When a tree is too large, too hazardous, or too close to structures for conventional removal, a crane is the answer. AGS operates its own crane fleet — delivering unmatched precision, zero uncontrolled drops, and complete safety on the most complex jobs.
Crane-assisted removal is a tree removal technique where a crane holds tree sections as they are cut — allowing the arborist team to control exactly where each piece goes with zero uncontrolled dropping. The crane essentially acts as a giant, precise hand that lifts and places tree sections from above.
This approach eliminates the main danger of conventional removal: the unpredictability of a heavy tree section falling in a tight or hazardous space. With a crane, every cut is planned, every section is secured before it is severed, and every piece is placed exactly where the crew directs it — even over rooftops, fences, pools, and outbuildings.
AGS owns and operates its own crane fleet, which means no subcontracting, no scheduling delays from third-party equipment companies, and full crew coordination from start to finish. Our operators and arborists work together as a trained team — not as two separate companies on the same site.
Own Crane Fleet
No Subcontracting — One Coordinated Team, Start to FinishNot every removal needs a crane — but when these situations apply, it is the only safe and practical option.
Large trees that overhang homes, garages, pools, or outbuildings with no safe drop zone. The crane holds each section and lifts it clear of the structure before it is released.
Most Common UseTrees in backyards with no gate access, on slopes, or surrounded by features that prevent ground crew access. Cranes can reach over obstacles from a street or open area.
No Ground AccessMature oaks, pecans, and pines 80–150+ feet tall with trunk diameters that make conventional sectional removal impractical or excessively risky without crane support.
Large ScaleTrees growing into or adjacent to high-voltage lines require crane precision to remove sections without contact. We coordinate utility clearance and use proper insulating protocols.
Utility SafetyTrees with severe decay, split trunks, or root failure that cannot withstand the stresses of climbing or conventional rigging — crane support eliminates the risk of unexpected failure during removal.
High Risk TreesLarge-scale land clearing, development projects, and commercial property removals where speed and precision at volume make crane deployment the most efficient approach.
Commercial ScaleOwning our equipment means we know every limitation and capability — and we plan every job around them.
Our cranes handle individual tree sections of significant weight — allowing us to remove large-diameter trunk sections in controlled, precise lifts without over-stressing the equipment.
Extended boom reach allows us to position the crane on an accessible surface — a street, driveway, or open area — and reach over buildings, fences, and obstructions to the tree.
Full rotation capability allows sections to be lifted and placed anywhere within reach — whether that is a drop zone on the opposite side of the building, a flatbed truck, or a cleared landing pad.
Before positioning the crane, we assess ground bearing capacity, underground utilities, and surface materials to ensure safe outrigger placement and prevent damage to driveways or lawns.
Crane job equipment roster
Every crane removal follows a rigorous planning and execution sequence — no improvisation, no surprises.
Our crane operator and lead arborist visit together. They assess tree height, weight estimate, crane positioning, outrigger pad locations, drop zone, and access route before any equipment is mobilized.
The crane is positioned and outrigged on assessed ground. Ground protection mats are placed to protect driveways and lawns. The boom is rigged to the tree before cutting begins.
Our arborist ascends and attaches a rigging line to each section. The crane takes tension before the cut is made — so the section is fully controlled the moment it is severed from the tree.
Each section is lifted and precisely placed in the designated drop zone — over the roof, across the fence, or directly onto a flatbed. No uncontrolled drops, ever.
All sections are chipped on-site, debris is removed, ground protection is pulled, and the site is restored. We leave it cleaner than we found it.
Certified for every crane job
Crane operations carry higher stakes than standard tree removal. Here is how we manage the risk at every stage.
Every crane job begins with a formal written hazard assessment — identifying structural risks in the tree, underground utilities, overhead lines, bystander exclusion zones, and load path planning.
All crane operations are conducted inside a secured perimeter. Cones, barriers, and signage establish a bystander exclusion zone that is maintained throughout the job.
Crane operator and arborist communicate via radio throughout the job. No cut is made unless the crane operator has confirmed the line is tensioned and ready to take load.
All rigging hardware is rated and inspected before every job. Sling attachment points are assessed for the weight of each section to prevent hardware overload.
