Many factors go into determining what equipment to use and where:
Restricted access:  Does the property may have narrow gates, many other trees, hardscaping or other tight spaces that "landlock a tree" or block access for larger equipment?
Fragile ground:  Does the job site may have soft or sandy soil, delicate landscaping, or sensitive ecosystems that would be damaged by a heavy equipment?
High-risk trees:  Is the tree is dead, decaying, or damaged? These factors can make the tree unsafe for a climber to access by hand making equipment use the safest option. 
Obstacles: The tree is near a structure, roadway, power lines, or other obstacles that may be difficult to navigate?  

TREE CLIMBERS

Tree climbers, rely on essential tools to ensure safety and efficiency. Key equipment includes a saddle/harness for secure attachment, climbing ropes, flip lines and lanyards for movement within the trees canopy, and sometimes (on trees being removed only) spikes to help grip on tree trunks when acsending and descending.

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Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses and chainsaw protection pants are used for safeguarding against potential hazards. Additionally, some climbers prefer specialized items to help them use various climbing techniques such as acsenders, descenders, throw balls, carabiners, and small snaps ensuring they are well-prepared when in the tree.

 

CRANE

In some cases the safest way to remove a tree is by using a crane to lift the tree up and out section by section.  Having a crane in our fleet allows us to complete hazardous, emergency or complicated removals for our clients without having to charge additional for a third party rental crane to come in.  We use our own on staff crane operator with over 25 years of experience and our own equipment to get the job completed for you safely and affordably.  

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​Some people are initimidated when they see the size of our crane, but remember while trees are gentle giants they can weigh tons.  Did you know that an Oak log that is 3 ft in diameter and just one foot long can weigh between 300-500 lbs?  Now imagine a mature Oak that is 50 ft tall and has a full canopy,  the trunk alone on a tree this size could weigh more then 15,000 lbs - that is literally tons of wood being lifted and moved!

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SPIDER LIFTS

Spider Lifts allow for superior access unlike bulky bucket trucks.  Spider lifts are designed to be compact and maneuverable. They can fit through narrow openings, like garden gates, to reach backyards and other restricted areas large equipment can not otherwise access. Spider Lifts also allow for reduced property damage, they are lightweight and use tracks to distribute their weight, which minimizes soil compaction and rut damage to delicate lawns and landscapes.

 

For high-risk jobs, such as removing dead, decayed, or storm-damaged trees, a spider lift allows the tree expert to work from a secure platform. This is much safer than climbing a structurally compromised tree. The lift's outriggers, or "legs," can be independently adjusted to create a stable platform on uneven, soft, or sloped ground.  By providing quick and easy access to the tree's canopy, spider lifts reduce the time and physical effort required for a job compared to manual climbing. This means a crew can complete more work in less time.
Spider lifts can be used to complement traditional climbing techniques. Tree Experts can use the lift for quick, safe access to certain areas while also climbing for more technical work.

 

Spider Lifts are powerful tools, but at the same time a spider lift may not be the ideal choice for every job. Some Tree Experts note that they can be slower and clunkier to operate than a bucket truck, but the access they provide often makes them the only option in other cases. For many companies, having a spider lift as part of their fleet alongside a bucket truck offers the most versatility.

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​BUCKET TRUCK

​Bucket trucks are essential tools for tree removal and pruning projects, providing a stable platform that allows Tree climbers to safely reach high branches and tree canopies. With the hydraulic boom, Tree Experts can precisely maneuver to various points on the tree for accurate trimming and specific branch removal.

 

Many bucket trucks also feature chip boxes or chipper bodies, streamlining the process of debris removal from the site and allowing the crew to chip the debris directly into the truck the climber is working from. Overall, working from a bucket truck enhances safety, speeds up the completion of tree tasks, and offers excellent accessibility, especially near roads or open areas.​

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One downside is the bulkiness and overall weight of bucket trucks which can vary from 15,000 to 35,000 lbs so using these trucks on grassy areas can lead to potential ruts and turf damage.  In areas where the ground is firm and access is not an issue then bucket trucks are a great tool for any tree care provider to have in their fleet. 

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STUMP GRINDER

Stump grinder use is pretty straight forward, grinding of stumps once a tree has been removed.  Grinding stumps prevents regrowth of the tree or shrub, allows for the area to be prepped for future replanting, grading or sedding in the future. Our stump grinder can fit through a 42 inch or wider gate opening and is self propelled so it can oprate without the assitance of a tow vehicle into tighter yard areas. 

 

Stump grinders in general can weigh 2500-8000 lbs on average depending on the model.  They can vary in size from 4-12 feet long and on average between 3-6 ft wide, some are self propelled and others are tow behind models.

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Prior to grinding any stumps we rely on MISS UTILITY to mark the area for underground utilities!  Any contractor digging on your property needs to contact Miss Utility before performing any work.

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MINI SKID STEER

Mini skid steers, or dingos as many call them are small/mini skid steers wiht a rear platform that a user stands on (instead of inside of like a full size skid steer).  These units are used to aid in the removal of brush and debris from project sites.  Mini skid steers fit in areas where larger skid steers can not access.  Ranging in weight from 2000-4000 lbs these compact machines can do the heavy lifting and save a ground crew from having sore backs trying to hand carry heavy wood and debris. 

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The above items are all part of our fleet allowing us many options when accessing various project sites to get the job done as safely and efficiently as possible!  Should you have any specific quesitons pertaining to your proejct you can all us at anytime 410-439-1900, email us: arundeltree@gmail.com, or follow the contact us links on our site  www.arundeltreeservice.com

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