Seeing a massive crane pull up to your front yard can feel like overkill, especially if it’s just one tree coming down. However, cranes are one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficient ways to remove trees.
Here’s why Lefke Tree Experts relies on a crane for tree removal in the Cincinnati area – and how such a big piece of a equipment actually protects your property.
Key Takeaways
- Cranes make tree removal safer by keeping workers out of dangerous positions and allowing us to remove hazardous trees efficiently.
- Using a crane speeds up the removal process, often completing in hours what would normally take an entire day.
- Cranes are perfect for tight spaces because they lift tree sections safely over obstacles like homes, fences, and roads.
- Cranes protect your yard by eliminating the need to drag heavy branches across the grass and reducing damage and soil compaction from continuous foot traffic.
Do You Need a Crane to Remove a Tree?
No, not every tree removal requires a crane. In fact, many smaller or more accessible trees can be taken down safely using traditional climbing and rigging methods. However, there are times when a crane is the smartest, safest, and most efficient option, including:
- The tree is too dangerous to climb (such as one killed by the emerald ash borer)
- There’s limited space to drop branches safely
- You want to avoid damage to your lawn, driveway, or nearby structures
- Speed, safety, and efficiency are a top priority
4 Reasons to Use a Crane for Tree Removal
While we may not use them for every job, tree removal cranes are a boon to our team. Some of the reasons we often use them include:
1. Cranes Boost Safety for Your Property – and Our Crew
When removing a large or unstable tree, especially one close to your home, fence, or power lines, precision matters. Cranes allow us to lift heavy limbs up and away from your property instead of dropping them near buildings or dragging them across your lawn. That means less risk of cracked siding, broken windows, crushed landscaping., or other costly damage.
They also make the job safer for our team. Did you know that tree work (especially tree removal) is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States? By reducing the number of crew members in hazardous positions, cranes help us remove trees more efficiently and with less risk, especially when dealing with:
- Dead trees
- Dying or otherwise dangerous trees
- Trees with weak branches (especially those killed by emerald ash borer)
- Trees in confined spaces
- Trees within 10 feet of a structure or power lines
WARNING: Even using all of our technology and safety equipment, accidents can still happen. This is why we carry all the necessary bonding and insurance to protect our team and you in the event of an accident.
2. Cranes Save Time Compared to Traditional Methods
One of the things many of our clients tell us when we use a crane for removal is that it went much faster than they expected. Oftentimes, what would normally take a whole day with traditional methods only takes a few hours to complete with a tree removal crane.
However, it doesn’t always appear to be more efficient at the outset, as it takes a considerable amount of time to set up the crane effectively. We have to ensure perfect balance for the crane so it doesn’t tip over while we use it.
Once it is balanced and ready to go, the work goes quite quickly. This means you won’t have to endure the loud sounds of tree removal all day, which can be challenging for those that work from home or have little kids or animals that are sensitive to loud noises.
3. Cranes Handle Tight Spaces Other Equipment Can’t
If you live in a more urban part of Ohio, such as the Clifton neighborhood, take a look at your tree. Chances are, it may be close to buildings, fences, or the road. So ask yourself, how can you remove a tree in a confined space like this? The answer is simple: a tree removal crane.
Removing these trees with traditional methods involves painstaking rigging to lower the sections to the ground and then carrying them to the chipper. With a crane, we can simply lift these sections over any obstacles and bring them directly to our chipper for disposal.
4. Cranes Minimize Lawn and Landscape Damage
Tree removal can be tough on your yard, especially when crews are hauling heavy limbs across the grass or lowering massive branches onto the ground. Even with the most careful team, foot traffic and debris can compact soil, tear up turf, or damage landscaping.
Using a crane allows us to lift tree sections directly over your property and into a designated drop zone, skipping the mess and minimizing disruption. That means less wear and tear on your lawn, fewer ruts in the soil, and no need to worry about branches dragging through your flower beds.
It’s the cleanest, most efficient way to protect your investment while getting the job done right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Crane for Tree Removal
Many homeowners in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area are surprised when we tell them we can use a crane to remove their tree. To help educate you on why we use this incredible piece of equipment, we’ve answered some common questions we get from homeowners about our tree removal crane.
Do you use a crane for every tree removal job?
No, not every tree removal requires a crane. For smaller trees or ones in hard-to-reach locations, traditional methods are often faster and more practical. We only use a crane when it truly benefits the job, like improving safety, protecting your property, or speeding up the process. When we provide your estimate, we’ll walk you through the best approach for your specific situation.
Does it cost more to remove a tree with a crane?
While a crane may seem like it would significantly add to the cost of tree removal, it often doesn’t make much of a difference. The increased speed and efficiency a crane provides often offsets the cost of bringing the crane to the job. Don’t worry, we’ll outline all the costs when we give an estimate for the job.
Do you need a permit for tree removal with a crane in Cincinnati?
In general, you will need a permit for any tree removal job that removes a public tree in the city of Cincinnati. For a private tree, you do not typically need a permit. However, always contact your local municipality and HOA about any permitting for tree removal.
When is the best time to remove a tree?
While there’s no bad time to remove a dead or dangerous tree, there are times when it is typically better. If it can wait, winter is often the best time to remove a tree. The frozen ground makes it easier to set up our crane and limits damage to your grass. Our schedule is often much less busy in the winter as well.
When It’s Time to Take Down a Tree, Trust the Experts with the Crane
Whether you have a dead tree that you worry is going to fall over at any time or a tree that’s too close to your home for comfort, you can’t afford to wait for removal. Using a crane will make the job safer and more efficient. And who should you trust when you need a tree removed with a crane? The professional team at Lefke Tree Experts, of course!
Our team has experience using cranes for various tree removal jobs. We can safely and efficiently remove the tree from your property, giving you peace of mind and a blank slate for something new. Call us today at 513-325-1783 or request an estimate online for crane-assisted tree removal.
