We have had two large trees that we wanted removed from our yard. One in the front yard and one in the backyard. I previously mentioned that we planned to use some of the tax refund to pay for this project.
My dad is a timber faller. His whole life (nearly) has been spent in the woods. He has primarily worked forest fires falling burned trees and for road building companies clearing road space.
My dad is saving us money by falling the trees. Then he and DH will cut the large stuff into rounds that we'll be able to burn in our fireplace next winter. 
My dad insisted he'd do the whole thing - he has the equipment to do it. This would involve dad climbing the trees and cutting them down in pieces as they are too large and near houses/fences to cut down whole. But, he is much older now then the last time he climbed into a tree. Not worth it to me for him to take risks like that! I vetoed that plan.
DH and I hired a local tree company to limb and top the trees. Having the company only do part of the job cost much less than having them do the whole job.
A difference between $2600 (estimated by one company for the whole job) verses the $550 we paid!
This will make the part my dad does much easier for him and less stressful for me. We are still saving a huge amount by *only* paying $550 to remove two large trees. And we will have firewood for next winter that will help reduce winter heating costs. Maybe saving $200+ over the course of the winter?
Saving Money By Having a Pro Do Half
March 29th, 2014 at 05:29 pm
March 29th, 2014 at 05:36 pm 1396114583
March 29th, 2014 at 07:56 pm 1396122967
March 29th, 2014 at 09:49 pm 1396129758
March 29th, 2014 at 10:34 pm 1396132480
Yes, Dad knows the plan. The trees are all ready for him to fall tomorrow. DH was here when the tree company topped them.
March 30th, 2014 at 12:42 am 1396140139
March 30th, 2014 at 07:51 pm 1396209079