Large trees don’t always need a crane to be safely removed. In many cases, an arborist can climb the tree and remove it piece by piece, using ropes and rigging to safely lower branches and sections of the trunk to the ground.
However, some trees are too large, unstable or difficult to access for this to be the best approach. A crane may be used to lift sections of the tree away from buildings, infrastructure or other areas where there is little room to work.
Whether crane-assisted removal is needed depends on the tree, its condition and the surrounding site.
When a Crane May Be Needed
Large, established trees can extend over homes, neighbouring properties or other structures, leaving little room to safely lower sections to the ground.
A crane may be considered when:
- The canopy extends directly over a roof
- There is no suitable area for lowering sections
- The tree is unstable or storm-damaged
- Powerlines or other infrastructure restrict safe lowering space
- The tree is within an area needed for construction
In these situations, a crane can lift sections of the tree away from surrounding structures rather than lowering them through a restricted area.
The most suitable method will depend on the tree, available access and what surrounds it.
Removing Storm-Damaged or Unstable Trees
After major storms, trees may remain standing despite having damaged or weakened branches or trunks. This can make it more difficult or unsafe for an arborist to climb the tree and remove it using standard methods.
In some situations, a crane can support damaged sections before they are cut and lift them away from the tree.
Not every storm-damaged tree will require a crane. The arborist will first assess the condition of the tree and determine a suitable way to carry out the work.
Commercial and Construction Sites
Crane-assisted tree removal can also be useful on commercial properties, school grounds, multi-unit developments and construction sites.
Large trees on these sites may be close to buildings, car parks, services or areas required for future construction. Where there is limited room to safely lower sections of the tree, a crane may provide a more suitable removal method.
For construction projects, assessing trees early can also help ensure any required removal is planned before other site works restrict access.
Access and Site Limitations
Sometimes the issue is not the size of the tree itself, but what surrounds it.
Pools, retaining walls, garages, neighbouring buildings and established landscaping can all limit the space available for tree removal. A crane may allow sections to be lifted over or away from these areas rather than lowered directly to the ground.
Crane-assisted removal also has its own access requirements. There needs to be a suitable location for the crane, and the arborist will need to consider how it can safely operate around the tree and surrounding property.
Is Crane Removal Always Necessary?
Not every large tree requires a crane. An experienced arborist will assess factors such as:
- Tree height and canopy spread
- Tree condition and stability
- Lean and weight distribution
- Nearby buildings and infrastructure
- Available working space
- Access for equipment
In many cases, the tree can be climbed and dismantled in sections using ropes and rigging. A crane is generally considered when it provides a safer or more practical way to manage a difficult removal.
How Crane Use Affects the Cost of Tree Removal
Crane-assisted tree removal involves additional equipment and coordination, so it may cost more than other removal methods.
However, the overall cost depends on the tree and the site. On some difficult jobs, a crane can allow larger sections to be removed more efficiently, reducing the time needed to dismantle the tree.
An arborist can assess whether crane assistance is suitable and explain how the proposed removal method affects the quote.
Get Help With Tree Removal on Difficult Sites
If a large tree is close to buildings, infrastructure or an area planned for construction, having it assessed early can make the removal easier to plan.
Treesafe provides tree removal and tree lopping services across Brisbane Southside and Gold Coast suburbs. Depending on the tree and site, this may involve pruning, removing the tree in sections or using crane assistance where required.
Need help with a difficult tree removal? Contact Treesafe about the best approach and a free quote.