Name: Koala Tree
Price range: $$$

A crane removal can look dramatic from the street. On the day, it’s mostly careful planning carried out step by step.

Why use a crane

Most trees are removed by climbing and lowering pieces on ropes. A crane makes sense when a tree is very large, leans over a house, sits where there’s no room to lower pieces, or has decay that makes it unsafe to climb and rig in the usual way. The crane holds each section before it’s cut and lifts it clear, so less weight is dropped or swung through the tree. Not every big tree needs a crane; the assessment decides.

Before the day: assessment and planning

Jason assesses the tree and the site first: the condition of the tree, what’s underneath it, overhead wires, where the crane can set up, and where the pieces can be landed and processed. Ground conditions matter, because a crane’s weight has to be spread safely. Any permits needed for the tree are checked as part of the plan.

Some trees in London are protected, and the City of London may require a permit for work on certain trees on private property. Trees owned by the City, such as many boulevard trees, shouldn’t be cut without the City’s permission. Before major work, check whether a permit is needed. If you’re not sure, we can help you check.

Before the day, we’ll tell you what to expect, such as whether cars need to be moved from the driveway or the street.

Set-up

On the day, the crane sets up first. Its outriggers are placed on pads to spread the load, and the work zone is marked off. Ground mats can protect a lawn where equipment has to cross it. The crew starts with a job briefing so everyone knows the plan and their role: the crane operator, the climber in the tree, the ground crew, and the person giving signals.

How the tree comes down

The climber attaches a section of the tree to the crane’s line. The crane takes the weight before the cut is made. Once the section is free, it’s lifted clear and lowered to the landing zone, where the ground crew unhooks it. The team repeats this, section by section, often working down to the main stem. The climber and operator stay in constant contact, by radio or hand signals.

The crane takes the weight before the cut is made. That’s what keeps it controlled.

Processing and clean-up

On the ground, branches go through the chipper and into the chipper truck. Larger wood is cut to size and moved with mechanical lifting machines. When the tree is down, the site is raked and blown clean. The stump is usually left low to the ground, and it can be ground out afterwards if you want the spot for lawn or a new tree.

The Koala Tree crew in a job briefing before work starts — Every crane day starts with a briefing on the plan and each person’s role.

What to expect at home

Keep people and pets clear of the work zone for the whole job.
It will be loud while saws and the chipper are running.
Weather can move the date. Crane work stops in high wind, so a job may be rescheduled for safety.
Some marks on the lawn are possible where equipment has worked, even with mats.

Key takeaways

A crane removal day, in five lines

A crane lifts sections clear instead of lowering them through the tree.
It’s used when size, lean, decay or space make other methods riskier.
The day is planned first: set-up, wires, landing zone and permits.
Each section is held before it’s cut, then lifted out and processed.
Wind can move the date. Safety comes first.

This is general information. Every tree and site is different. For advice on a specific tree, get a free quote or book a Certified Arborist Assessment.

About the author

Jason Korkidakis

Jason is Koala Tree’s Owner and Lead Arborist in London, ON. He leads an 8-person crew and assesses trees for homeowners, condo boards and property managers.

ISA Certified Arborist ON-3263ATRAQ qualifiedPPQ qualified

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