TREES, both coming and going, have pretty much decimated our home improvement budget! In 2010 we've had 5 occasions to call in the cranes for tree issues.
First, a ginormous oak randomly snapped and landed atop our neighbor's oak tree. Because it was out back we needed Crane #1 to lift it out, limb by limb, getting the weight off the neighbor's healthy oak. It was quite spectacular to watch the process.
Hoping to avoid future tree tumbles we enlisted Arborist Nigel Belton to assess all the trees on our property and make recommendations. Unfortunately, Nigel's proposed "to do" list for tree work was long (and costly).
3 trees were in major decay and posed inherent dangers (like falling on the house), so we had to bring in Crane #2 to remove a huge oak, a large bay tree, and sadly, a wonderful redwood tree we'd been trying (unsuccessfully) to nurse back to health for several years. All 3 required the standard Town of Los Gatos Tree Removal Permit. Since LG is a tree loving town you have to obtain a permit to cut down anything - no exceptions! Furthermore, the town insists on planting replacements (which we have more than complied with).
Losing the 3 trees left Brent anxious to fill in the gaps so Crane #3 spent 2 days hoisting some redwoods behind the spa in the back. Next, Crane #4 arrived to lift & place the new redwood into place but the crane wasn't large enough for the big tree. So, finally, Crane #5 (in photo) installed our lovely new dawn redwood in front!
While it was exciting to watch the cranes both give and take away, I won't mind if we don't ever need another crane on location! These landscaping projects have been quite impressive to view, but as far as entertainment goes, there must be lots of cheaper options!
