Anyone know anything about trees?

MissCroft

Sweetie Pie
Feb 23, 2004
7,133
909
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Toronto
I have a big tree in my backyard that has seen better days...not sure what kind of tree it is but am trying to figure that out. Anyhow, this tree is pretty much dead - no leaves on it this year (it was fine last year) and also has fungus growing on it (big mushrooms/toadstools). To top it all off I think it's infested with carpenter ants.

There is an apartment building behind my house which the tree is very close to. Needless to say, I've been worried about some of the big branches (or even the whole tree I suppose if there were to be a big storm) falling in that direction and crashing into the building and getting sued big time...So I recently had a neighbour cut off some big branches that looked like they were ready to fall at a cost of $500.

So is there anyone out there who has ideas on what I should do? How much would it likely cost to cut the whole tree down? Help! :(

Chloe
 

stinkynuts

Super
Jan 4, 2005
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A friend of mine had a tree cut down, and I think it cost him well over $1000 (in the US though).
 

Hard Idle

Active member
Jan 15, 2005
4,957
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North York
Could an old tree be knocked out by stinky nuts, like the human victims on those drawings? I figure it must be cheaper than chemical defoliants & herbicides.
 

Doctor Zoidburg

Prof. of Groinacology PhD
Aug 25, 2004
1,155
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Labour cost high.

It is the cost of labour to cut down the tree and to cart it away. If your land is big enough then I would get a pro to cut it down and then you could cart away the pieces yourself bit by bit to save money.
 

PHNINE

Banned
Aug 27, 2005
5,462
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Penthouse
Definitely ask a landscaper or even the city for permission before doing anything to the tree. Sometimes the city can fine you for just cutting down a tree without telling anyone. If it really becomes a safety issue the city will either do it for you, or they could also move it.
 

great bear

The PUNisher
Apr 11, 2004
16,168
54
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Nice Dens
Chloe, your looking at around $1600.00 to cut and haul the tree away. If you do have it cut down make sure they take it right to the ground and then your going to have to spray the stump with Round Up for at least the next two years.
 

Jade4u

It's been good to know ya
great bear said:
Chloe, your looking at around $1600.00 to cut and haul the tree away. If you do have it cut down make sure they take it right to the ground and then your going to have to spray the stump with Round Up for at least the next two years.
My oh my they are making a lot of money per hour. I'm in the wrong business. :(

Dang afterwards if I went into business for myself I could keep the good logs from trees and sell firewood.
 

great bear

The PUNisher
Apr 11, 2004
16,168
54
48
Nice Dens
stacey4u2luv said:
My oh my they are making a lot of money per hour. I'm in the wrong business. :(

Dang afterwards if I went into business for myself I could keep the good logs from trees and sell firewood.
Stacey: you might consider branching out. Really bad pun.
 

LancsLad

Unstable Element
Jan 15, 2004
18,089
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In a very dark place
stacey4u2luv said:
My oh my they are making a lot of money per hour. I'm in the wrong business. :(

Dang afterwards if I went into business for myself I could keep the good logs from trees and sell firewood.


When I read this I immediately realized its just another ploy by Stacey to get stuck by the " good logs", hope she isn't with a splinter group.
 

MissCroft

Sweetie Pie
Feb 23, 2004
7,133
909
113
Toronto
Thanks all for your advice... I was/am hoping that the city might do it. Who exactly would I contact to find out? I'm also still hoping that somehow the tree can be salvaged but I know that's probably wishful thinking. Oh well...
 

LancsLad

Unstable Element
Jan 15, 2004
18,089
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In a very dark place
MissCroft said:
Thanks all for your advice... I was/am hoping that the city might do it. Who exactly would I contact to find out? I'm also still hoping that somehow the tree can be salvaged but I know that's probably wishful thinking. Oh well...


Might be worth trying to reach the Parks dept. If it is a big old tree thay may send a city arbourist out for a free consult. When you talk to them use the angle that you need their valuable input to save a tree that would otherwise get cut down. That whole green city concept.
 

b2b

New member
Feb 4, 2006
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Call the city first!

The city is very picky about trees, and you have to call them first to make sure you're even allowed to cut it down.
It happened to my dad's place, and they said he couldn't cut it down so he and I snuck out in the middle of the night with a saw...you get the picture.
 

torex

senior member
Aug 18, 2001
695
6
18
Toronto
call the city

I don't know what part of the city you are in but call your area parks department first as others have said.

I know in certain parts of the city the asian longhorn beatle has killed many trees....there are signs everywhere in the north etobicoke area stating you cannot remove any trees from the area...fears of spreading the instinct.

I'll get the 1 800 number off the sign tomorrow on my way into work and post it...you might want to call them....if the tree was fine last year it could be infested....either way they might be able to point you in the right direction.
 

the contractor

New member
Feb 7, 2006
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If you are in the city of toronto you do not own the tree and will have to get the cities permission to deal with it.

The prices are accurate depending on the size and specific loxcation of the tree. I would call a pro if you are at all nervous about climbing a tree with a chain saw.

It is usually worth the extra money to get the stump ground out. Smaller operators will usually speak cash .

Make sure that they are insured and have yourself and your home specifically covered on their policy, if they won't do that get someone else.

If you want to discuss it please feel free to P.M. me
 

Meister

Well-known member
Apr 17, 2003
4,315
543
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Whatever happened to "will cut tree for wood"? A nice oak or cherry can get you good dollars for lumber.
 
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