Had to choose between a bucket truck and a rope ascender system for this big maple job

Last week I took down a monster silver maple in a tight backyard in Portland. The owner wanted it gone but the drop zone was tiny - like 12 feet wide between a gazebo and a fence. I spent a whole afternoon going back and forth on whether to rent a bucket truck for $350 or just use my rope gear. Ended up going with the rope system cause the ground was too soft for the truck anyway. Took me about 7 hours total but I had to be super careful with every cut. No damage but my arms are still sore three days later. Anyone else have to make this call and regret going the cheap route?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliviabennett7d ago

Tried the rope route once and ended up stuck in a tree for three hours untangling myself.

the_mia7d ago

Oh man, that sounds like a nightmare.