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Crane Tree Removal Near You | At The Top Tree Service Corp
When that massive oak in your backyard starts dropping branches on your roof, or when storm damage leaves a 60-foot maple leaning dangerously toward your neighbor’s house, regular tree removal just won’t cut it. That’s when Long Island homeowners call us for crane tree removal services that get the job done safely.
We’ve been handling complex tree removals across Nassau and Suffolk County for over 15 years. From Huntington to Hempstead, Babylon to Brookhaven, our crane-assisted tree removal service has helped thousands of property owners deal with trees that seemed impossible to remove safely.
Why Crane Tree Removal Makes Sense on Long Island
Long Island’s dense neighborhoods and mature tree canopy create unique challenges. When a 100-year-old maple needs to come down between two houses with only 8 feet of clearance on each side, traditional tree removal methods just don’t work. That’s where crane tree removal becomes the smart choice.
Our crane service handles situations that would otherwise require taking down healthy trees just to access the problem tree. Instead of cutting down three trees to reach one, we position our crane and lift the target tree out in sections, leaving your other landscaping untouched.
Last month, a client in Garden City had a storm-damaged white pine that was 80 feet tall and leaning directly over their swimming pool. The tree was too close to power lines for regular removal, and the root system was compromised from the storm. Using our crane, we removed the entire tree in four hours without touching a single other plant in their yard.
When You Need Crane Tree Removal Services
Not every tree needs crane removal, but when yours does, there’s really no other safe option. Here are the situations where crane-assisted removal is the right call:
Large Trees Near Structures: When mature trees grow close to houses, garages, or other buildings, traditional felling puts property at risk. Our crane lifts sections straight up and away from structures.
Storm-Damaged Trees: Wind damage often leaves trees in precarious positions where they can’t be safely climbed or cut using standard methods. Cranes let us remove unstable trees without putting our crew in danger.
Trees Over Utilities: Power lines, gas lines, and other utilities complicate tree removal. Crane removal keeps cut sections away from these hazards.
Limited Access Properties: Tight spaces between buildings or fenced yards sometimes make it impossible to drop tree sections safely. Cranes give us the reach we need.
Root System Issues: When disease or construction damage compromises a tree’s root system, the tree becomes unpredictable during removal. Crane support eliminates the guesswork.
Our Crane Tree Removal Process
Every crane tree removal starts with a detailed site evaluation. We measure clearances, identify underground utilities, and plan the safest removal sequence. This planning phase separates professional crane services from companies that just show up with equipment.
Our certified arborists work with experienced crane operators who understand tree removal specific challenges. The crane operator and tree crew communicate throughout the process using hand signals and radio contact.
We typically remove trees in sections, starting from the top and working down. Each cut is planned to balance the weight properly so the crane can lift cleanly. For extremely large trees, we might remove the tree in 6-8 sections to maintain control.
Ground protection is part of every job. We use mats under the crane to protect your lawn and driveway. The crane’s outriggers distribute weight across a larger area, minimizing damage to your property.
Equipment and Safety Standards
Our crane fleet includes units ranging from 30-ton capacity for smaller jobs up to 90-ton cranes for the largest trees Long Island can throw at us. All equipment receives regular inspection and maintenance.
Every crew member holds current certifications. Our crane operators are licensed by New York State and certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. Our tree crew includes certified arborists and tree care specialists with years of experience in crane-assisted removal.
We carry full insurance coverage including general liability and workers compensation. Before starting any job, we provide proof of insurance and pull any required permits.
Serving Long Island Communities
From the North Shore’s estate properties to the South Shore’s beach communities, we’ve handled crane tree removal throughout Long Island. Each area presents its own challenges.
In places like Great Neck and Manhasset, mature specimen trees often need removal when they outgrow their space or develop structural problems. These high-value properties require extra care to protect landscaping and hardscaping.
South Shore communities like Massapequa and Wantagh deal with salt spray damage that weakens trees over time. When these trees become hazardous, crane removal often provides the only safe solution.
Central Nassau and Suffolk County areas like Levittown and Hicksville feature closely-spaced homes where traditional tree removal would damage neighboring properties. Our crane service protects everyone’s investment.
Cost Factors for Crane Tree Removal Long Island NY
Crane tree removal costs more than standard tree removal, but it often saves money in the long run by preventing property damage. Several factors affect pricing:
Tree Size and Species: Larger trees require more time and a bigger crane. Dense hardwoods like oak take longer to section than softer woods.
Location Complexity: Trees close to buildings, power lines, or other obstacles require more careful planning and slower work.
Access Requirements: If we need to position the crane in a tight space or bring it through a backyard, setup time increases.
Debris Removal: Some clients want us to chip branches and remove all debris, while others prefer to keep firewood or mulch.
Permit Requirements: Some municipalities require permits for crane operation or tree removal, adding to project timeline and cost.
Most crane tree removals on Long Island range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on these factors. Emergency storm damage work typically costs more due to the urgent timeline and potentially hazardous conditions.
