Tree Crane Work: When Do You Actually Need a Crane for Tree Removal?

Not all tree removals are created equal. That towering gum tree might look straightforward until you realise it's leaning over your neighbour's pool. Or perhaps that old eucalypt is wedged between your house and fence with barely a metre of clearance on either side.

Some jobs get complex fast when structures, power lines, or beloved garden beds are in the firing line. That's when basic equipment won't cut it. You need the precision and power of tree crane work.

But how do you know when a crane is necessary? Here are the key situations where bringing in a mobile crane makes all the difference.



What Is Tree Crane Work?

A tree crane is a specialised, truck-mounted hydraulic crane used in arboriculture. Crane assisted tree removal safely lifts and removes large tree sections that would be difficult or dangerous to handle manually.

At Bob & Ben The Tree Men, our crane hire service in Sutherland Shire includes a mobile stiff boom crane for your tree work. This crane features a straight, extending hydraulic arm valued for its high reach and lifting capacity. The boom can extend from 5.3 metres up to 23.8 metres, allowing us to reach trees that would otherwise be inaccessible and giving us incredible versatility across different job sites.

Our crane excels in tight access jobs, so if you're in a suburban location with limited space, you've got nothing to worry about. When it comes to accessing trees in confined urban spaces or reaching over buildings, mobile cranes provide the flexibility needed for complex tree removal jobs.



When Do You Actually Need a Crane?

1. The Tree Is Extremely Large or Tall

Size matters in tree removal. When a tree reaches a certain height or trunk diameter, traditional methods become impractical and unsafe.

Mobile cranes can lift large sections of a tree in one go. This reduces the need for multiple cuts and manual labour. The crane operator can safely lower these sections to the ground without risking damage to your property.

2. Limited Access or Tight Spaces

One of the biggest advantages of tree crane work is access. Tree cranes can operate in confined urban spaces or reach over buildings.

Maybe your tree is wedged between your house and your neighbour's fence. Perhaps it's in a backyard with no street access, or sitting on uneven terrain that makes traditional equipment risky. Mobile cranes can access difficult or dangerous areas that would be challenging for manual labour.

Our stiff boom crane can safely lift heavy tree sections over structures and obstacles, preventing property damage to fences, sheds, or neighbouring homes that could occur with conventional removal methods.

3. Proximity to Structures or Power Lines

When a tree grows too close to your home, garage, or other structures, you need precision. Cranes provide precise and controlled tree removal. They minimise the risk of damage to surrounding structures and landscapes.



Identifying hazards, such as nearby electrical lines, is crucial for maintaining safety during crane-assisted tree work. A comprehensive lift plan is created before the tree removal begins. This plan accounts for every potential risk and maps out the safest approach.

4. The Tree Is Dead, Diseased, or Storm-Damaged

Compromised trees are unpredictable. Dead or diseased trees can splinter or break apart unexpectedly during removal. Storm-damaged trees may have structural weaknesses you can't see.

Cranes significantly reduce risk by preventing unpredictable falls of large branches or trunk sections. The crane lifts sections away cleanly, giving arborists full control over the descent. This is especially important in residential areas where falling debris could endanger people or property.

With crane assisted tree removal, each section is carefully positioned and managed from the moment it's cut until it safely reaches the ground, eliminating the chaos and danger of uncontrolled falls.

5. You Need to Protect Your Garden or Landscaping

Traditional tree removal often requires clearing a path for the tree to fall. This can damage your lawn, garden beds, and other plants.

Using a crane for tree removal mitigates environmental impact compared to traditional methods. It preserves soil integrity by eliminating the need for heavy equipment to drive across your property repeatedly. The integration of cranes into tree removal practices promotes environmental sustainability by allowing for low-impact removals.



6. Speed and Efficiency Matter

Time is money, especially on commercial projects or when you need a tree removed quickly.

Mobile cranes can significantly reduce the time required to complete tree removal and land clearing tasks. Crane hire can speed up the tree removal process significantly. What might take days with manual methods can often be completed in hours with crane assistance.

Cranes streamline the tree removal process, making it faster and more efficient compared to traditional methods.

The Safety Advantages of Tree Crane Work

Safety is a paramount concern when considering crane hire for tree removal. Using a mobile crane mitigates many of the risks associated with tree removal tasks.

Cranes enhance safety by allowing workers to remain on the ground or be safely manoeuvred in a man basket. This keeps arborists out of harm's way while still giving them access to the work area.

Mobile cranes are equipped with stabilisers and outriggers that ensure stability during operation. These are essential for safely lifting heavy loads without the crane tipping.

Effective communication between crane operators and arborists is essential for the success of crane-assisted tree work. Using hand signals or communication devices coordinates actions between the crane operator and the arborist during tree work.

The Importance of Professional Expertise

Crane operation in arboriculture requires a high degree of skill, concentration, and specific certification. This isn't a job for amateurs.



Choosing a reputable crane hire company is important for the success and safety of crane assisted tree removal projects. Here's what to look for:

• Skilled operators to reduce the risk of accidents
• Compliance with all relevant safety regulations and standards
• Modern, well-maintained cranes for reliability and safety
• Adequate insurance coverage for protection during operations

Teamwork is critical in crane-assisted tree work. Each member has specific roles that contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the operation.

Setup involves parking the crane on a stable surface and levelling it using outriggers to prevent tipping. The crane operator and arborist should communicate about the anticipated weight of tree sections to ensure safe lifting practices.

Is Crane Hire Cost-Effective?

The initial cost of crane hire can be higher than traditional methods. However, this is often offset by reduced labour time.

Think about it this way: hiring a crane can lower overall expenses compared to manual labour for tree removal. The ability to reach trees that would otherwise require extensive scaffolding, multiple climbers, or risky manual work means you're actually saving money in the long run. You're paying for the equipment and operator, but you're saving on:

• Labour hours (fewer workers needed for shorter periods)
• Potential property damage repairs
• Cleanup and restoration costs
• Risk of accidents and associated costs

When you factor in speed, safety, and precision, crane hire often represents better value than you might expect.



When Crane Assisted Tree Removal Is the Right Call

That massive tree hovering over your deck isn't going anywhere with just a chainsaw and some rope. Neither is the storm-damaged wattle threatening your power lines or the dead gum squeezed into your courtyard.

If you're looking at a removal job where one wrong move could mean a smashed roof, damaged landscaping, or worse, it's time to consider crane hire for the job.

At Bob & Ben The Tree Men, we've been handling Sutherland Shire's trickiest tree crane work for over 25 years. Our mobile crane excels in tight suburban spaces where access seems impossible. We create comprehensive lift plans for every crane assisted tree removal job and work to the highest safety standards.

Not sure if your situation calls for a crane? Contact our team. We'll assess your property and give you straight advice on the safest, most efficient way to get the job done.