When a crane makes sense
- A large tree leans over the house, garage or a neighbor's roof.
- The tree is dead or decayed and not safe for a climber to tie into.
- There is no room to lower pieces to the ground, such as over a pool, deck or tight backyard.
- A storm has left a tree resting on a structure.
Many removals in the valley do not need a crane. A skilled climbing crew can rig and lower sections on most trees. The crane is a safety and access tool, and a good estimator will tell you why it is or is not needed.
How a crane removal works
- The crew sets up the crane where the ground can carry it, often on the driveway or street, with outriggers on pads.
- A climber or bucket operator attaches the crane line to a section, then cuts it free.
- The crane lifts the section over the house and sets it in the drop zone for cutting and chipping.
- The trunk comes down in pieces, and the stump can be ground afterward.
What it costs
Angi's data says crane service adds about $500, including the truck rental and extra staff, or around $250 to $600 per day, and that difficult crane removals can total about $6,000 to $7,000. Angi lists trees over 80 feet at $1,000 to $2,000 before extras. These are national figures; access, the crane size and how long it stays on site set your price.
Preparing your property
- Move cars from the driveway and street area the crew will use.
- Tell the crew about septic tanks, drainfields, irrigation and anything buried under the setup area.
- If the crane must sit in a public street, ask who handles any permit. Work in a VDOT-maintained right-of-way needs a VDOT land use permit.
- Warn neighbors about noise and a short road closure if one is needed.
Trees near power lines
Do not trim near energized lines yourself. Appalachian Power says it trims along its pole-to-pole lines, while the service drop to your house is the owner's responsibility; it takes tree reports online and at 800-956-4237, and asks for two business days' notice to disconnect a service for tree work.
Request a quote
Call (540) 904-1819 or use the form. Photos of the whole tree and of what sits under it (house, lines, fence, driveway) help the crew plan equipment before the visit.
Common questions
How much does crane tree removal cost?
Angi's data says a crane adds about $500, or $250 to $600 per day, and difficult crane removals can reach about $6,000 to $7,000.
When do you need a crane to remove a tree?
When the tree is too big, too close to a structure, or too unsafe to climb, or there is no room to lower pieces.
Can a crane sit on my driveway?
Often, if the surface can carry it with outrigger pads. The estimator will check before the job.
Do I need a permit to use a crane on the street?
Work in a VDOT-maintained right-of-way needs a VDOT land use permit; ask your provider who handles it.