Removing a large or unstable tree is serious business. One wrong move and you risk damaging your home, injuring someone, or creating long-term safety issues on your property.

While traditional removal methods may work for smaller trees or open spaces, crane-assisted tree removal is the safest and most efficient option when:

• The tree is too big for ground crews
• Space is tight
• The tree is storm-damaged or leaning
• There are nearby buildings, power lines, or fences

At A+ Tree & Crane, we specialize in crane-assisted removals across Raleigh, NC, using advanced equipment and expert techniques to remove even the most complex trees with precision and care.

When Is Crane-Assisted Tree Removal Necessary?

Cranes allow our team to lift and lower tree sections piece by piece—rather than dropping them from a height. This is ideal when:

• The tree is large, overgrown, or dead
• It’s close to homes, garages, fences, or other structures
• It has storm damage or structural instability
• It’s in a hard-to-reach location (like a backyard with limited access)
• Traditional equipment can’t operate safely due to slope, mud, or proximity to power lines

According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), using a crane significantly reduces the risk of injury and property damage in complex removals.

How Does Crane-Assisted Tree Removal Work?

1. Site Assessment & Planning

Before we begin, our team evaluates the tree’s condition, stability, and location. We identify access points, obstacles, and the best placement for the crane to minimize impact on your property.

2. Securing the Tree

Sections of the tree are rigged and lifted using the crane—one portion at a time. This prevents uncontrolled falling and allows for strategic removal, even in tight spaces.

3. Safe Lowering & Debris Control

Each piece is guided down and placed in a designated drop zone. The tree sections are then broken down for disposal, recycling, or repurposing into mulch—depending on the size and condition of the wood.

4. Final Cleanup

Once the job is complete, we remove all debris, leaving your property safe and tidy.

Why Crane-Assisted Tree Removal Is the Safest Choice

Protects Your Home and Property

With a crane, there’s no need to drop heavy limbs or trunks from high above. Each section is lowered with control and precision, greatly reducing the risk of damage to your roof, siding, driveway, or landscape.

Reduces On-the-Ground Hazards

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous professions, with risks ranging from falling limbs to chainsaw injuries. Crane-assisted removal allows specialists to work at a distance from the tree’s most unstable sections, significantly improving crew safety.

The U.S. Department of Labor highlights the importance of proper equipment like cranes in mitigating these dangers.

More Efficient, Even with a Larger Crew

Crane-assisted tree removal does require more team members—riggers, operators, ground crews—but the process is far more efficient than traditional methods. By lifting large sections directly from the canopy and moving them quickly to a staging area, the job is completed faster with less disruption to the property.

Essential for Hard-to-Reach Trees

Urban lots, fenced-in backyards, or sloped terrain can make standard equipment difficult to maneuver. Cranes can reach over homes, fences, and other obstacles, making safe removal possible in even the trickiest conditions.

Debunking Common Myths About Crane-Assisted Removal

• “It’s only for giant trees.”

• • Not true. Cranes are often used for medium-sized trees in tricky locations—not just towering oaks.

• “It’s too expensive.”

• • While crane-assisted removal may have a higher upfront cost, it helps prevent major repairs from falling debris or lawn damage. It also reduces labor time and safety risk—saving money in the long run.

• “We don’t need a crane unless the tree is dead.”

• • Dead or leaning trees are especially dangerous. But crane removal is also recommended for living trees that are overgrown or obstructing nearby structures.

When to Call in the Experts

It’s time to call for crane-assisted removal when:

• A tree is leaning or showing signs of rot
• It’s located near homes, fences, pools, or driveways
• The tree is too large for traditional equipment
• You’re unsure how to remove it safely

Check our service area to see if the professionals at A+ Tree & Crane can handle it. We have the experience, equipment, and certified crew to remove trees safely and efficiently—without putting your home or family at risk.

Contact Your Local Experts in Safe & Efficient Tree Removal

At A+ Tree & Crane, we specialize in safe, strategic tree removals of all sizes. Whether you’re dealing with a storm-damaged pine or a massive oak growing too close to your home, we offer crane-assisted tree removal that gets the job done right.

Have questions about the process? Contact our team to schedule a free consultation. We’ll assess your tree, recommend the safest solution, and get your property back to its best—without the stress.