On 12/02/2014 15:22, Another John wrote:
In article ,
Spider wrote:

On 12/02/2014 11:32, Muddymike wrote:

In your position, I think I would approach the Council and ask if they
would do it, even if you have to pay. Better to pay the Council (who
will have all the equipment *and* know the appropriate Highways laws)
than some cowboy who may not even be insured. Putting your hard earned
cash in the Council's pocket has got to be better then lining 'Blogs the
Bodgers'pocket.

What a good answer MM! Cheered me up!

John

We have just has a very large lime tree cut down and removed in very
similar circumstances, the third in a few years. The cost was just under
£1,000, previously we had a one company, but this time they were not
available. The cost was slightly lower than previously, but the last one
caused a fair amount of damage to the lawn. the first company set up
traffic control and stopped the traffic as necessary, the last lot did
it without. It is fascinating watching them climb the tree, very nimble,
but great care taken for safety equipment.
As regards the council doing it not likely and they would probably
charge more. Though it may be necessary to approach the council about
planning permission, which makes it a long drawn out process. If you
employ a good firm of specialists they will handle the whole process for
you. this was North Staffordshire, the cost else where (I'm thinking of
London particularly) may well cost considerably more