40ft conifer trees

donnyrovers91

Wasn't quite sure what section to put this topic in so hope no one minds me placing it in this one.





Myself and my wife purchased our property just under a year ago and are gradually doing things to it to give it more of a look of how we want it and all that.





At the rear of my property there is a lane which is between the other row of houses and there are 2 trees which are approx. 30 to 40 foot in height and basically what it is doing is killing some of the grass and hardly nothing will grow as the trees are taking up all the moisture from the rain etc. It also blocks the light and makes our living room and especially the kitchen pretty dull as well.





We approached our local authority and they came to look at it and as it’s on private property they are unable to take them down for which they explained they would have done if it was on public land. They mentioned we would have to go through a pretty expensive process searching for the owner on land registry, hiring tree surgeons etc and making countless communication by letter complaining about it etc.





My neighbour made some enquiries and he found the lady and she has declared that she owns the lane and also the trees that are there but she is unable to afford to take them down so they aren’t there.





I have obtained some quotes and they are in the region of between £1000 and £1,300 and what I wanted to know is do you think it is unreasonable to ask for a contribution and how would I go about this as they are her trees and are obviously causing issues at our property so I was wanting to know anyones thoughts on asking for a contribution.





Thank you

Slithery

donnyrovers91 wrote: »

My neighbour made some enquiries and he found the lady and she has declared that she owns the lane and also the trees that are there but she is unable to afford to take them down so they aren’t there.

And what happens if they fall down and no-one hears them?

Her trees, her land, not a problem for her. If she's willing to let you pay to get them taken down then I'd pay the full cost myself as soon as possible before she changes her mind.

sgun

That seems quite expensive to me but you might be somewhere down south where everything costs a fortune. Try getting in a few more quotes.

martinthebandit

Buy a cheap ladder and chainsaw and diy it, it's not a particularly difficult job as long as there is nothing too delicate near it.

Slithery

martinthebandit wrote: »

Buy a cheap ladder and chainsaw and diy it, it's not a particularly difficult job as long as there is nothing too delicate near it.

A pair of 40ft conifers, a massive petrol chainsaw, and no experience.
What could possibly go wrong?

That is an incredibly irresponsible post.

martinthebandit

Slithery wrote: »

A pair of 40ft conifers, a massive petrol chainsaw, and no experience.
What could possibly go wrong?

That is an incredibly irresponsible post.

Guesstimate of the height was between 30 and 40ft and no one mentioned a 'massive' chainsaw, however it's powered.

Trees aren't that particularly big, bit of care and thought and the jobs a good 'un

Skiddaw1

I quite agree with Slithery on so many levels....


Incidentally, based on what we've previously paid for tree surgeons, I'd say the quotes OP has received are quite reasonable for the amount of work involved.

G_M

If the owner of the land and trees is happy to have them removed but reluctant to pay the cost, then I would



1) suggest splitting the cost 3-ways: you; neighbour, and landorwner
If that is rejected
2) split the cost with your neighbour
If he also refuses tocontribute, and assuming you can afford it
3) pay in full yourself.


However I would shop around further. That sounds like a top-end price and I suspect you could get it done cheaper. Main thing to check is that the contractor has proper insurance. The skill-set required is limited to climbing, and using a chain saw. Tree knowledge/expertise is not really an issue as you are not pollarding/trimming an exotic tree, you are chopping the bl**dy thing down!

Norman_Castle

All you can do is ask. Splitting the cost equally with everyone who wants the trees removed seems fair.
As above, I'd get more quotes although the location can make a difference. Avoiding damaging property can take time and add to the cost.

MysteryMan00

My wife and I

Slithery

martinthebandit wrote: »

...and no one mentioned a 'massive' chainsaw, however it's powered.

OK, not massive - but definitely not an Argos special.

I've worked in outdoors and building jobs for at least a decade so am used to handling power tools. However, when I recently bought my first personal chainsaw I also budgeted for all of the expensive protective gear and maintenance equipment, a proper training course, and a decent trauma kit just in case I do have an accident.

Even after that I wouldn't attempt what you are suggesting with a ladder and such a small chainsaw - you need climbing experience as well.

What about waste removal? Where's it all going to go?