Had to choose between a full removal or a risky crown reduction on a big maple

Tbh, a property owner in Springfield wanted a massive silver maple gone because of the leaves. Honestly, I looked at it and thought a 30% crown reduction could save it for another decade. The removal quote was $2,800, but the reduction was $1,200. I pushed for the reduction, explaining the benefits. It took two days with a 65-foot lift and went smooth. Has anyone else had a client dead set on removal where you talked them into a preservation job instead?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer_wood2mo ago

I used to think removal was easier, but saving a good tree changed my mind.

tarak172mo ago

What made you decide to try saving it?

barbararamirez22d ago

I've been in that spot more times than I can count. What was the homeowner's reaction when you explained the benefits of the reduction? Was it a hard sell, or did they come around pretty quick once you laid out the cost difference and the tree's value? I find a lot of people just don't realize a big tree like that can be a real asset if it's taken care of, not a nuisance. Sometimes it takes showing them a few pictures of what a proper crown reduction looks like a year later to get them on board.