Outrigger pad mats are used on all surfaces — protecting driveways, lawns, and soft ground from the crane’s footprint. We document ground conditions before and after every job.
Crane operations require specialized licensing, certifications, and insurance beyond standard tree removal. Here is what we bring to every crane job:
Every crane job is different. Here are three common scenarios we tackle across our service areas.
An 80-foot live oak with a canopy extending over the entire back of a home. Conventional removal would require dropping sections onto the roof. Crane lifts each section clear from above.
12 mature trees in a commercial parking lot scheduled for redevelopment. Crane deployment allowed removal of 4–5 trees per day without closing surrounding lanes.
A 100-foot oak with severe internal decay that could not support a climbing arborist. Crane held the tree during cutting from below, preventing any uncontrolled movement.
Crane removal pricing depends on tree size, job complexity, crane positioning requirements, and access. Every job receives a written site assessment before pricing is confirmed.
Free site assessment: We visit the property with both our crane operator and lead arborist before providing a quote. This ensures the price reflects the actual complexity — no surprises after the crane arrives.
1 tree · Backyard or tight space
Large specimen · Over structures
Multiple trees · Commercial scale
The most common questions we hear before crane removal projects.
During your free estimate, our arborist evaluates tree height, proximity to structures, available drop zone space, soil and access conditions, and the tree’s structural integrity. We recommend crane removal when conventional sectional removal would put your property, our crew, or bystanders at unacceptable risk. We never recommend a crane to inflate a quote — we recommend it when the job requires it.
We use outrigger pad mats on every job to distribute the crane’s footprint and protect surfaces. We assess ground conditions before positioning and avoid soft or compromised surfaces. In over 100 crane jobs, we have maintained our zero property damage record through careful setup and ground protection protocols.
AGS owns and operates its own crane fleet. We do not subcontract crane services. This means our operators and arborists work together as a trained team every time — not as strangers on the same site. It also means faster scheduling, better coordination, and consistent safety standards across every job.
Our cranes have significant boom reach — they can position on a street or accessible area and reach over a building or fence to the tree. If the site truly has no viable crane access, we assess whether bucket truck work, extended rigging, or a combination approach can achieve the same result safely.
A single residential crane job typically takes 4–8 hours from crane setup to final cleanup. Large trees or complex positioning can extend this to a full day. Multi-tree commercial projects are phased over multiple days. We provide an estimated timeline as part of the site assessment.
If crane removal is required because a tree has damaged or threatens a covered structure, many homeowner policies will cover the removal cost. We provide full documentation — photos, written report, and itemized invoice — to support your claim. Consult your insurance adjuster before work begins if possible.
Our crane operator and lead arborist will visit your property together — evaluate the tree, plan the job, and provide a written quote with no pressure.
Three other companies said the tree was impossible to remove without damaging the pool enclosure. AGS brought a crane and lifted every section right over it. Incredible precision.
Watched the crane operator and the arborist work together and it was like a choreographed operation. Zero debris on my roof. Absolutely professional from start to finish.
A 100-year-old pecan over our garage. AGS assessed it in the morning and had the crane on-site by afternoon. Done in one day, not a scratch on the garage.
Used AGS for 8 crane removals across our commercial property. Every job was planned perfectly, completed on schedule, and the lots stayed open throughout. Highly recommend.
The fact that they own their crane makes a huge difference. One coordinated team, one visit, one price. No waiting on a third party to show up with equipment.
Three other companies said the tree was impossible to remove without damaging the pool enclosure. AGS brought a crane and lifted every section right over it. Incredible precision.
Watched the crane operator and the arborist work together and it was like a choreographed operation. Zero debris on my roof. Absolutely professional from start to finish.
A 100-year-old pecan over our garage. AGS assessed it in the morning and had the crane on-site by afternoon. Done in one day, not a scratch on the garage.
Used AGS for 8 crane removals across our commercial property. Every job was planned perfectly, completed on schedule, and the lots stayed open throughout.
The fact that they own their crane makes a huge difference. One coordinated team, one visit, one price. No waiting on a third party to show up with equipment.
If your tree needs a crane, call the team that owns one. Free site assessment from our crane operator and lead arborist — written quote, no pressure.