Serious question, have we gotten too reliant on cranes for tree work?

Back when I first started, we handled huge trees with just ropes and blocks. I think now people call for a crane way too fast, even when it's not needed. Last month, we took down a pine that was leaning badly without any machine help. We used techniques from the old timers, and it went fine with no problems. I know it sounds risky to some, but with good training, it's safe and saves cash. Most crews I see would have brought in a crane for that job without a second thought. It makes me wonder if we're losing the skill and craft of real tree work.

4 comments

4 Comments

emeryj663mo ago

Yeah the part about losing the craft hits home... but sometimes a crane is just the safer, smarter call.

kim_ramirez33mo ago

But @emeryj66, how do you know when to choose the crane over the craft? Isn't there a risk that always going safe strips the heart out of the work?

bettym112mo ago

My uncle's woodshop burned down last year because he insisted on hand moving beams that were too heavy. The crane quote was two grand, the rebuild cost over eighty. Sometimes safe is the only way to keep the work alive at all.

graceowens3mo ago

Totally get where you're coming from (used to agree with kim_ramirez3 on that, honestly). Seeing a few projects go wrong sure changed my mind on when to call in the machines.