I live in Northern California. I have 4 very large, old cedar trees in my yard that I would like to remove. They are healthy trees, and straight; just growing too close to the house. The trees are probably 70+ years old. A local tree trimmer want $16,000. to drop them and take them away. I'd like to sell the wood.
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The equipment necessary to cut your four trees is very, very expensive and costly to haul to your property and that does not include the cost of labor (California!!) so I can understand the cost estimate given by the tree trimmer. Also, if trees are close to your house that is an added concern and will take very experienced tree people (well insured) to cut/drop and not damage your property.
I would suggest that you get several estimates (from only insured/licensed) tree companies so you will know what you are facing. Just clean-up alone will be costly and if stumps are to be removed, that is another cost to consider. if you are going to let a company drop your trees and maybe sell wood to another company then a mill works company in your area might talk to you.
Many people want to have trees removed from their property. Often someone tells them that tree removal services will pay them to remove trees from their property. Unfortunately, they face many problems:
*Tree removal companies are not interested in paying the owner in small jobs, such as a few acres of trees, as their costs in insurance, machinery and workers are very high.
*Some companies may be interested in a larger project if the land owner pays the company, however, the land owner might then find that the company sells the trees to lumber companies. The tree company then has the tree removal payment and the lumber sale payment, as well.
*Insurance liabilities on both sides can be very high as tree removal is a dangerous job and companies must carry high insurance costs for injury to workers and property. The property owner may face injury and damage costs, and legal problems, as well. Tree removal companies are required to carry insurance and bond for their company and workers but this does not mean the property owner does not need coverage for the property and possible injuries etc.
*Depending on the area or state of the property, the owner may face permit requirements, historic, cultural and other limitations in removing trees from a property.
So, an answer to your question is not simple. You may find a tree removal service by putting an ad on Craigslist, etc., but you still face all the issues above with no guarantees.
*Frequently property owners may find they need an attorney to address the issues and prepare a contract. You should discuss your plans with an attorney familiar with land use and then make an informed decision.
A caveat here-be careful not to provide the property address or even the general location of the trees to any company or person you might find from Craigslist, etc., before signing a contract. You may find that someone has removed the trees from your property without your knowledge.
That is a hefty price but considering they're big trees and near your home, it is risky to cut!
You can call a couple other people for quotes to compare. Or, perhaps call a place that could use the cedar trees to see if they do cut & haul for cheaper cost?
Try some of the offerings on Craigslist first. I'm not sure what part of NorCal you are in but here is my SFBay tree cutter services list:
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