On 02/09/2012 19:06, stvnshrmptn wrote:
We have three trees (conifers I think?) in our back garden, that I would
love to have taken down.

"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
...

Definitely avoid your friendly "man with a van and a chainsaw". This is a
job for professional tree surgeons. You need to check that they have full
insurance cover for any damage or injury that might occur.

But firstly you need to check with your local council to ensure there are
no tree preservation orders which exist for any or the trees.

Confirmed with reservations . . .
1. Local handymen with chainsaws would probably be cheaper
than tree specialists. You could use public liability insurance as
the determinant: hire the handyman if he has such insurance,
otherwise not.
2. In ordinary town gardens, disposal of the felled tree is a
major problem and expense. Tree specialists have equipment
and skills to cut up and remove debris. (Few handymen do.) Get
two or more estimates from nearby contractors for three separate
tasks:
-- Felling the tree
-- Removal of debris
-- Grinding or removing the stump (optional because expensive.)
3. Many municipalities do indeed nowadays have bylaws requiring
a permit before any tree can be felled. Your town hall permits office
will provide information (without charge.) Hereabouts permits are
required for garden bonfires. (I need to cut trees every season,
can do it myself, and fire is the cheapest way to dispose of debris.)

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)