7 Benefits of a Remote-Control Tree Removal Crane

Tree removal in Northern Virginia is dangerous and challenging, even in the best conditions. One of the best methods tree care companies use to mitigate risks and simplify the job is a remote-controlled tree removal crane, also known as a grapple saw. These devices offer significant benefits not only for the tree care professionals but also for homeowners, saving you both headaches and money.

In this article, we examine the benefits of a remote-controlled tree removal crane. Some of the benefits include better safety, more efficient removals, and allowing us to handle jobs other tree care companies can’t.

Key Takeaways

• Remote-controlled tree removal cranes (also known as grapple saws) grab onto tree material, cut it, and place it in a chipper or truck without the need for intense climbing and rigging.
• Remote-controlled cranes make removals safer as they limit the amount of hands-on work the crew needs to do.
• A grapple saw allows companies to handle jobs they might not usually be able to, such as removals in confined spaces or of exceedingly large trees.
• Using a remote-controlled crane may save you money on tree removal, as a company can reduce the time and workforce required to remove a tree.
• Grapple saws also help tree companies perform pruning on trees near hazards.

7 Benefits of Using a Remote-Controlled Tree Removal Crane for Tree Work

Remote-controlled tree removal cranes have several benefits for tree care companies and customers.

PRO TIP: Want to see our remote-controlled tree removal crane in action? Check out our YouTube video showing how we remove trees with our crane.

1. Cranes Increase Safety

The United States Bureau of Labor estimates that there are 239 non-fatal injuries per 10,000 workers in the tree care industry. The bureau also estimates about 110 fatal accidents per 100,000 workers in tree removal, about 30 times more than the national average. Although tree workers constitute less than 0.05 percent of the U.S. workforce, they account for about 1.4 percent of all workplace fatalities.

Cranes, especially remote-controlled ones, make tree removal safer. While tree removal always carries a risk, a remote-controlled tree removal crane mitigates some of it by allowing a tree removal team to stay back and let the crane handle the bulk of the work.

A grapple saw grabs onto the tree and saws the branches or a portion of the trunk. We then remotely use the equipment to place the cut portion into the chipper or onto a log truck for transport away from the site. The team does less dangerous climbing and rigging when working with a crane (though some manual work is often required even when using the crane).

A remote-controlled tree removal crane also increases safety when removing hazardous trees, such as ash trees that have been killed by emerald ash borers. These invasive insects burrow into the wood, compromising the structural integrity of the tree and making it extremely dangerous to climb and cut manually. Using a crane allows workers to safely remove these unstable trees without putting themselves at risk.

WARNING: Tree removal is dangerous; leave it to the professionals!

2. Remote-Controlled Cranes Allow Removal of Hard-to-Reach Trees

Urban areas in Northern Virginia, particularly in Arlington, often feature densely packed residential neighborhoods. If you’ve ever driven through these areas, such as Lyon Park, you’ll notice how closely the houses and compact yards are situated.

In these dense environments, traditional tree felling is not an option. When tree removal is needed in such confined spaces, a remote-controlled crane becomes invaluable. This equipment allows us to safely and efficiently remove trees from tight quarters without causing damage to your property or that of your neighbors.

3. Cranes Make Tree Work More Efficient

Using cranes, especially remote-controlled ones, significantly increases the efficiency of tree work. Traditional tree removal methods can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, involving multiple climbers and ground crew members. In contrast, cranes streamline the process by allowing large sections of the tree to be safely and quickly removed and transported.

The use of a crane reduces the amount of manual labor required and minimizes the time spent on each job, which can be particularly beneficial when working in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. This efficiency translates to lower labor costs and faster project completion times, benefiting both the tree care company and the property owner.

4. You Can Remove Larger Trees with a Crane

Large tree removal is hazardous, with increased risks of falling limbs or logs. In some cases, removing a large tree without a crane may not be feasible, and some tree companies might refuse such jobs due to a lack of proper equipment.

A remote-controlled tree removal crane eliminates much of the hassle and danger associated with large tree removal. The crane can easily reach the higher points of the tree and remove them without putting multiple climbers at risk. This equipment allows for the safe and efficient removal of large trees, ensuring that even the most challenging jobs can be completed without compromising safety.

5. Cranes May Decrease the Price of Large Tree Removal

It’s probably the question we get most often; residents from Fairfax Station to McLean want to know how much tree removal will cost. The answer always depends on several factors, including the size of the tree, the time of the year, and where the tree is located. However, a significant factor you may not have thought about is the time it takes to remove the tree and the number of crew members needed for removal.

A remote-controlled grapple saw allows us to have fewer team members on the job to handle the removal. Even with the long setup time, the process may go by faster when using a crane, saving time for us and money for you on the removal.

6. Cranes Limit Damage to Your Property

Although there’s no way to remove a tree without the risk of some minor collateral damage, using a crane can limit much of the damage to your yard and the rest of your property. A crane reduces the foot traffic in your yard, and we likely won’t have to transport large logs or branches through your property.

After cleanup, your property should look almost identical to how we left it (minus the tree, of course).

7. Easier Pruning Around Hazards

Grapple saws aren’t just for tree removal. They are also highly effective for pruning large trees. Although pruning may seem safer than tree removal, it still carries significant risks. Pruning trees yourself can lead to accidents and injuries, none of which are risks worth taking. Pruning near electrical lines is particularly hazardous, but a grapple saw can greatly reduce this risk by allowing precise and controlled cuts from a safe distance. A grapple saw also makes it easier to prune in tight areas or prune large trees (like the ones you’ll often see in McLean yards).

Trust Green Vista’s Tree Removal Crane to Handle Even the Most Dangerous Tree Removal Jobs

Grapple saws aren’t just cool-looking equipment; they are practical and simplify a tree care company’s job. A remote-controlled tree removal crane allows us to remove trees more safely in dense urban areas or to take down hazardous, dead trees. Your wallet benefits from us using a grapple saw because it speeds up the removal and requires a smaller contingent of employees.

If you need to have a tree removed efficiently and with the latest technology, the team at Green Vista is ready to help. During the initial consultation, ask us if a remote-controlled tree removal crane suits your removal. We may not recommend it for smaller trees or situations where felling may be more straightforward.

Ready to get started? Contact us at 571-244-3838 or request a quote online today!