Some trees cannot be safely or efficiently removed with traditional climbing and rigging. A 90-foot tulip poplar leaning toward a Highland Park bungalow, a hollow oak on Lookout Mountain with no climbable structure left, a hazardous pine between a Hixson pool and a neighbor's roof — these are crane jobs. Chattanooga Tree Care Pros partners with a vetted Chattanooga-area crane operator to handle the most complex removals in our region.
Crane-assisted removal is faster, safer, and often less expensive than the alternative when conditions warrant it. Engineered lifts pluck entire sections of a tree out in single pieces, eliminating the rigging-down sequence that puts climbers in the most dangerous position. For trees over a structure, in tight courtyards, or with compromised wood that will not hold a climbing climb, the crane is the right answer.
Every crane removal is engineered before the lift begins. We measure tree weight by section, calculate load and reach, place the crane on prepared ground with appropriate matting, and brief every crew member on the lift sequence. Crane work is the most engineered, most precise tree work we perform.
What's included
- ISA-certified arborist supervision on every lift
- Engineered load and reach calculation
- Ground protection matting included
- Coordination with EPB for utility clearance
- Same-day removal for most projects
- Full structural protection planning
- $2M general liability + workers' comp
- Tight-access and over-structure specialty
When a Crane Is the Right Call
We recommend crane removal in four primary situations. First, when the tree is structurally compromised to the point that climbing is unsafe — hollow trunks, advanced decay, splits. Second, when the tree is over a structure and rigging-down would risk drop damage. Third, when access is too tight for safe felling and rigging. Fourth, when tree size makes traditional methods economically inefficient — sometimes a $3,500 crane lift saves over a $5,000 multi-day rigging job.
What Goes Into a Crane Lift
Before the crane arrives, our team walks the property, measures the tree by section, calculates piece weights, identifies a safe crane setup location, plans the lift sequence, and coordinates any necessary utility de-energization with EPB. Ground matting protects lawns from outrigger pressure. On lift day, a dedicated signalman directs the operator while climbers attach lift points and ground crews receive sections at a safe distance.
Cost and Time Estimates
Crane removal typically adds $1,500 to $3,500 to the base removal price, but often saves significant time and reduces total cost compared to multi-day rigging. A complex 90-foot removal that might take three days with traditional methods can often complete in one day with a crane. We provide ranged crane and traditional quotes so you can compare.
Areas We Cover With Crane Service
Crane service is available across the entire Chattanooga metro, including Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain (where access engineering is critical), Hixson, East Ridge, Red Bank, Ooltewah, and into north Georgia. Some Lookout Mountain properties require specialized small-footprint cranes due to road width; we coordinate equipment selection for your specific site.