Lombardy Poplar

There is a very old Lombardy Poplar in my back yard. Shortly after I bought the house, a second cousin visited and told me that these trees have a life span of about 35 years.  Because of the configuration of the patio and the size of the tree, he thought the tree was probably that old.  Over the 20 years that I have owned the house, the health of the tree has deteriorated.

As it is in the northwest corner of the backyard, it provides good shade to the house.  But the tree has many dead branches, and has started leaning. So, although I hate it, I think it is time to go. 

I have spent the last 3 weeks getting estimates on its removal. The prices vary.  I did not go with the highest, and I would have liked to go with a company with a much lower price, but the lower priced companies did not inspire any confidence in me that they would cut and remove the tree without causing damage to my house, or the the neighbor on the west.

The company I decided to use originally told me they thought it would be early July before they could schedule a removal.  Last week, they contacted me, and wanted to try to remove the tree today.  They told me as long as I provided access to the back yard through the front and back gate, I did not need to be present, and they would send me the bill!

They were unable to get to the tree today, so we rescheduled for next Monday.  If they reschedule again, I will have to rethink if I want to use them, especially for the price they are quoting. Having said that, I do not want complications from someone less qualified to remove the tree. This is a tricky removal:  much of the tree is over my house. If a limb or trunk drops, it could severely damage my house or that of my neighbor.  I went with this company because someone I trust reported that they do very good, reliable work.