"Great company to work with, prompt response and did a great job putting the trees down exactly where we needed…"
Crane-Assisted Tree Removal in Columbia, MO
Some trees can't be removed the standard way — too large, too close to the house, or too unstable to work beneath. Tree Wizard uses crane-assisted removal to lift trees out safely when traditional methods aren't enough.
- Crane-Capable Operations
- ISA Certified Arborist on Every Job
- Fully Licensed & Insured
- Locally Owned Since 2003
Situations That Require a Crane
Crane removal is a precision tool for jobs where the margin for error is low. It's not always necessary, but when the situation calls for it, it's the safest way to protect your property.
Trees Next to Structures
A large tree directly beside a house, outbuilding, or fence leaves no room for traditional sectional dropping. The crane lifts pieces directly out of the canopy and sets them safely in a clear zone.
Storm-Damaged Trees
A tree that's partially fallen or structurally compromised by storm damage can be unpredictable to work in. Crane control reduces the risk of sections shifting unexpectedly during removal.
Large Trees with No Drop Zone
Dense landscaping, pool decks, HVAC equipment, or neighboring property can all eliminate the available landing space for standard removal. A crane creates its own landing zone.
Multi-Crane Operations
For extremely large jobs — major storm events, multiple oversized trees, or commercial clearance — we can deploy multiple cranes and crews simultaneously.
The Crane Removal Process
On-Site Assessment
We evaluate the tree, surrounding structures, ground conditions, and access points. We plan the crane position, swing radius, and landing zone before the day of the job.
Setup & Rigging
The crane is positioned and the climber ascends to attach rigging to sections of the tree. Communication between climber, crane operator, and ground crew is critical throughout the job.
Controlled Lifts
Sections are cut and immediately controlled by the crane — lifted away from the structure and set down in the designated landing zone. No uncontrolled drops near your property.
Cleanup
Ground crew processes the wood — chipping or cutting to rounds — and removes all debris. The property is left clean. Stump grinding can be included at the same visit.
Crane Tree Removal Across Columbia, MO
We've used crane-assisted removal throughout Columbia, Boone County, Callaway County, and surrounding Central Missouri communities. If you have a tree that a standard crew can't safely remove, call us and describe the situation — we'll assess whether crane removal is the right tool for the job.
What Customers Say
"Tree Wizard provided us with quality, timely service cutting down and removing trees. From the estimate, to th…"
"Chris and his crew did phenomenal work for us! They gave us a quote and were out within the week to take down…"
"Tree wizard did a great job for me trimming a tree and removing some other ones. I would definitely use them a…"
"Since I own multiple properties, I often have to employ a tree service as general property maintenance. Tree W…"
"Very professional. Very efficient and very reasonable in price. Both young men did a great job!"
"They got an emergency job done for me while I was out of town. Got the mess out and the damage covered before…"
"I hired Tree Wizard for tree trimming, and they did an outstanding job. The team was professional, punctual, a…"
"Chris and his crew were working on an emergency basis after the tornado tore down my street. They removed some…"
"Tree Wizard did an excellent service to my trees. Completed their work efficiently. Cleaned up completely. Whe…"
Frequently Asked Questions
- Crane removal is needed when a tree is too large, too close to a structure, or in a location where standard sectional removal creates too much risk. Common situations include large trees next to homes or outbuildings, trees over pools or fences, storm-damaged trees leaning dangerously, and trees where the ground crew can't safely work beneath the drop zone.
- Crane jobs typically cost more because of equipment, additional crew, and setup time. However, crane removal is often the only way to protect your property from damage in complex situations — the cost of not using one can be far higher. We provide a clear estimate so you know what to expect.
- Instead of dropping sections from above with rigging, the crane lifts pieces directly out and sets them in a clear landing zone. This eliminates most of the risk to roofs, fences, HVAC units, and other structures that are in or near the drop zone.
- Our crane handles the large mature oaks, maples, and sycamores common in older Columbia and Fulton neighborhoods — including trees too tall or heavy for standard sectional removal. The real limiting factor is almost always access: the crane needs a stable surface to set up and a clear swing radius to the tree. We evaluate access and plan the lift on the estimate visit so there are no surprises on job day.
- Yes. The crane requires a firm surface to set up and enough clearance to operate. Soft ground, underground utilities, or tight fencing can complicate access. We assess this during the estimate so there are no surprises on job day.
- For the right situations, yes. When a tree is too close to structures to safely drop sections from the canopy, crane removal gives the crew much more control. It reduces the chance of an uncontrolled fall that damages property or injures someone.
Request a Crane Removal Estimate
Tell us about your tree situation and we'll get back to you promptly.