Emergency Crane Tree Removal
When severe weather hits Long Island, we’re ready to respond. Our emergency crane services operate 24/7 during storm events and their aftermath.
Hurricane Sandy taught Long Island residents how quickly mature trees can become major hazards. Fallen trees blocking roads, damaging homes, or threatening power restoration need professional removal using appropriate equipment.
We maintain relationships with local emergency management offices and utility companies. When large-scale storm damage occurs, we often coordinate with these agencies to prioritize removal of trees affecting public safety and utility restoration.
For emergency crane tree removal, we respond within hours of your call. Our crews assess the situation, secure any immediate safety hazards, and develop a removal plan that addresses the emergency while minimizing additional damage.
Protecting Your Property During Removal
Property protection starts before the crane arrives. We survey the work area and identify anything that could be damaged during the removal process. This includes underground sprinkler systems, decorative fencing, air conditioning units, and landscaped areas.
Ground protection mats go down before the crane moves into position. These distribute the crane’s weight and prevent rutting in lawns or damage to paved surfaces. For longer projects, we might install temporary fencing to protect landscaping from foot traffic.
Our cleanup process returns your property to pre-work condition. We remove all wood debris unless you want to keep it, rake up small branches and leaves, and repair any minor lawn damage caused by equipment.
Some property owners consider renting crane equipment and handling tree removal themselves. This approach creates serious safety and liability risks. Crane operation requires specialized training, and tree removal using cranes demands experience with both technologies.
Insurance companies may not cover damage caused by DIY crane tree removal. If something goes wrong – and it often does with inexperienced operators – you could face thousands in property damage plus potential injury liability.
Professional crane tree removal companies carry specialized insurance, maintain certified equipment, and employ trained operators. We handle permits, utility coordination, and safety planning so you don’t have to worry about these details.
Scheduling Your Crane Tree Removal
The best time for crane tree removal is during the dormant season when trees are lighter and there’s less risk of damaging surrounding vegetation. However, hazardous trees need removal regardless of season.
We recommend scheduling crane tree removal at least two weeks in advance for non-emergency situations. This allows time for permit applications, utility notifications, and optimal weather conditions.
Spring and fall are our busiest seasons. Spring brings requests for trees damaged during winter storms, while fall scheduling allows removal before the next winter storm season.
Environmental Considerations
Tree removal always affects the local environment, but crane removal can minimize some impacts. By removing trees in sections rather than felling them, we avoid damage to surrounding vegetation and soil compaction from heavy equipment.
We recycle all wood debris when possible. Large trunk sections become lumber, smaller branches get chipped for mulch, and leaves go to composting facilities. This approach keeps organic material out of landfills.
When removing diseased trees, proper disposal prevents spread of tree diseases to healthy specimens. We follow state guidelines for disposal of trees affected by emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and other common Long Island tree diseases.
Working with Utility Companies
Long Island’s dense utility infrastructure complicates many tree removals. Before starting any crane tree removal near power lines, we coordinate with PSEG Long Island to arrange temporary service disconnection if necessary.
For trees growing into utility easements, we often work directly with utility contractors. This coordination ensures compliance with utility safety requirements and prevents service interruptions.
Gas lines, cable lines, and phone lines also affect crane positioning and tree removal planning. We contact Dig Safe New York before every job to mark underground utilities.
Common Tree Species Requiring Crane Removal
Long Island’s mature tree canopy includes many species that eventually outgrow their space or develop problems requiring crane removal.
Norway Maples: These fast-growing trees often reach 60-80 feet and develop weak branch attachments. When sections start failing, crane removal becomes necessary.
Pin Oaks: Popular in suburban landscaping, pin oaks can grow too large for their space and develop lower branch problems that make climbing unsafe.
White Pines: These tall, straight trees often suffer storm damage that makes them hazardous. Their height typically requires crane assistance for safe removal.
Silver Maples: Known for weak wood and aggressive root systems, silver maples often need crane removal when they become hazardous near structures.
London Plane Trees: Common in older Long Island neighborhoods, these large trees sometimes require removal when they outgrow their space or develop structural problems.
Getting Started with Crane Tree Removal
If you have a tree that might need crane removal, start with a professional assessment. We provide free estimates that include a detailed evaluation of the tree’s condition and removal requirements.
During the estimate, we’ll explain why crane removal is recommended and discuss alternatives if they exist. We’ll also review the timeline, permitting requirements, and any utility coordination needed.
Our estimates include all costs: crane rental, crew time, permits, debris removal, and property restoration. There are no hidden charges or surprise add-ons.
Contact At The Top Tree Service Corp today to schedule your crane tree removal consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and develop a removal plan that protects your property while solving your tree problem safely and efficiently.
Offices
Head Office
We are located right off Sunrise Hwy in Shirley, our office isn't open to the public, however, you can call us to schedule a free estimate!
917 Montauk Hwy Shirley, NY
Phone: (516)-315-5716