tree trimming/removal - large trees, limited access (Huntington, Commack: buying a house, buying)

[superfly10]

Buying a house in Huntington. We like the aesthetic of the big older trees and don't want a bald yard. That said, we have trees in the backyard that are very large, mature trees and are completely shielding the yard and house from sunlight. As a result, we've got a lot of mold and moss growing on the roof and the backyard seems to hold lots of moss and moisture... which can make things pretty buggy.

So, at the engineer's urging, we are going to need to trim trees back to cut back overhanging limbs. Also cut back some in the back of the yard to let in light. Don't want to remove any if we can avoid it or destroy the aesthetic, but we need to let the sunlight cut through some to dry things out.

I know this is never cheap, especially with tall trees (50'+), but to add to our problem, there is no way to get a truck into the back yard and there is no access from the neighbor's yard either. So, I can't see how they could do this with a cherry picker.

I was just wondering if:

1) anybody been through this recently and have any tips - time of year to do this, etc?
2) can anybody recommend somebody good in Huntington for this?
3) what can I expect in cost? I know it's tough without seeing it, but I guess I'm looking to see if there are any pitfalls/scams out there?

thanks!

[DawnSells]

I live in Commack. I go t a lot of estimates when I need 6 very tall trees taken down from my back yard. They did it without a cherry picker. I cost us 2,300. I thought that was a great price. Mind you it was while there were no leaves on the trees. We used COMPETITION. I am sure you can find them in the phone book.

[superfly10]

thanks, Dawn. I will get a bunch of estimates. That does sound like a great price. Can you remember the outfit you actually contracted to do the job?

Since I'd rather prune back than take down if I can avoid it, I'll be doing this at the end of the winter, when the trees are bare and dormant. Either way, should save some money and be better for the trees we're keeping.

[kateb411]

I used Geronimo Tree Care in Merrick and was very happy with them. I wouldn't go too crazy cutting things back if you really don't want to...everyone's yard has more moss this year because of the unusually wet weather we've been having.

[DawnSells]

The name of the company is actually called COMPETITION. Clever.